Safety News

HORSEPLAY & CONSTRUCTION:THE TRUE RECIPE FOR DISASTER

2008-10-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Horseplay is forbidden at work for the same reasons that it was frowned upon at home and in school when you were young: the potential for injury. Horseplay can injure yourself, your co-workers, or even innocent members of the public. Consider the following examples of horseplay that could occur on a construction site, along with possible consequences:

Screwing a co-workers tool-belt to the floor while it is left un-attended. The victim could strain or tear muscles when trying to pick it up.
Tossing a heavy object to a co-worker. The victim suffers an injury while trying to catch it.
Purposely startling a co-worker on a scaffold or ladder. The victim falls off the ladder or scaffold resulting in serious injury or death.
Tinkering with a co-workers power-tools. The victim gets a shock worse than intended and receives permanent brain damage.
Smearing a substance on a co-workers safety glasses or in their hard-hat. The victim starts work without this critical personal protective equipment and is injured as a result of not wearing it.

The above examples have only scathed the surface of what could happen as a result of horseplay. As you can see, horseplay can easily turn from entertaining to threatening. On a construction site especially, there are already too many existing hazards without having to create new ones. Remember: never sacrifice safety for a chance to show off or entertain, and always report horseplay to your supervisor.

SAFER WORK HABITS

2008-05-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

Better and more ergonomically designed tools truly are great, but avoiding injuries also means safer work practices, and that begins with an awareness of potential hazards.

Being familiar with the work site and the tools goes a long way towards making the overall job much safer.
Taking care of tools and removing damaged or worn equipment is as important as selecting the appropriate tool to begin with.
Drywall sheets are notoriously heavy and awkward. Always have a safe, clear delivery route in place.
Power tools can reduce repetitive motions that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
Use stable surfaces when working on ladders and scaffolds.
Holding a knife loosely with less bending at the wrist decreases musculoskeletal injury. Offset blades and knives with bent handles are proven to be less harmful than the standard types.
Bending at the knees rather than at the waist is known to prevent back stress and injury.
Proper ventilation, safety glasses, and respirators can reduce exposure to dust; which can minimize the risk of eye injuries and respiratory problems.
Power tools must be properly grounded and electrical boxes/wiring shielded.
Cutting tools should always be used properly, without careless haste.

POWERED MOBILE EQUIPMENT:GUARANTEED TO INCREASE JOBSITE PRODUCTIVITY

2007-05-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Technological advancements in the construction industry have drastically increased production from workers in the field. One such advancement has been Powered Mobile Equipment, a.k.a. Aerial Lift Platforms & Scissor Lifts. These machines allow workers to reach various heights at a fraction of the time when compared to manually assembled scaffolds. Keep the following points in mind before recruiting Powered Mobile Equipment as a member of your team:

A worker must not operate Powered Mobile Equipment unless they have been trained by a competent individual assigned by their employer
Seat belts/harnesses must be worn by personnel operating Powered Mobile Equipment. This includes any passenger that may be on the machine
Before operating Powered Mobile Equipment, the operator must perform a walk-around inspection on the equipment as well as the job-site
When leaving the equipment to go for a break, a visual (non-documented) inspection must be performed before commencing work again

* To learn more about Powered Mobile Equipment and the regulations that apply, refer to the guide to Alberta's OH&S act, regulation and code

CARRYING MATERIALS...A DANGEROUSYET CRITICAL OPERATION

2007-04-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

Manual carrying of materials is essential on jobsites for every trade. In the ISM trade, drywall, steel studs, and taping compounds are all examples of items that need to be moved around site on a daily basis. Much of the time, human power is the only way to get these tasks done. Keep the following points in mind before commencing any sort of material carrying on a jobsite:

Never carry more than you think you can handle
Call for back-up if the load appears too heavy
When carrying materials up or down stairs, move one step at a time, regardless of the stair size
When carrying steel (bundled/un-bundled) always keep one end of the load at floor level, and the other end above face level. This is especially important when walking with the load around corners. Ideally, doing so will help eliminate the possibility of someone getting hit in the face with the load
Lift with the legs, not the back
Wear gloves to protect your hands from hazards whenever possible. An example of one such hazard might be carrying a load of steel with un-hemmed edges
If possible, keep a load being carried close to your body. Avoiding over-extending could mean avoiding a painful injury

* For more information on carrying materials on a jobsite, refer to part 14 of the guide to Alberta's Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation & Code.

