Tag Archives: fall protection

General Safety Issues

Best Practices for Aerial Lifts in Construction

Written by Brandon Olson

Working on a construction job site is a risky business. The hazards that can lead to injury or death are many and varied. Using an aerial lift on the job increases the risks. That’s why it’s so important to practice safety on the job at all times. Here are five common aerial lift accidents and how to prevent them.

How to Avoid Worker Electrocutions

Electrical shock is a leading cause of aerial lift worker deaths. Electrical safety on a construction job starts with this: always treat overhead lines as live unless told otherwise by a power company rep. Other safety best practices include:

  • When possible, don’t position the lift between overhead power lines
  • Belt off only to the lift’s attachment points; do not use a pole or other structure
  • Keep at least 10 feet away from live power lines at all times
  • Have the power company shut down the power lines in the work zone before starting a job
  • Wear insulated gloves, boots, clothing, and hard hats when working on or near power lines
  • Use insulated buckets near overhead power lines

Make sure all workers wear fall protection equipment . If a worker becomes unconscious after receiving a shock, the equipment can prevent a fall.

How to Prevent Falls from Aerial Lifts

Falls are the leading cause of death for construction workers. They account for one-third of all deaths in the industry. Not all of them are falls from aerial lifts. But there are enough of them to mandate fall protection gear for aerial lift workers.

Preventing falls from aerial lifts starts with walking the work site to identify hazards. These can range from nearby workers or vehicles to unsafe weather or terrain. Nearby objects that could strike the lift are another hazard to be dealt with. These hazards are why OSHA requires all aerial lift workers to wear fall protection equipment. This includes body harnesses, lanyards and fall arrest gear that attach to the platform or basket. Other fall prevention best practices include:

  • Ensuring all access gates or openings are closed before raising the platform of bucket into the air
  • Standing firmly on the floor of the bucket or platform
  • Not climbing or leaning on the guardrails
  • Never using ladders or planks while in the lift bucket or platform
  • Never tying off to structures or poles while in the bucket

All aerial lift workers should be trained in fall protection practices. Managers need to make sure workers follow them.

Avoiding TipOvers and Collapses

Tipovers and collapses lead to some of the deadliest accidents because they can crush people in the bucket and on the ground. Tipovers have many causes. The two most common are improper handling of the lift and careless pre-start inspections. Tipovers can also result from:

  • Exceeding the lift’s max load limit
  • Carrying objects that are too large
  • Driving the lift with the platform raised
  • Exceeding vertical and horizontal height limits
  • Operating the lift during strong winds or severe weather

To practice tipover safety best practices, stay within the lift’s load limit at all times. Never travel to the job site with the bucket or platform raised. Don’t raise the platform while driving on soft, uneven or sloping terrain. Avoid using too much horizontal force when working on scissor lifts. Don’t raise the platform in high-wind conditions.

Collapses most often occur due to mechanical failures. These can be avoided through regular maintenance and detailed pre-start inspections. Training plays a key role in knowing how to conduct a good inspection.

How to Protect Against Objects Falling from Lifts

There’s a reason hard hats are required on construction sites – falling objects.

Even more so when the job involves an aerial lift. Workers on the ground are usually the victims of falling objects. But workers on lift platforms can get injured as well.

Objects fall from aerial lifts for many reasons:

  • Carrying objects larger than the platform
  • Carrying unstable objects or unbalanced loads
  • Failure to close all openings on the bucket or platform
  • Striking a fixed object that causes items on the lift to fall off

Best practices to prevent falling objects involve doing the opposite of these bullet points. Operators should also avoid setting up the lift underneath overhead objects. Ground workers should avoid working underneath or near the lift when it is in the air.

Preventing Ejections from the Lift Platform

Ejections are a type of aerial lift fall that can lead to serious injury and death. They can occur for one of three reasons:

  • The bucket or platform makes forceful contact with another object
  • Falling objects hit workers on the bucket or platform
  • A sudden jerk of the lift causes workers to lose their footing

Avoiding worker ejection begins before the lift even goes up into the air. It starts with making sure the outriggers are set on solid, level ground. If not, they should be set on pads. The operator needs to check that the lift brakes are set. Wheel chocks should be used on sloping surfaces, but only when safe to do so. Warning signs should be placed around the work zone. Once in the air, operating the lift according to OSHA guidelines can also help prevent ejections.

