Day of Safety while Working Construction & Recycling:  

 

Safety is everybody's concern and is always an important consideration at any construction site.  Try to be conscious of the safety of others as well as of yourself.  An observer can often see danger better than the worker involved in the project.  Safety is based on knowledge, skill and an attitude of care and concern. Supervisors will instruct each worker about the correct procedures for performing each task.  They will familiarize workers with the potential hazards and advise them as to how such hazards can be minimized or eliminated.

 

Proper safety equipment: Wear clothes and gloves that are appropriate for the work and weather conditions.  Loose clothing is dangerous around power tools.

• Workers must wear closed toe shoes.
• Hard hats are to be worn while doing demolition work, framing, or when required by a supervisor, and are available to workers on each job site at all times.
• Protective glasses will be available for every construction worker. A worker must wear protective glasses any time he or she is operating a power tool, when hammering nails or when instructed by a supervisor.
• Each worker must wear a dust mask when installing insulation, sweeping in a dusty environment, sanding or when instructed by a supervisor.
• Ear plugs must be worn when using a power tool for a prolonged period of time or when instructed by a supervisor. Ear plugs are available to workers on each job site at all times.

 

Power tools and other electrical equipment: A power tool should not be used without proper instruction on its use and on what can happen if the tool is not used properly.  The instruction should be done by a qualified person and should be given to all workers. The trainee should use the power tool in the presence of the instructor until the instructor is satisfied that the trainee knows how to use the tool properly.  Never lower or carry a power tool by its cord.  Clean tools daily.  Power tools should be checked for defective switches, cords, plugs and proper grounding.  Defective tools should not be used and should be reported to the supervisor. (do not wait until end of day)

 

To avoid electrical shock, the following rules must be obeyed:

• A three-pronged plug must be used on all electric power tools.
• Extension cords must not have frayed insulation or be fastened with staples, hung from nails or suspended from wires.
• All temporary lights must be equipped with non-conductive guards.

 

Hand tools: Always select the correct type and size of tool for your work and be sure it is sharp and properly adjusted, and the handle is tight and in good condition.  Dull tools are hazardous because excessive force must be used to make them cut.  Oil or dirt on a tool may cause it to slip and cause an injury.  Most edged tools should be held in both hands with the cutting action away from yourself.  Avoid using your hand or fingers as a guide to start a cut, but if it is necessary, use extreme caution.

 

Handle and carry tools with care.  Keep edged and pointed tools turned downward.  Carry only a few tools at one time.  Anyone working with a hammer at a height should wear a hammer loop or tool belt.  When not in use, the hammer should be kept in the loop or belt and not placed on a sloping surface or in a precarious position.  Do not carry sharp tools in your pockets.

A special word on saws:

• Do not bind the blade of any saw. When cutting long panels, the blade may bind, and the saw will catch and kick back toward the operator. Use small wood wedges or shim shingles to spread the saw cut as you go along.
• Maintain the blade guard. A spring-actuated blade guard often can become bent and will not slide quickly, or the spring can become stretched, so the return is slow.  Repair any damage to the guard as soon as it happens, and NEVER tie the guard back out of the way
• Properly support what you are working on. Never attempt to cut something that could tilt or fall and cause the saw to slip.

 

Ladders: Inspect a ladder before you use it: look for wear and tear, loose rungs and defects.  If the ladder is unsafe, remove it from the construction site for repair. 

• Use a ladder that will reach the work. An extension ladder should reach 3 feet above the work level. 
• Move your ladder with your work. If both of your shoulders are extended outside the ladder, you are reaching too far. 
• When using an extension ladder, use the 4 x1 rule: for every 4 feet of height, move the bottom of the ladder 1 foot away from the wall. A ladder is pitched at the proper, safe angle if you can grasp a rung at shoulder height.
• Place your ladder on solid footing. If there is a danger of the ladder moving while you work, tie it down.  If there is a danger that the ladder will be hit, barricade it.  If the feet of the ladder are not level, dig the ground out under one foot with the claw of a hammer rather than raise one foot with blocks.
• Never use an aluminum ladder in the vicinity of electrical lines and never use a ladder outdoors during inclement weather or on very windy days.
• When climbing, carry tools and materials in proper carrying devices and keep your hands free for   Always face the ladder and ALWAYS HAVE A SPOTTER.

 

Clean Work Site: A clean and orderly work place is a safe work place.  Good housekeeping contributes to the efficiency of the worker and is important in preventing accidents. 

• Position building materials and supplies in carefully laid out piles to allow adequate aisles and walkways.
• Clean up all rubbish and scrap materials on a daily basis. Do not permit blocks of wood, nails, bolts, empty cans, pipe, wire or other materials to accumulate on the work site.  They interfere with work and can be hazardous. 
• Keep tools and equipment that are not being used in the construction trailer; this will protect the tools and the workers. Never leave a work site unless all tools & materials have been properly secured.

 

Poisons and toxic substances: The poisons and toxic substances that can be found most often on a work site are asbestos, lead oxides, solvents and animal feces.  Special care must be taken when you come in contact with any of these substances or any unfamiliar substance.  If you discover asbestos fiber being used as pipe, boiler, or heating duct insulation, contact the supervisor immediately.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE ASBESTOS FIBER ON YOUR OWN. Scraping exterior woodwork, demolishing lead-painted walls and stripping old mill work are the principle ways that workers can be exposed to lead chips, dust and particles.  Contact the supervisor immediately if you discover any lead-painted surfaces.  Masks are the best protection against breaking dust borne pathogens, germs, etc.

 

Emergency medical care: If someone is injured on the job, contact your supervisor immediately and call any needed medical help.  Use the supplies located in the first-aid kit to stabilize the injury as much as possible until medical help arrives.