Tag Archives: training

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR CRANE OPERATORS AND LIFTING CREWS

About the authors:
Pat Brownlee writes for Blog4Safety.com, a part of Texas America Safety Company, (tasco-safety.com), who wishes to share safety advice. Texas America Safety Company has been in the safety supply business for over twenty years, serving the world with quality safety products. Our phone number is 800-646-5346 or 325-646-5346.
Nathan Gladwin is the business development manager of Harold Potter Ltd.  They provide lifting equipment, heavy duty cranes and overhead cranes for construction, manufacturing and industry in the United Kingdom.  Their website is haroldpotter.co.uk.  Our phone number is  01159-838-111.  In this piece, two companies come together as experts within their respective fields to discuss the safety requirements and protective equipment that crane operators and heavy lifting crews should be deploying to reduce and minimise the dangers and inherent risks of working within heavy industry.

Accidents keep happening every day, often due to someone’s irresponsibility. It isn’t surprising to learn that cranes at construction sites, drilling rigs, and mines are popular places for serious injuries, and sometimes death. If Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, had been used, possibly these accidents could have been prevented, or at best, less serious injuries may have occurred.

Nathan: “One of the tasks I perform every Friday morning is to see what news and developments are happening in our industry, this often finds me encountering health and safety incidents and accidents at work involving cranes. It’s important to know the mistakes others are making so that we can adequately address the needs of our customers.  Due to the sheer number of silly accidents and fatalities I decided to seek out opportunities to speak about personal protective (PPE) and safety equipment that in our opinion should be issued to crane operators and lifting crews working within heavy industry.”

There is much responsibility for crane companies to train their operators and ground crews to go about their business as safely as possible. In the United States, OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to hazards. The lifting, maneuvering and moving of heavy loads means the chances of impact or collisions are quite likely at some point.

Pat: “Flame resistant clothing, gloves, head protection, eyewear and protective footwear are all examples of PPE. The particular job hazards will dictate the type of PPE that is needed for a certain crane project. All protective clothing and equipment should be appropriate and specific for the job and the potential hazards. Workers must always ensure that their PPE is clean and functional. In the case it is damaged, they should return it to their supervisor for replacement.”

Nathan: “It’s often not a question of if, but when it will happen. A hard hat will protect you from knocks or impacts that would cause concussion or may potentially result in a death. It’s not just swinging loads; people have been seriously hurt and injured from tripping into hardened or blunt stationary objects.”

Pat: “Yes, operators should wear a hardhat; most hardhats have the capability for face shields or other safety products to be attached as necessary.”

Can you give us an example as to how and why hard hats should always be worn? Do you find people are complacent about their own health and safety?

Nathan: “A particularly memorable example that comes to mind is that of a bizarre death involving a crane operator carrying out lifting at a cargo port. The straps that were used to secure a load of heavy steel were either not suitable for the job or were possibly fatigued and in a state of disrepair. In any case, the straps buckled under pressure and a metal bolt was projected at high velocity striking the operator in the head. This sadly concluded with the operators’ death. A hard hat may have saved his life.”

Pat: “…yes, it was too hot, or too uncomfortable, on and on. Now, manufacturers and designers have designed protective clothing, safety glasses, and gloves that fit small persons, large persons, and women, who usually require smaller clothing. So, there’s really no good excuse for not wearing your PPE.”

Nathan: “As a crane operator, there will be something to meet the specific environment you work in. PPE and hi-vis clothing comes available in everything from light waist coats, pants, coveralls to extreme all weather suits and jackets.”
Is some PPE more important than others?

Pat: “We believe all PPE is vital, so it’s hard to classify which one is the most important. First aid kits should be available – both in the crane and on the ground. Gloves that are good for gripping gears should be used, and if necessary, there are flame resistant coveralls, jackets, etc. Fire equipment should also be on board.”

Nathan: “…It can be heart sinking to discover missing kits or whereby they have not been replenished over time when they’re needed. It’s not really possible to answer what’s most important, as the risk will be different dependent upon the situation or project.”