What’s the best safety practice of all? Making sure all aerial lift workers are OSHA trained and certified before they get on the lift. It won’t prevent all accidents. But it will greatly reduce the chances of one happening on your job site.

Tom Wilkerson is CEO of CertifyMeOnline.net (CMO), a national leader in online, OSHA-compliant aerial lift training and certification. CMO has helped thousands of companies throughout the U.S. discover the easy way to self-certify their aerial lift operators in-house.

Resources:

http://www.elcosh.org/document/1596/d000538/Aerial+Lift+Safety+in+Construction.html https://www.certifymeonline.net/blog/safety-tips-for-construction-workers/

Fall Safety

Ensuring the Safety Of Employees Who Work At Heights

Image source: Unsplash.com

Nobody needs reminders that working at great heights can be dangerous. Construction is one area where height is a near-omnipresent danger. Lots of things can go wrong when you’re working with a lot of equipment and machinery. Keeping your employees safe is an absolutely crucial aspect of working on a construction site. To prevent them from falling and injuring themselves, you need to take some special precautions.

  • Make use of railings

Passive protection is the best way to keep your workers safe when they’re working at great heights. Your workers will often tread on walkways and areas that are unprotected and pretty high up. Relying on them to protect themselves when they’re in a rush might not be feasible. Railings take that element of choice away from them. Unless they purposely decide to jump the fence, there’s no way that they are going to fall over the railing.

You can find a railing for every style of rooftop. If the roof has a low slope, you can make use of non-penetrating railing. There are prefabricated railing options that can be affixed permanently or temporarily, which makes them pretty versatile for construction sites.

There are other benefits that come with using sturdy railings. They can be used as a point of stability when the worker is carrying a load in one hand. Many of them make it very difficult to climb outside the protective area, which will provide additional protection from employee negligence.

  • Select proper active protection systems

Personal fall arrest systems can be a great tool to protect from injuries on the worksite. Even when something goes catastrophically wrong, they will make sure that the worker remains unscathed. When you opt for fall arrest systems, make sure you’re getting quality safety technology. A full body harness might perform similarly in a controlled environment, but you should consider other variables. Does it have proper heat and arc protection? How comfortable is the suit for workers in any environment? These are all factors you have to take into account before making your decision.

The fall arrest system has to have all the amenities you need to protect from work accidents. If it meets ANSI standards, it should have every functionality available. Extra D-rings have to be available on the equipment. Remember to select your lanyards properly. Workers should be able to fit snuggly into their harness and adjusting them should be a breeze. Convenience of use is extremely important when you’re talking about safety measures.

  • Understand fall distance

All the active fall protection equipment in the world won’t save you from a miscalculation of distance. If it doesn’t engage by the time an employee hits the ground, it’s going to be completely useless. It might seem like common sense, but a lot of employers don’t take into account the math that goes into lanyard length and fall protection.

For example, if you have an employee working six meters off the ground while wearing a three-meter lanyard with a decelerator, that seems like it should be enough to prevent any kind of fall injury. Unfortunately, the math in question isn’t that simple. First of all, you need to take into consideration the time it takes for the deceleration device to activate. By the time it’s functional, your employee has traversed some distance. This is usually in the range of a meter or so. When you take into account the height of the worker and any sag in the harness. With these additional numbers, the length of the lanyard seems a bit too short for complete safety.

  • Use lifts properly

Lift operators have an enormous responsibility to keep employees safe during the lifting process. Employees need to keep their harness properly tied-off. This means that they need to be secured to the engineered anchor point of the lift in order to prevent any mishaps. Not only does it keep them safe from falling over, but it also prevents them from wrapping their lanyard around the rails

Lift protection extends to safety measures that need to be taken while on the lift. Proper training of employees during lift usage is crucial for preventing injury in the event of machinery failure. Many experts like Sydney Rescue Consultants urge construction managers to train their workers to comply with safety measures when operating lifts.

