Safety on a New Jobsite-on the job tool box talks

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It's important for you to remember that most accidents are caused by carelessness or thoughtlessness--yours, or someone else on the job.  When an accident occurs, it is because someone has failed to foresee that it could happen.  If you think ahead of the possible hazards likely to confront you, you can plan how to avoid them. When starting work at a new job site, size up the situation and think of ways to prevent accidents and keep the job safe.

Take time to evaluate your share of the work as soon as you arrive on the site. Ask your supervisor to explain any phase of the job that you do not understand.  If you are working with a new employee, be sure to explain the work to be done and be sure that he/she is qualified to do the work. This will allow you to work safely with this person and prevent accidents.

Always check that you have the necessary tools and equipment required to do the job. Use tools only for the purpose they were designed for. Repair and replace immediately any defective tools such as chisels with mushroomed heads, wrenches with sprung or spread jaws, hammers with split handles, etc. Inspect the wiring of all electrical hand tools to be sure they are equipped with a three-prong grounded plug. Power tools with frayed or broken insulation on wires should be taken out of service until repaired. When using ladders, make sure that they are in good shape with no broken or missing rungs. Never use aluminum ladders when working around electricity. Wear hard hats and other personal protective equipment when called for on the site. When using scaffolding, make sure that it is properly set up with scaffold grade planks and good, stable footing. Do not work on scaffolding that is shaky or missing components.

Remember, a job is only as safe as each person makes it. If each employee will take nothing for granted, check all tools and equipment for safe operation, keep the job neat and follow company rules, they will be contributing to the safety of themselves and their fellow workers.

SIZE UP THE SITUATION - PLAN AHEAD - WORK SAFELY!!!

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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CSC Classes for April 2015

OSHA #510 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry Monday, April 6,2015 to Thursday, April 9, 2015 7:30 am to 4:00 pm To register contact the National Safety Education Center at 800-656-5317 or online at http://www.nsec.niu.edu/nsec/ OSHA 30 Hour for Construction 4 Day Class  Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Thursday, April 9, 2015 Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Thursday, April 16, 2015 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Signal Person Hazards for Cranes Friday, April 10, 2015 7:30 am to 11:30 am Rigging Hazard Awareness Friday, April 10, 2015 12 Noon to 4:00 pm Excavation Safety for the Competent Person Wednesday, April 15, 2015 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Confined Space Entry Thursday, April 16, 2015 7:30 am to 4:00 pm NFPA 70 E Electrical Arc Flash Training and Electrical Safety for Construction. Friday, April 17, 2015 7:30 am to 11:30 am OSHA 10 Hour for Construction 2 day class - this class will be held twice this month. Saturday, April 18, 2015 - 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 7:30 am to 1:00 pm Tuesday, April 21, 2015 - 7:30 am to 4:00 pm  Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - 7:30 am to 1:00 pm OSHA #502 Update for the Construction Industry Outreach Trainer Tuesday, April 21, 2015 to Thursday, April 23, 2015 7:30 am to 4:00 pm To register contact the National Safety Education Center at 800-656-5317 or online at http://www.nsec.niu.edu/nsec/    AHA First Aid/CPR/AED Friday, April 24, 2015 7:30 am to 1:00 pm Fall Protection Safety for the Competent Person Tuesday, April 28, 2015 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Scaffold User and Erector Hazards 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Wednesday, April 29, 2015   Register Online Print registration form for all classes.     View the Online Calendar

Floor and Wall Openings - On the job Tool Box Safety Talks

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Overview

OSHA has very specific rules on guarding floor and wall openings and holes, to protect employees from falling and injuring themselves, and to prevent accidental drops of tools or equipment to injure workers below.

Types of openings

OSHA addresses the following types of openings and holes:

Floor holes are openings less than 12 inches but more than 1 inch in its least dimension, in any floor, platform, pavement or yard, through which materials but not persons may fall.

Floor openings are openings which measure 12 inches or more in its least dimension, in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard, through which persons may fall.

Platforms are working spaces for persons which are elevated 4 feet or more above the surrounding floor or ground.  

 Loading docks are platforms.

Wall holes are openings less than 30 inches but more than 1 inch high, or unrestricted width, in any wall or partition.

Wall openings are at least 30 inches high and 18 inches wide, in any wall or partition, through which persons may fall.

Standard railings for floor openings must consist of a top rail, midrail, and posts having a vertical height of 42 inches from the upper surface of the platform, runway, or ramp. Mid rail height is 21 inches.

A standard toeboard is 4 inches nominal in vertical height, with not more than 1/4 inch clearance above the floor level.

Open-sided floors, platforms, loading docks, and runways more than 4 feet above floor or ground level are to be protected on open sides by a standard railing.  

  

This informatio          This information povided by: Assurance Agency

Whole Body Vibration - On the job Tool Box Talks

Adverse affects of whole body vibration range from simple fatigue to motion sickness, low back pain, degeneration of the lumbar spinal system and herniated disks.

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Carbon Monoxide CO - On the job Tool Box Talks

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Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware of your exposure. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

CO is found in combustion exhaust, such as those produced by cars, trucks and small gasoline engines (generators).

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Slips, Trips and Falls - On the job Tool Box Safety Talks

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Slips, trips and falls is the number 1 reason for an industrial injury in the United States. Thousands of disabling injuries—and even deaths—occur each year as a result of slips, trips, and falls:

•       From heights, on stairs, and on level ground

·       At work and at home

Pay Attention to Your Movements and Surroundings

• Focus on where you're going, what you're doing, and what lies ahead.
• Expect the unexpected.
• Take responsibility for fixing, removing, or avoiding hazards in your path.
• Wear sturdy shoes with non-skid soles and flat heels.
• Avoid baggy or loose pants you could trip over.
• Walk, don't run.
• Wipe your feet when you come in from rain or snow.
• Report or replace any burned out lights or inadequate lighting.
• Watch out for floors that are uneven, have holes, etc.
• Keep your hands at your sides, not in your pockets, for balance.
• Don't carry loads you can't see over.
• Walk slowly on slippery surfaces. —Slide your feet and avoid sharp turns.
• Sit in chairs with all four chair legs on the floor.
• Make sure all wheels or casters are on the floor.
• Be constantly alert for—and remove or go around—obstructions in your path.
• This information is provided by: Assurance Agency