Pat: “For eye protection, there are impact resistant safety glasses, goggles, and over-the-glasses safety glasses. Most workers want to wear good safety shoes, ones that have steel-toes, (unless they work around electricity), and that will equally keep them safe from slips, trips and falls.

What would you recommend for specific roles within lifting crews?

Pat: “For the signalers, who know all safety regulations pertaining to cranes and the work that is being performed, hardhats would be a must. Regulations allow only one person to be the signaler, being sure the operator acknowledges every signal, and maintains constant sight with the operator. Signalers are to stop the operation at once if communication with the crane operator is lost.”

The laws of gravity govern that what goes up must come down; the question of how to stay safe will be on many peoples’ minds when in close proximity to or involved in such activity.

Nathan: “Safety shoes, boots or trainers of the sufficient safety grade will prevent your feet from getting crushed, and it’s never nice to hear about how someone had to have a foot or limb amputated when simple equipment can make all the difference.”

Pat: “For those who are part of boom assembly or disassembly, and working on tower cranes, OSHA requires the use of fall arrest systems when working at an unsafe height.”

Cranes and lifting equipment are used in all sorts of challenging locations such as shipping ports, dry-docks, drilling rigs, building and construction sites or manufacturing workshops. I imagine being able to clearly hear a persons’ voice over the background noise can be challenging even when conditions are ideal. How do people stay safe in these conditions?

Nathan: “If you cannot be heard, then it’s imperative that you can be seen! Much of today’s modern and robust safety clothing and garments feature high visibility materials and fabrics, reflective surfaces and dyed in bright colours. They are of course the iconic sign that you work in industry and you’re to be taken seriously. You backup your chances of remaining safe in dangerous or hazardous conditions by ensuring if that you’re not always sharp to seeing a potential threat, that at least someone else can be looking out for you.”

Pat: “The rest of the crew should be wearing hi-visibility vests or jackets, hardhats, gloves, and safety glasses. The use of hi-visibility hardhats, vests, and gloves would be very important in these situations. There are gloves that have bright colors, and unless this interferes with the hand signals they give the crane operator, this would be helpful.”

What are your concluding thoughts?

Nathan: “We can be sure PPE isn’t an outright replacement for common sense, intelligence and foresight thinking; however it does in fact compliment this extremely well and will prevent companies from experiencing the negative repercussions.”

Pat: “Training is the main key to a successful crew. We are in agreement with the statement you made that PPE isn’t an outright replacement for acting properly.   In case of emergencies, the employer should know that the crews are well-trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency response. Operating any type of heavy equipment is a huge responsibility, with others depending on the operator’s skill and knowledge of safety.”

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

AVOIDING SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS!

Remember when you were in school, and you would see someone pull the chair out from under another child that was ready to have a seat, but not on the floor?  Sure, it was funny for the observers, but for the victim, it didn’t seem quite so funny.  We are older now, and hopefully, hold the horseplay for home, not work.  As we get older, a fall that might only embarrass a 20-year-old can cause a more serious injury to a 40-year-old, or older! 

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common injuries that happen at the workplace.  Employees can hurt their head or back, or have a fracture, pulled muscles, or deep contusions as the result of a fall.  Management must commit to actions that implement engineering and work practice controls; supervisors must conduct inspections and monitor work practices; and employees must use the safety training they received to avoid hazardous conditions. 

First, training employees into the hazard control process is essential in developing an effective injury prevention program.  Footwear should be low-heel and non-skid.  Pant legs should not extend to within less than an inch of the floor.  Workers should understand the need for immediate cleanup for spilled liquids.  Running and horseplay at work should not be tolerated.  Here are some other tips: 

  • Loose floor mats can cause slips. 
  • All aisles in the workplace should be at least 22 inches wide in order not to turn sideways while navigating the area.
  • Poor lighting causes employees to not recognize hazards, especially those workers with poor vision. 
  • Conduct pre-shift inspections of all work areas to ensure all slip and trip hazards are controlled. 
  • Employees should not leave any material on stairs, crossovers, or between ladders and walls. 
  • Have waste containers easily accessible. 
  • Floors that occasionally have fluid spills should have a good anti-slip coating. 
  • Salt down walkways in snowy, icy weather.
  • Hoses and cords strung across walkways in production areas are a continual hazard. 
  • Cords are always a problem in offices and conference rooms. 