  • Create an acceptable anchor point

If you visited an average construction site right now, you might be appalled to see the things workers use as anchor points for their harnesses. Not everything is strong enough to take that kind of weight. Many are under the misconception that something that can hold a human body is adequate for use as an anchor point. Unfortunately, this is not true. There are more factors at play in the physics of a fall. You have to take into account the inertia from a moving body, which will create additional tension on the harness and anchor.

A lot of workers will just strap the harness to just about anything in sight. A PVC pipe is completely unacceptable for fall protection systems. Not even steel is safe from accidents. If the steel beam is decorative, it won’t hold the weight of an employee when they fall. Teaching your employees how to anchor their harness is extremely important because without a proper anchor you don’t have any protection whatsoever.

Conclusion

When you work at a great height, you only need one mistake for tragedy to occur. This is why many regulatory agencies make sure to stress the importance of proper fall protection. Without it, you could be looking at hundreds of injuries per year. Fatalities aren’t uncommon on construction sites that don’t follow the safety measures by the book. If you make sure your employees follow the rules set by regulatory agencies, your construction site will be all that much safer from any potential fall injuries.

 

Fall Safety

5 Most Common Causes of Accidents When Working at Heights

By Juhlian Pimping from SafetyCulture

Infographic link:

OSHA recently announced its preliminary top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety violations for fiscal year 2018. “Fall protection” once again topped the list with 7,270 violations along with “Scaffolding” which came in at #3 with 3,336 violations. Falls remain the leading contributor of deaths in the construction industry, representing close to 40% of total deaths in construction in CY2016.

Here are the 5 most common causes of accidents when working at heights and some tips on how to avoid them:

1. Fragile Roofs –
Refer to elevated surfaces that are at risk of falling when under the pressure of unexpected loads. All roof surfaces should be considered fragile until a competent person has examined it. Examples of fragile roofing material can include skylights, asbestos cement-roof sheeting and corrugated steel.

Workers who step or sit on fragile roof materials are at risk of falling or slipping from heights which can lead to tragedy. Also, falling material and equipment can pose critical safety risks to those working below.

To reduce these risks, a risk assessment should be conducted before working on roofs to identify fragile roof surfaces and materials. Appropriate access and support material should be used such as ladders, crawling boards and load-bearing supports. Workers should also wear appropriate footwear.

2. Unprotected Edges –

This refers to walking or working surfaces both horizontal and vertical with no fall protection. Examples of unprotected sides and edges include scaffolding, platforms, and towers without guardrails, toeboards, or fencing.

Working from surfaces with unprotected edges puts workers at risk of falling, suffering major injuries and in extreme cases, fatalities.

To mitigate such risks, OSHA requires each employee to be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems if they are walking or working on surfaces 6 feet or more above a lower level.

3. Falling Materials –
This refers to tiles, bricks, wood cuttings, tools and other materials common in a construction site which may come loose and fall on workers.

Even small items can cause considerable damage to people and structures if dropped from a height. Injuries range from bruises to fractures, and even fatalities. Damage to structures can also affect work schedules due to repair-work.

The following hazards should be actively identified and controlled in order to lower the risk of falling materials injuring workers:
  • Gaps in platform surfaces or between platforms
  • Unprotected edges
  • Improper transportation of materials, equipment, or tools from ground level to the working area
  • Improper transportation methods of getting materials down to ground level, e.g. throwing
  • Improper storage of materials, e.g. on scaffold edges or in unstable stacks
In addition, adequate warning should be provided to both workers and civilians entering the jobsite where the risk of falling materials cannot be completely eliminated. This can be done by posting a signage, wearing appropriate PPE/ head protection, verbally communicating the hazards, or providing civilian or guest routes to get around the jobsite.

4. Unstable Equipment –
Refers to access equipment such as scaffolding, towers, platforms, and ladders that aren’t stable enough to be considered safe.
Using unstable equipment puts workers at risk of losing their balance which can lead to falling and dropping materials.

Though there are inherent risks in using such equipment when working at heights, proper maintenance and use should be observed in order to reduce the risks to acceptable levels. Unstable equipment deemed unsafe by a competent person must not be used.

