Safety on the Worksite

Importance of Safety

• Key Principle: Thinking and paying attention to surroundings is crucial.
• Goal: Ensure everyone returns home safely.
• Shared Responsibility: Safety rules apply to all workers, regardless of employer.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Clothing Requirements:

  • Hard hat (check for damage)
  • Long pants
  • Heavy-duty non-skid work boots
  • Shirt with sleeves
  • Safety vest or bright-colored shirt
  • Eye protection (safety glasses, goggles, or face shield)

• Eye Protection:

  • Necessary for hazards like flying particles, sparks, and chemical splashes.

• Hearing Protection:

  • Required if unable to hear someone 3 feet away.
  • Options: earplugs and earmuffs (may need both).

• Gloves:

  • Heavy-duty gloves for rough edges, abrasive surfaces, and splinters.
  • Rubber gloves needed when working with wet concrete.

• Jewelry and Hair:

  • Remove rings and jewelry to avoid injury.
  • Long hair should be secured under a hard hat.

Equipment and Surroundings

• Visibility: Wear safety vests/shirts to be visible to equipment operators.
• Awareness: Always pay attention to surroundings to prevent accidents.

Toolbox Talks

• Mandatory weekly discussions on safety.
• Use this time to raise questions or concerns regarding safety.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

• Strict prohibition against working under the influence.
• Mandatory testing if injured or involved in an accident.
• Positive test results or refusal can lead to disciplinary action.

Emergency Response Plan

• Follow directives from incident commanders or emergency coordinators.
• Report all injuries and near misses for safety improvements.

Fall Protection

• General Rule: Protection required for falls over 6 feet.

• Guard Rails:

  • Must be 42 inches high with mid-rail and toe board.
  • Must be reinstalled before leaving any unprotected area.

• Personal Fall Arrest Systems:

  • Include harness, lanyard, and attachment point.
  • Inspect harness daily for damage.
  • Anchorage points must support at least 3,600 pounds.

Ladder Safety

• Inspect ladders for damage before use.
• Set on a sound base and do not use top two steps.
• Always maintain three points of contact when climbing.

Trench Safety

• Trench deeper than 5 feet must be braced or sloped.
• Daily inspections by a competent person required before entry.
• Ensure a ladder or ramp is available within 25 feet.

Lifting Techniques

• Keep loads close to the body and lift with legs.
• Avoid sudden movements and be cautious when putting down loads.

Tool Safety

• Inspect tools before use. Remove damaged tools from service.
• Ensure electrical tools have proper grounding and GFCIs.
• Disconnect power tools before changing attachments.

Fire Safety

• Obtain hot work permits for any cutting, welding, or flame work.
• Remove or cover combustible materials near work areas.
• Know the location of fire extinguishers and their operation (PASS method).

Water Damage Prevention

• Clean up any water on the job site immediately.
• Report any signs of water damage to the Foreman.

Quality Control

• Review mock-ups and installation guidelines with supervisors.
• Report any deviations from manufacturer instructions.
• Maintain cleanliness on the job site to prevent slips and trips.

Anti-Discrimination Policies

• Zero tolerance for harassment and intimidation.
• Report any incidents of offensive behavior to supervisors.

Conclusion

• Key Takeaways: Focus on safety, ask for help, and look out for others to ensure everyone goes home safe.