Next, we come to working on elevated work areas.  It is required by OSHA that fall protection devices are used when working six feet above the ground.  Employees must be trained in the use of fall arrest equipment, and it must be used in order to prevent falls.  

When safety personnel and supervisors analyze the potential for workplace hazards, it is important that they assess the different physical abilities of their workers.  Some may have health or physical conditions that impairs their vision, judgment and balance.  Others may be older, ill, under stress, or taking medications.  Supervisors should train employees that the actions they choose and control can contribute to a slip, trip, and fall injury if they set themselves up for one.  Signage should be placed wherever slip or trip hazards exist.  

Since it’s hard for some people to walk and chew gum at the same time, workers shouldn’t be walking and talking on their cell phones while at work.  Inattentive behavior while walking, distractions, such as not watching where they are going, can contribute to a fall.  Don’t take shortcuts; use walkways or designated paths, and slow down – don’t be in a hurry.  This can result in an injury and then you’ll be late for sure!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

A “VALENTINE’S DAY” SAFETY MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS

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February 14th is a special time to remind your loved ones, especially your sweetheart, that they are very special to you.  It’s also a time to think about your employees, and the fact that they are special to you, as well.  Without their hard work and cooperation, your business wouldn’t be successful.  Let them know how much they are appreciated by providing the safest work environment possible.  Here are some thoughts on how you can accomplish this goal: 

  • Be a fanatic about health and safety.  Let this be a top priority in your workplace.
  • Assign a safety committee with responsibility for conducting periodic safety audits, and be involved in it.
  • Reward suggestions for improved health and safety measures.
  • Post emergency phone numbers in prominent locations throughout the workplace.
  • Distribute a safety and emergency procedures and instructions manual.
  • Make workers aware through regularly scheduled safety campaigns and safety training programs.
  • Make cleanliness a requirement.
  • When you say that hard hats, head protection or other P.P.E. (personal protective equipment) are required on the work site, mean it!
  • Safety evacuation drills should be conducted where appropriate.
  • Frequent equipment inspections and safety checks should also be performed, and be relentless in practicing preventative maintenance.
  • Insist all hazardous substances and materials be tightly sealed and properly stored.
  • If workers think there is a risk or problem, listen to their concerns, because there probably is one.
  • Local health department experts can be called in to evaluate conditions and recommend corrective steps if they discover a health hazard.
  • Be sure your employees follow all OSHA guidelines, standards, and recommendations.
  • Follow all provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
  • Follow manufacturer’s suggested safety procedures such as wearing safety goggles or installing  guards on machinery.  Ensure employees do not remove guards on machinery.
  • Never encourage safety short-cuts, no matter how economical or profit-friendly they may be.  Also, don’t tolerate grandstanding, showing off or other macho behavior that is unsafe.  Being safety conscious isn’t being a sissy – it’s working smarter.
  • Mark all hazardous zones and items.
  • Monitor absenteeism due to illness or injury and review all accident reports and injury claims.  Look for patterns which may be clues to existing hazards.
  • Post safety posters throughout the workplace, and change them every now and then.  Place them in break rooms, and other places where they are most visible. 

As an employer, your liability increases dramatically whenever the person in charge does nothing about existing and potential problems.  Handling hazards before illnesses, accidents or harmful allergic reactions occur is always a winning strategy.  You know most of the hazards in your workplace.  It is your responsibility to ensure your employees that you have trusted supervisors that know where the risks are, and that precautions have been taken to protect them.  There are many businesses that have health and safety hazards that often go unnoticed and unattended.  The result is countless work-hours lost each year due to injuries, illnesses and allergies.  Some hazards are major health or safety risks; however others are troublesome, but not serious.  All merit attention. 