5. Weather Conditions –
This refers to adverse weather conditions that may affect work surfaces, workers, materials, and equipment. Here are some examples in which the weather can affect working at heights:

  • Rain or ice can cause workers to slip and fall
  • Strong winds can blow loose materials/ tools away, make access equipment unstable, and affect the balance of workers
  • Cold conditions may affect workers’ dexterity and increase the risk of injuries
  • Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause cancer, sunburn, and eye problems
OSHA requires employers to provide safety equipment to their workers in almost all cases free of charge, and workers are encouraged to wear PPE suitable for the weather condition they have to work in to minimize the risk of hazards.

Conclusion
Considering the high-level of risk when working at heights, employers and workers should first assess its necessity in relation to the work that needs to be done. Where it is unavoidable however, employers and workers need to be aware of the common causes of accidents when working at heights so they can take the necessary precautions to avoid them.

Performing regular safety inspections can help identify hazards when working at heights and prevent tragedies from occurring. Using safety checklists can help with performing inspections: here are seven working at heights safety checklist templates you can download and use. Using a mobile app like iAuditor can help you perform paperless inspections while onsite and streamline your reporting.
Fall Safety

Roof Fall Protection Systems For Complete Safety

                  Roof Fall Protection Systems For Complete Safety

It hardly matters to which industry you belong. It can be a construction field, telecommunication sector or wind turbine industry. You must have the best fall protection and fall arrest system or equipment. For construction workers, warehouse keepers and renovators, falls are major safety hazards. People who work at extreme greater heights, they are at more risk. Workers who are involved in constructing bridges, dams and erecting towers or buildings may fall at any moment if construction safety is not ensured. Death of the construction worker can land a company in serious trouble. This is why it is important to install proper Roof fall protection systems at your premise.

Roof fall protection systems are crucial aspects when working at greater heights. When choosing a fall protection system, make sure you choose something which provides hands-free operation. Your workers may move around the roof without having to use their hands. Their hands will be free and they don’t need to hold attachments. This way, they may carry out work at great heights, do the inspection and maintenance job with ease.

The Comprehensive Fall Protection System 

A comprehensive Roof fall protection system means arranging a range of fall protection units and getting them installed. Some of the worth considering items are horizontal lifelines, roof anchors and rail systems. Such products are available in the market and may be procured quite easily. Before buying from a company, carry out a background check on the company. Choose the company which offers you a bespoke solution tailored towards the needs of the clients. The fall protection solution must be as per your needs. There are a number of roof fall arrest systems.

The Horizontal Rail System is The Foremost Roof Fall Protection System

Install horizontal rail system to get a number of benefits with respect to fall arrest. It offers ultimate protection and is the solution to protection issues. Being unobtrusive in nature, it may also complement the appearance and look of the modern building. They won’t be any compromise on safety while the design of the building continues to look good. The rail system is convenient to use whereby the ones who access the roofs may stay attached to it. It safeguards from falls and injuries. They also may be easily integrated into the building design. Horizontal rail system offers hands-free operation. The fall protection system is flexible and might also be used during inspection or maintenance works. Your employees get suspended rope access.

The Horizontal Cable System Is Equally Worthy 

The benefits you get from Horizontal cable system are similar to that of the horizontal rail system. It also facilitates hands-free operation while the solution is flexible. Just like a horizontal rail system, the horizontal cable system is also unobtrusive and may blend with modern homes or older ones. It won’t affect the design of the house or building in any way. The horizontal cable system is an affordable fall protection system.

Conclusion 

Just to get lower prices you must not compromise on the safety of employees and workers. Look for the best company for roof fall protection system a complete range of fall arrest systems. Before you choose any consult with an expert. As an employer, you should find out the correct methods to access the roofs. Tasks must be performed at greater heights in a safe and secure manner. Safety precaution should be followed at all times and must be put in place. By doing so, you may prevent falls and accidents. Always remember, Roof fall protection system is not just beneficial for your employees but for you as well.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Right Type Roof Height Safety – Preventing Accidents at Workplace

Right Type Roof Height Safety – Preventing Accidents at Workplace

Roofs play an essential role in enhancing the overall look of any house. It is a fact that working on roofs can be dangerous and many people have fallen off and suffered injuries in the process in order to avoid frequent mishaps, roof height safety must be given utmost importance.