By showing your employees that you are sincerely concerned about their health and safety, they will reward you with hard work and loyalty.  So, this Valentine’s Day, and every day, “show them a little love” by keeping them safe.  This, and a “thank you for a job well done” is gift enough.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REDUCES RISKS WHILE WORKING WITH BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

The appropriate use of personal protective equipment is mandated by OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standards.  This requires employers to provide proper personal protective equipment and clothing free of charge to employees.  Employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens must receive extensive training. 

Those who work in the field of healthcare, i.e., medical, dental, nursing homes, EMS, and others such as law enforcement, are trained to take Universal Precaution: the approach to infection control with regard to human blood and potentially infectious materials as if they were known to be infectious.  About 8,700 health care workers each year are infected with HBV, and 200 die from the infection.  It is estimated that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as:

  • Hepatitis B, which is more transmittable than HIV; affects liver.
  • HIV; Human Immunodeficiency Virus;
  • Hepatitis C.  This is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States, most often caused by needlestick injuries.  If not treated properly, it can lead to active liver disease.

Gloves, masks, gowns, lab coats, face shields, goggles, and glasses with sideshields should be utilized as needed, as they drastically reduce health risks to workers.  Other types of PPE that may be required are shoe covers, surgical caps and hoods.  This gear should be readily accessible to employees, and available in appropriate sizes.  The PPE must be removed by the employee before leaving the work area or if the PPE becomes contaminated.  The employer is responsible to clean or launder clothing and equipment, and repair or replace it as necessary.  Hand washing facilities should also be available to employees, and designated areas should be assigned for washing, storage or discarding of PPE. 

Should an employee’s skin or mucous membranes come into contact with blood, he or she is to wash with soap and water and flush eyes with water as soon as possible.  In addition, workers must wash their hands immediately after removing protective equipment.  If soap and water are not available immediately, employers may provide other hand washing measures such as moist towelettes.  Employees still must wash with soap and water as soon as possible.  They must refrain from eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses in areas where they may be exposed to blood or potentially infectious materials. 

Employers must have Exposure Control Plans and provide post-exposure prophylaxis and follow-up treatment of workers’ exposure incidents. 

Source: OSHA

Fall Safety

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF FALL PROTECTION

In an article from OSHA’s “Quicktakes” December newsletter, here’s an interesting report regarding fall protection.  OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officer, Tony Nozzi, was doing a November inspection of an Illinois worksite as part of a Local Emphasis Program on Falls, when he noticed a roofing contractor’s employees and a building restoration employee working on a church roof without any fall protection.  Before leaving the worksite, Nozzi made sure that all employees put on harnesses and lanyards and secured themselves with rope grabs before he left the worksite. 

Shortly after he was gone, an employee who worked for the building restoration company was assigned to power wash the church steeple.  Soon after he started his work, he slipped and slid down the church’s pitched roof.  Thankfully, the lifeline became tight on the lanyard, stopping him right before the edge of the roof.  The fall protection equipment prevented serious and potentially fatal injuries, and the employee was then able to walk back up the roof  toward the steeple and safely complete his work. 

This is a classic example of why those who work at heights should always use fall protection.  Companies should have a good fall protection plan in place.  If we knew we were going to fall, we would be sure to wear the proper equipment at the time, but because we don’t know, we should be inclined to do all we can to keep from getting hurt.  There are three elements included in fall protection that are equally important, and if one of these elements fails or are neglected, the system will fail, and serious injury or death can happen.  The three elements include: safety harness, lanyard and the anchor point. 

Years ago, a positioning belt, fitting around a person’s waist, was thought to be adequate fall protection; however, now, a full body harness is required.  The harness should be worn snugly against the body without slack in any part.  A person could fall out of the harness if worn too loosely.  Safety leaders should ensure that the proper length lanyard is used with the harness.  Height and height of the work platform should be considered when calculating lanyard length.  A three-foot safety margin should be figured in the selection of the lanyard.  