Introduction of Roof Height Safety – Done for Convenience

Earlier, there was nothing like a height safety system. With the advent of technology, roof height safety has been introduced for the convenience of workers. The introduction of fall prevention systems has proved to be really convenient. However, people need to be trained to install the same on the roofs.

It takes a few minutes to get a job done but working on roofs asks for safety measures, unlike other construction works. Accidents cannot be prevented; however, certain inclusions can reduce the risk of accidents to a great extent.

Height Safety of Roofs – Great Concern!

Gaps and holes inside the roof enhance the risk of accidents. As numerous accidents occur at the time of working on roofs, roof height safety is a great concern. It will allow people to carry out their day-to-day roof construction work with utmost precision. In case of any type of height safety system, fall prevention is the first priority. This is the reason close analysis of the roof is duly carried out. Installation of a guard rail is mandatory to ensure a high level of safety to workers. It will also prevent objects from being kicked off the roof. As there are higher chances of materials falling off the roof, heavy precaution must be taken from day one.

Importance of Anchor Points – Used in Special Situations

Situations where guardrails are impractical, anchor points must be installed. It is preferable especially in case the roof has small inclinations. Workers equipped with a harness of appropriate length are less prone to fall off.  An ideal anchor point system purely functions on the principle of roof height safety at its best.

The anchor point is positioned in such a manner that the worker can easily prevent himself from any mishap. As they are unable to reach the edge of the roof, it is highly imperative for the lanyard to comprise of an appropriate length. It will prevent any unpredictable risk. More space will help you easily manage your task in the best possible manner.

Beware of Hazards!

You may expect to get the best equipment set along with highly innovative safety systems installed. But at the same time, your employees need to be trained to make the best use of all including roof height safety. With proper training, it will become easy to prevent all types of mishaps.

Inexperienced workers must be supervised by experienced personnel e. properly designed roof height safety serves to be the only barrier between a healthy work environment and serious accidents. It is highly imperative to install the best system with the guidance of a qualified team of Experts. People who desire to install height safety for roofs must do their research well. As this is a fairly new inclusion in the list of roof height safety systems, you might not find enough people who can guide you through. Also, there are several companies that guarantee high quality roof height safety systems; however, you cannot trust them blindly. You must consult those who have installed the height safety systems, seek their assistance and then invest in one. It is an expensive buy and thus you would not want to goof up on that front. To avoid frequent repairs, invest in a durable variety.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Workplace Safety & Workers Insurance Creates a Loyal Workforce

Workplace Safety & Workers Insurance Creates a Loyal Workforce

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 3 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2016. Of the most searched safety concerns in America, workplace safety is a major cause for concern for both American employers and employees.

Workplace accidents have a severe impact on workers, which could be both physical as well as psychological, leading to reduced productivity. Accidents at the workplaces, including near misses, is a clear indication of having some uncontrolled hazard that needs to be identified and removed before it can cause any further accidents and injuries.

Workplace accidents hurt not only to employees but also employers and the business. The reduced productivity results in lower staff morale, lost sales and even closure of the business, in the worst-case scenario.

Employees are a Business’ Biggest Asset

In 2016, 40% of the employers worldwide had difficulty filling positions, representing a 2% increase from 2015, according to a 2016-17 Talent Shortage survey conducted by Manpower Group. Lack of available applicants and hard skills were cited as major reasons for employers being unable to fill positions.

Needless to say, skilled employees are a company’s biggest asset, not just because they are rare to find but because these talents provide a competitive advantage to the business. Hiring and retaining the right talent is the single most effective way of achieving results and reaching growth goals for a company.

Why Workers Compensation Insurance is a Must

When employers show they care, employees are likely to feel more motivated and believe in the company’s goals. It is for this reason that businesses make sure to provide workers compensation coverage for their workers. Worker compensation insurance is also a state mandate program, the aim of which is to provide workers with much-needed protection.

In case the employee suffers a work-related injury or illness, the insurance covers lost wages and medical treatment, so that the worker can focus on getting well, rather than trying to get back to work quickly, even before they have recovered fully, to avoid missing out on wages, says an expert at Danskin Agency.