Foremost, rapid rescue should be a major portion of the fall protection system.  If rescue does not begin within 7 or 8 minutes of the fall, consequences could be deadly.  If a person is suspended in an upright position after a fall, it is very dangerous.  The restrictions of the safety harness can alter blood flow.  A person could pass out in as little as 5 minutes and the situation could become grave in as few as 15 minutes. 

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that falls at work are one of the leading causes of death caused by trauma.  OSHA requires fall protection for anyone in industrial environments working four feet above ground, and in maritime occupations, the requirement is 5 feet.  Construction workers must use fall protection if they are working at least 6 feet off the ground.  Last, but not least, the harness, D-rings, snaps, should be inspected regularly and replaced when necessary.  The equipment should meet OSHA standards.  So, save lives by providing the right equipment, and ensuring that it is used. 

Source: OSHA, DOL, ehow.com

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

TEN TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING THOSE NEW POWER TOOLS!

We’re betting that there are quite a few of “Do It Yourself’ers,” “Weekend Warriors,” or others who are hoping that Santa brings them some power tools this year.  You may be someone who wants to try a new hobby or save money by repairing broken things around the house without calling a professional.  We want to share ten things that you should pay attention to in order to possibly avoid an emergency room visit. 

  1. Know what you are doing, or don’t do it!  Practice makes perfect.  Even if you know what you are doing, taking a class ahead of time could pay big dividends.  Power tools are hazardous when improperly used.  You should be trained in using all tools, not just power tools.  Know the potential hazards as well as the safety precautions to prevent the hazards from happening.

      2.  Plan ahead.  Visualize the project and think of anything that might be dangerous about it.  For example, if you’re going to cut something, practice saw safety.  Experts will tell you to ask questions and fine-tune your level of concentration when using power tools, and choose your projects based on knowledge, time, cost, and risk.  Tools are not your friends.  You must get to know how to use them, put the blades in correctly, clean and care for them and operate them correctly.  Otherwise, they can stick, stab, cut, or kill you.

      3.  Dress for success.  If you wear the proper safety gear for the intended project, you can decrease the risk for injury.  Cover up.  These should be included in your safety gear:

  • Safety glasses – They come in all shapes and sizes, including sun protection, and keep mists, paints, and dust out of your eyes.
  • Earplugs and muffs – These protect you from hearing loss.
  • Respirators – When using toxic or caustic chemicals or cutting fluids, a respirator will reduce the risk of injury or death from airborne hazards.
  • Kneepads – If you are kneeling on hard surfaces, you can’t do without these!
  • Gloves and shoes – Cover your hands and feet to decrease injury due to everything from chemical exposure to sharp objects.
  • Coveralls – Coveralls keep clothing from getting caught in machines and are flame-retardant.  If you spill something on your clothing, you are going to take it into your home and car.  Cotton and denim are good choices if you do not have coveralls. 

       4.  Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in the tool.

        5.  Know about electricity.  Use an electrical tester to ensure that your power is off at the circuit for minor repairs.  Unless you are an electrician or an electrical engineer, you shouldn’t try to do electrical wiring.

       6.  Have your “work space” neat and clean.  It’s the same as for those who work in manufacturing:  clutter and debris can cause slips, trips, falls, and falling objects.  Floors should be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental falls around dangerous hand and power tools.

       7.  Keep family and observers at a safe distance while you are working.

       8.  Tools should be maintained with care – kept sharp and clean in order to perform well.  Follow instructions in the users manual for lubricating and changing accessories.

      9.  If portable electric tools are damaged, they should not be used until repaired.

     10.  Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance. 

We hope these tips will come in handy when you open those tools Santa left.  Use them with care, and you will be surprised at all the things you can do.  Just read the instructions first and exercise caution.  Safety counts!

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

WORK SAFETY – HOW TO STAY SAFE ON THE JOB

Today’s Guest Blog is from Joseph Morris at http://www.buy-pepper-spray-today.com.  Here are his thoughts on how we can stay safe at the workplace. 