Although workers compensation covers for medical expenses for the initial and follow-up treatments, as well as physical and occupational rehab therapies, medication, etc., it is better to prevent workplace accidents in the first place.

3 Most Important Aspects of Workers Safety

1.      Ensure Fall Protection

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on occupational injuries and illnesses, falling from a height to a lower level was the reason for nearly 5% of all worker injuries and illnesses in 2013, accounting for 13% of all fatal work-related injuries.

To provide fall protection, employers need to first identify locations that are high risk areas and train employees on proper protective gear while working at a height.

2.      Identify Cause of Workplace Fatigue

At work, fatigue is a major safety issue. Occupational fatigue is often the result of heavy workload, long working hours, lack of sleep, as well as several environmental factors and medical conditions.

It is the employer’s responsibility to help employees combat fatigue by offering them breaks and scheduling their work during their most alert and active hours, while emphasizing upon the importance of sleep, as published by Safety and Health Magazine.

Providing workers compensation insurance is a great way to let workers feel cared for and know that their efforts are valued.

3.      Electrical Hazards

Inappropriate use of extension cords can become a major cause of workplace mishaps. Over time, their insulation wears down, being subjected to traffic abuse by feet or forklifts, which can create shock hazards.

Employers need to make sure that extension cords being used are new and heavy gauge and are placed at a maximum possible distance from human interaction.

When employees know that they are working in a safe environment, their satisfaction levels will increase, and absenteeism will drop. Establishing safety programs and offering workers compensation insurance will create a more contented workforce, which will ultimately help the business.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE FALL? (GUEST POST)

It is very important that commercial roof areas are sufficiently saved with fall protection systems. If a person has to do maintenance work on the air conditioner which is located on the roof, for example, it is possible that he has to work close to the edge of the roof and thus likely to fall. The implementation of these measures can be done in different ways. Either one uses railings, trusses or a fall protection system in which the person applies a safety harness via a connecting device to the anchor. In the following,  we want to take a look at the last method described. Usually these systems are very well planned and installed, but almost no one does think about how a person is rescued in the event of a fall. 

Most existing system have been very well planned and installed by experts. But once the system is installed, most of the people don’t think about the rescue situation. What happens in the case of a fall, when the person dangling in the rope suffers huge pain? How much time do I have for the rescue and especially HOW do I save the person? Can the person be lowered or is there liquid beneath the person which makes this kind of rescue impossible? How do I get to the person? 

The time frame is very short. After 15-20 minutes suspension trauma can occur, this can have serious consequences and can even bring death with it. Because of the helplessness, the victim is exposed to a lot of stress. Stefan Beckers, who was brought in a practical situation in the course of a test, said: “After I hung for 10 minutes in the rope I had excruciating pain at the pinch points. I tried everything to reduce the pain; I even had the outlandish idea to cut the rope just to reduce the pain.” 

Considering these facts, you should be aware how the person will be rescued. There are several possibilities. Either one is approaching the person from the bottom (with a forklift or similar) or you rappel the person, because the raising of the person who might even hang lifeless in the belt, is almost impossible. A descender allows to abseil the fallen person at a low speed.

To give the victim more time and protect them from the intense pain, it is recommended to use so-called trauma loops. These loops are attached to the harness and triggered in an emergency. The fallen person can stand up in the loops and thus relieve the pressure on the legs. 

No matter what kind of rescue is used; in the end it is of great importance to be aware of the type of rescue and a rescue plan should be created all the time.

Our thanks to Lino Piva of  www.abs-fall-protection.com  for bringing this important information to our attention.  Fall protection is of the utmost importance; however, as he points out, the quick rescue of the person is vital. pb

 

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

WORKING AT HEIGHTS: A GUIDE TO STAYING SAFE (GUEST POST)

 There are going to be many times in your life where you are likely to be required to work at heights; whether it’s due to a tree that needs trimming or your roof tiles need replacing, working at heights can be incredibly dangerous. However, there are a number of ways in which you can change the way that you work at heights in order to make the process safer and thus reduce the risk of accidents occurring. 