Most of us take our jobs for granted. We wake up, go to work, get paid and go home. The thought of an accident or injury is not one that crosses most people’s minds. However, almost all jobs involve some sort of risk – be it large or small – and the awareness of these hazards, and the proper use of safety equipment, is critical to mitigating the incidence of injury on the job. 

One of the most important aspects of work safety is training and awareness. New employees, especially those in industries which involve heavy machinery, heavy lifting, chemicals, noise, repetitive movement and heights, need to be trained properly. It is critical that they understand how the equipment that they operate works and what the dangers in their work environment are. 

However, training and awareness are not enough. Any industry and its workers would benefit from using the correct occupational safety products. These products can help to protect workers from physical injury, improving productivity and employee confidence, while decreasing employer liability. Let’s discuss some of the most important occupational safety products. 

Hearing Protection 

The ears are designed to withstand sound pressure levels up to a certain point. After that point, however, hearing damage can occur. The damage may take place over a long period of time, or may have a rapid onset after sudden exposure to loud noise. Ears can be protected with ear muffs or earplugs.   

Safety Earmuffs fit over the whole ear – they resemble large headphones.  Some ear muffs are adjustable; they can fit on any size of head. In certain industries, muffs which are made of dielectric materials – meaning that they are poor conductors of electricity – are important; they should not attract live currents to the workers head.  Some ear muffs offer special acoustic filters which provide an even attenuation of external noise, allowing the worker to hear everything around them at a reduced level, instead of muffling the sound, while protecting their hearing.  Ear muffs should be made of resilient material, be lightweight and allow the worker’s ears to breathe. 

Earplugs are much smaller than muffs. They fit directly in the ear, and are usually made of a pliable foam or silicone material. The advantages of plugs are that they are lightweight, easy to transport, inexpensive, discrete and easily replaced. Some workers may find them more comfortable than ear muffs. However, some earplugs do not offer sufficient attenuation of outside noise. It is important that the attenuation capabilities be compared with those of ear muffs. If the former cannot provide adequate hearing protection, then the latter must be chosen. 

Head Protection 

The skull protects the brain, and the head rests upon the neck. Injury to either one can have a serious impact on a person’s functioning and quality of life. Protecting the head on jobs where heavy objects in motion, and the risk of falling objects, are regular occurrences, is critically important. The “tried and true” method of protecting the head is the helmet. 

Helmets, most often referred to as ANSI hard hats, are made of hard, durable plastic, often high density polyethylene. Many hardhats include adjustable chin straps to ensure a snug fit. Inside, a suspension system evenly distributes the helmet’s weight over the head More recently, small sizes designed for women, children and men with smaller skulls have been made available, improving both worker compliance and confidence in the appearance of the hard hat. Hard hats should be made of a dielectric material, be able to withstand whichever impacts might take place within a given industry, and be resistant to chemicals which may be used on-site. Some hard hats include ventilation and attachment points for flashlights, radios and other tools. 

Work Gloves 

Virtually every activity we do, both on and off the job, involves our hands. Protecting the hands at work, from impact injuries, cuts, abrasions, caustic chemicals and repetitive stress, should be a priority. industrial work gloves help to keep the hands safe. Such gloves may range from the simple, rough leather style to more complex gloves, with elasticized cuffs, palm and finger grips, vent holes, knuckle reinforcements and flexible fabric. 

The characteristics found in the more complex gloves, such as the ones mentioned above, are an ideal choice for most work environments. They allow the worker to retain dexterity while protecting the hands from most injuries. Jobs which involve dangerous machinery or heavy items may dictate that  thicker gloves be used, sacrificing dexterity for the sake of protection. 

Ear muffs, earplugs and work gloves are not the only types of occupational safety products. Many others, including ergonomic office products, first aid products, protective clothing, respirators for environments with poor air quality, safety glasses, safety boots and shoes and lighting and communications systems, should be utilized when and where necessary. Remember, worker safety starts with training and awareness, and is completed by using the correct safety products.

Thank you, Joseph, for this great information regarding the important safety aspects of personal protective equipment and proper training in its use.

General Safety Issues

HAMMERING IN THE POINT OF NAIL GUN SAFETY

Anything that has to do with guns of any type makes me nervous!  In the field of construction, nail guns have taken the place of hammers, in many instances.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have issued a nail gun safety guide (Nail Gun Safety – A Guide for Construction Contractors), that details practical steps to prevent injuries, including use of tools with sequential triggers, training prior to use, and use of appropriate protective equipment, such as safety eye protection. 

Nail guns are used to drive nails into wood, roofing, or other types of material.  They can be driven by compressed air (pneumatic), highly flammable gases such as butane or propane, electromagnetism, or, for powder-actuated tools, a small explosive charge.  Work-related nail gun injuries are responsible for approximately 37,000 emergency room visits annually.  Many construction workers use nail guns every day.  The tool is easy to operate and increases productivity, but injuries may occur as a result of unintended nail discharge, nails that bounce off a hard surface, or miss the work piece and become airborne.  Disabling the safety features of the gun is another cause of injury.  Prevention of injury is possible if contractors take steps such as using full-sequential trigger nail guns. 

Treating nail gun wounds costs at least $338 million per year nationally in emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and workers’ compensation, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Foot and hand injuries are the most common.  Because all kinds of nail guns can be dangerous, safety precautions similar to those for firearms are usually recommended for their use.  For safety, nail guns are designed to be used with the muzzle touching the target.  Unless they are modified, they are not effective as projectile weapons. 

A common firing mechanism is the dual-action contact-trip trigger, requiring that the manual trigger and nose contact element both be depressed for a nail to be discharged.  Contact triggers allow the gun to fire unintended nails if the nose hits the wood surface or a previously placed nail following recoil.  Touch tip (contact) triggers are susceptible to this double firing.    Acute injury rates are twice as high among users of tools with contact triggers.  When the trigger is depressed on the contact-trip style of nail gun, it will fire every time its nose comes into contact with a surface, whether that surface is a human body or construction material. 

The sequential-trip trigger, which is safer, requires the nose contact to be depressed before the manual trigger, rather than simultaneously with the trigger.  Using a sequential-trip trigger type of nail gun could prevent approximately 65% to 69% of injuries from contact-trip tools, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control.  The sequential-trip design may be a little slower, but it is much safer. 

Once again, as with all other occupations that are hazardous, training on safe operating procedures and the use of the correct PPE is important and should be mandatory.  Manufacturer’s tool labels and operating manuals should be followed.  Safety glasses with side shields should be worn, and safety features of the nail gun should never be modified.  The guarding standards of OSHA should be complied with.  Watch for coworkers and never point a nail gun at anyone.  Remember:  both operator and coworkers are at risk.  Eyes, hands and fingers are especially susceptible to injury from a nail gun. 

I hope I have “driven” home the fact that all power tools are wonderful to speed up work duties but carry their share of risks or injuries.  Be careful and work safely!

General Safety Issues

PREVENTING DOG BITES

As an animal lover, especially dogs, it is sad to hear when someone has been bitten or mauled by a dog.  The most effective ways to reduce dog bites are responsible breeding and ownership, public education, and enforcement of existing laws.  The American Humane Association supports local legislation to protect communities from dangerous animals, but does not advocate laws that target specific breeds of dogs.  We have owned both large and small dogs from time to time.  The largest dog we owned was a German Shepard, and he had a very gentle nature.  Pit bulls and Rotweillers are sometimes outlawed in communities. 

It is up to the owner to understand the nature of the breed of dog they choose.  Our last choice was Buddy, a Jack Russell Terrier, (almost 12 years old now), and if we had researched the very nature of this breed, we might have thought twice!  Since we didn’t, however, he has been a great companion and we wouldn’t trade him for anything.  But, I could write a book on all of his escapades in the past.  He is not to be trusted unless he is penned up or on a leash; if he sees a squirrel or cat, he’s gone, and very hard to catch.  He’s slowing down now, much to our relief! 