Regulations Regarding Working at Heights

There are a number of rules and regulations in place that prevent those who work at heights for a living from making potentially fatal mistakes. 

Organization

One of the most important regulations in place is that all work at height must be organized and planned thoroughly to avoid any incidents or accidents. This also means that you should plan your actions in accordance with any accidents that may occur; for instance what would you do if you fell from a great height? Do you have a method of contacting others in the event of an emergency? 

Qualifications

It’s essential that all of those that work in forestry, arboriculture, construction and many other trades are qualified to work at heights and are competent in doing so. If you are not qualified to work at heights you could be putting yourself and those around you at risk, you could also get into a lot of trouble as you will be held responsible for any mistakes that are made.  

Assessment

Before you begin a job that requires you to work at height you should perform a risk assessment and determine whether or not the job is too dangerous for you to participate in. Even if the task that you have been given is not the most dangerous job that you have encountered it’s still recommended that you utilize a powered access platform as these platforms are often surrounded by barriers that will prevent your fall.

If you do not make an assessment of the area that you will be working in before you begin it’s possibly that you could cause harm to others through fallen branches, displaced roof tiles or falling debris. 

Equipment

Once you’ve made an assessment of the task that requires you to work at height you must select the appropriate equipment that you will use for the job. It’s crucial that you keep an eye upon the condition of your fall protection equipment and ensure that it is maintained at all times; allowing your equipment to fall into disrepair can cause serious issues as it means that they are liable to break or make the task at hand much more difficult than it has to be. 

Overall there are many different aspects of working at heights that you must take into account, and these include the various dangers. Where possible we recommend that you avoid working at heights, but if it’s necessary you should follow the guidelines above.

We also ask that you remember that falling from a great height can cause a loss of mobility and in many cases the fall can be fatal; ensure that there are measures in place that will minimize the distance and the consequences of a fall if it should transpire.

Submitted by Kevin Grant
PromaxAccess.com

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

TEN THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN DOING AMATEUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (GUEST POST)

The nature of construction means there’s constantly the potential for disaster. Heavy objects, sharp ends, powerful machines and more don’t mix well with soft human bodies.

Even when I work with experienced teams or am just doing a little job around the house on my own, I still occasionally come across dangerous situations and close calls. These instances are even more common in the world of amateur construction, where people without professional training often find themselves at odds with the tools and materials they’re working with.

There are plenty of reasons to consider amateur construction. It can save you money, especially on smaller-scale work. It gives people a sense of accomplishment and ownership, and lets them express their creative side exactly as they envision with their own hands. But such projects cause disasters every day. Mishaps can cause expensive damage to structures and severe injury to the builder. If you’re considering a DIY construction project, be sure to use extra caution and be on the lookout for these common mistakes:

1. Dehydration and Overexertion

Often it’s not a wild swing of a hammer or improper use of a table saw that causes mistakes, but physical fatigue and breakdown. Unless you’re a very active person on a regular basis, your body may not be prepared for the rigor of heavy construction work. Exhaustion and dehydration make people clumsy and cause them to make bad decisions. Only work when you’re rested and hydrated, and be sure to make time in your efforts for breaks and refreshment.

2. Disorganization

A poorly organized work space is the bane of construction workers everywhere. It decreases efficiency and makes the entire job take longer to complete. More importantly, though, it creates hazards. It’s difficult to be safe and effective if you’re navigating through a mess of lumber and machinery. Always make a point to keep your work place as neat as possible; the investment of time will pay itself off.

3. Working Alone

Doing anything strenuous on your own is rarely a good idea. If something happens, like a sudden injury, it can be tough to take care of yourself. Avoid doing heavy construction work without someone who knows where you are and what you’re doing in case an emergency arises.

4. Improper Safety Gear

It’s amazing how many do-it-yourselfers try to tackle a project without even the most basic of safety equipment. You don’t need a HAZMAT suit to stay protected in most situations. Even just investing in some good work gloves and decent safety glasses will prevent an astonishing amount of injuries.

5. Electrocution

When many people undertake large construction projects, they often overlook the difficulty and danger of working with and around established electrical systems. Improperly fiddling with the wiring in your walls and appliances can cause a deadly shock. Always be sure you know how to correctly handle electrical installation or removal before starting any projects that will require it.