Here are some statistics from the American Humane Association, regarding dog bites:

  •          An estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the U.S. annually.
  •          Nearly 800,000 dog bites require medical care.
  •          Approximately 92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered. Neutering reduces aggression,      especially in males.  Un-neutered dogs are more than 2.6 times more likely to bite than neutered dogs.  It is not that expensive to have your dog spayed or neutered.
  •          Approximately 25% of fatal dog attacks involved chained dogs.  Tethered dogs are 2.8 more times likely to bite.  Chaining dogs increases their stress, protectiveness and vulnerability, thereby increasing the potential for aggression.  Fences are better solutions, and certainly less cruel.
  •          Approximately 71% of bites occur to the extremities (arms, legs, hand, feet.)
  •          The insurance industry pays more than $1 billion in dog-bite claims each year.
  •          Approximately two-thirds of bites occurred on or near the victim’s property, and most victims knew the dog.
  •          At least 25 different breeds of dogs have been involved in the 238 dog-bite-related fatalities in the U.S. 

Many of the victims of dog bites are postal service workers, meter readers, salespersons, and delivery workers.  Fifty per cent of dog attacks involve children under 12 years old.  Bite rates are dramatically higher among children 5 to 9 years old.  Here are some important rules to follow, as well as teach our children:

  1. Supervise your dog.
  2. Train and socialize your dog.
  3. Restrain the dog.  Dogs that are allowed to roam loose outside the yard may think the whole neighborhood is their “territory” and defend it aggressively.  It’s a better way to keep your dog safe from getting run over by a car, as well.
  4. Don’t tease your dog.
  5. Never pet a dog without permission from its owner.
  6. Don’t back them into a corner or bother them when they are sleeping. 
  7. Know the warning signs: growling, backing up or curling its lip.
  8. Never treat a dog unkindly.
  9. Don’t approach a dog that is tied up.
  10. Stay calm, and be still. 

If you feel threatened by dogs in your neighborhood, call an animal control officer or local law enforcement; don’t wait until something bad happens.  Animals deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.  Dogs love us unconditionally, even though some don’t get the attention they deserve.  Pay attention to their behavior and keep things on an even keel, and you’ll have a great companion.

 

Source: American Medical Veterinary Association, American Humane Association

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

QUESTIONS NEW HIRES SHOULD ASK

The job market is very competitive right now and many folks are so happy to be granted an interview that they forget to ask questions that apply to their own wellbeing and safety in the job they are applying for.  During the interview, we are usually too nervous to think about many of the things that we are going to be expected to do.  Try to use the interview as an opportunity to see if you feel that this is the right place for you, and if you will be comfortable working there. From WorkSmart Ontario, and the Ontario Ministry of Labour, here are some excellent questions for applicants and new hires.    Listen and pay attention to things that they describe during the interview.  When hired, pay special attention during orientation, and ask:

  • Will I receive safety training on the job?  When?  (Safety training should begin on the first day, not several days after you start).
  • If I am working with chemicals, will I get hazardous materials training before I start working with chemicals?
  • Does the employer provide the equipment and safety gear?  Will I get training on how to wear it properly and make sure it’s in good condition?
  • Will I be taught emergency procedures and first aid locations?
  • Where are the company safety rules?
  • Is my regular supervisor the one I should ask if I have other questions about the job?
  • Find out about specific hazards in the job and what steps have been taken to keep workers safe.

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Remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question, especially when you’re asking how to do a job that you’ve never done before.  ASK until you’re out of questions to ensure that you are totally clear on the task that needs to be done and how to do it.  Another important thing to remember: follow the rules.  Laws have been created to protect you,  and your employer provides you with workplace policies and procedures you must follow.  Do not fool around.  Horseplay at work may seem like fun for some people, but it can be extremely dangerous.  It’s against the law, too.  At work, the rules that are in place are to protect you and others from injury and potential death.

We will continue tomorrow with more ways on when and how you should talk to your boss.