6. Hazardous Materials

Some construction work might involve the use of hazardous chemicals that people aren’t used to handling. This could include something as simple as gasoline, or something a little more complex like an industrial cleaner. Always be wary of any dangers related to flammability, toxic fumes, and chemical reactions due to exposure.

7. Unwelcome Visitors

Even in a relatively safe work site, it’s easy for someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing to hurt themselves or someone else. I see this commonly in homes with children and pets where boundaries aren’t properly established. Be sure to make clear to any kids present that the construction area is dangerous, and take care to zone the area off from a curious dog or cat.

8. Excess Stress on the Body

A lot of construction work is physically taxing. There’s a high amount of pressure put on sensitive body parts repeatedly. Your shoulders, wrists, knees, and back are especially at risk. To reduce the danger, follow best practices for lifting and moving heavy objects and using tools.

9. Working from a Height

Some of the nastiest construction-related injuries I’ve witnessed were due to someone getting careless and falling from a roof or ladder. Always take extra caution when working from a position where a fall could happen, even if you’re just a few feet off the ground. Learn ladder and harness safety as necessary to prevent a fall.

10. Incomplete Tool Knowledge

As tempting as it may be to skip, you should always read the manual for any tool more complex than a hammer or screwdriver. Always know the ins and outs of all your power tools, from power drills to nail guns, so you’re never taken by surprise.

Doing a personal construction project is rewarding both personally and financially, but only if you avoid causing any damage to yourself or the area around you. Always be sure to follow all general safety precautions before getting started. Happy building!

 

Author Profile:

Author Profile: Mike Thomas is a private contractor and writer for HomeWarrantyDeals.com. He enjoys DIY projects, college football and is also deeply passionate about restoring antique homes.

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

PREVENTING FALLS – A VERY IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY OF EMPLOYERS

 This just in from OSHA QUIK-TAKES bi-monthly newsletter:  

OSHA has cited Republic Steel for 24 safety violations carrying fines of $1,138,500. The Canton, Ohio-based steel manufacturing plant was inspected after OSHA received a formal complaint alleging inadequate fall protection and other unsafe practices that exposed workers to various hazards in the plant’s melt shop. OSHA discovered during the inspection that two workers had been seriously injured from falls in 2012. The company has a history of failing to address fall hazards and will remain in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law.  

It’s a fact: falls from elevations account for one-third of all construction deaths.  Because of the nature of construction workers, it is not surprising that their job is classified as high-risk.  Everyone has a critical role to play in protecting construction workers.  Beginning with architects who design the building, to equipment designers, and the construction company itself, owe it to their employees to plan ahead to get the job done safely.  They must train all employees in ways to protect themselves with the proper personal protective equipment, how to maintain it, and provide them with the correct equipment to do the most efficient job. 

It is important that workers who speak different languages are trained to understand how important working safely is.  Materials should be provided in English and Spanish on ladder, scaffold, construction falls, and personal fall arrest systems.  Special training should be given to ensure all workers comprehend and follow the precise instructions from the manuals or brochures. 

It may be surprising to some, but many serious injuries are caused by falls from as little as six feet of height.  Requirements from OSHA are that anyone exposed to six feet or more falls need either a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall protection.  

Hazards in the construction industry include: 

  •          Unguarded protruding steel rebars;
  •          Improper scaffolding construction;
  •          Misuse of portable ladders;
  •          Unprotected sides or open floor holes.

 
After the building site is surveyed, the first thing to be done once construction has started, is to cover all floor openings and sides of building.  The largest percent of workers reportedly suffering fatal falls came from falls from ladders.  Others were falls from roof, scaffolds, non-moving vehicles/lifts, through openings, through roof surface, and falling to lower levels. 

Laws that pertain to the safety of workers are as important as laws requiring compliance in all other topics.  The people that construct our buildings and homes have the right to work safely and confidently, using their talents to their full extent.  It is the obligation of the company to see that they are kept safe every day.  If employers are responsible they can avoid expensive settlements and fines

Source: OSHA