HORSEPLAY AND CONSTRUCTION:THE INGREDIENTS FOR DISASTER

2007-03-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

Screwing a co-workers tool-belt to the floor while it is left un-attended. The victim could strain or tear muscles when trying to pick it up.
Tossing a heavy object to a co-worker. The victim suffers an injury while trying to catch it.
Purposely startling a co-worker on a scaffold or ladder. The victim falls off the ladder or scaffold resulting in serious injury or death.
Tinkering with a co-workers power-tools. The victim gets a shock worse than intended and receives permanent brain damage.
Smearing a substance on a co-workers safety glasses or in their hard-hat. The victim starts work without this critical personal protective equipment and is injured as a result of not wearing it.

The above examples have only scathed the surface of what could happen as a result of horseplay in construction. On a construction site in particular, there are already too many existing hazards without having to create new ones during horseplay. Remember: never sacrifice safety for a chance to show off or entertain, and always report horseplay to your supervisor.

THE SCARIEST FLAMES IN CONSTRUCTION...TIGER TORCHES

2007-02-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

Underestimating the power of the mighty Tiger Torch is a life-threatening risk that is taken daily by tradespeople in the construction industry. People can be easily fooled by the physical appearance of the Tiger Torch, not realizing that within its simple & sleek design is a sleeping dragon, ready to lash out with its fiery propane at all times. Keep the following points in mind before using a Tiger Torch in any operation:

When a torch is being used, a fire-extinguisher must be present
Torches should never be used to heat work areas or for thawing lines & equipment
Ensure that propane bottles are fully shut off when a torch is not being used
Fuel lines must have regulators
Propane bottles must be secured in an upright position at all times

Even though a Tiger Torch can offer countless benefits in many applications, its fierce repercussions should never be forgotten. Regardless of your level of experience with using Tiger Torches, extreme care must always be taken because propane can be one of the most unforgiving gases on the face of the earth.

PROPANE: HEAVIER THAN AIR.AND DEADLY

2007-01-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

Propane has two basic sides; good and evil. The good side of propane allows people to barbeque food, heat buildings, and operate machinery. With propane's evil side comes hurt, pain, and potentially excessive suffering when this effective yet deadly gas is mishandled or misused. Be mindful of the following points before using propane in your personal or work life:

Regulators must be installed before hooking a tank up for service
While using or transporting, a tank should securely be held in an upright position
Tanks should never be heated to increase the flow of gas
Only competent people should handle propane
All trucks, cranes, or equipment used to handle propane tanks should be equipped with a fire extinguisher of the appropriate size
Tank valves and regulators should be removed from the tank prior to any movement
Nylon slings should be used in a "choker" fashion when loading, un-loading, or lifting propane tanks

As you can see, propane can easily be considered both a friend and a foe. Most people have only seen the good side of propane, and with this good side comes an increase in the overall quality of human-life. Unfortunately, some people have also come face-to-face with propane's evil side, and they are likely to feel the repercussions, both physically and emotionally, for the remainder of their valuable lives.

* For more information on the tagging requirements for scaffolds, refer to section 326 within the Guide to Alberta's Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code.

SCAFFOLDS & TAGGING...A LEGALLY REQUIRED RELATIONSHIP

2006-12-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

To tag or not to tag; that truly is the question. The absence of proper tagging on scaffolds could easily create negative financial consequences for any organization who chooses to neglect this section of the law. The following points will discuss this on a deeper level:

Three levels of tagging exist each with a different color indicating its current status
A green tag means that the scaffold is "Safe for Use"
A yellow tag means that a potential or unusual hazard exists and that "Caution" should be used
A red tag is symbolic of a scaffold that is "Unsafe for Use"
A scaffold must be inspected & tagged by a competent worker before it is used for the first time, and at intervals of not more than 21 calendar days while workers conduct work from the scaffold or materials are stored on it
A scaffold that is erected but not immediately put into service must have a red tag installed at every point of entry until it is inspected and tagged before use by a competent worker
Any tag attached to a scaffold expires 21 calendar days after the date of the inspection that it records
Workers must refrain from using scaffolds that have red tags, expired green or yellow tags, or no tags at all

As you can see, the lawmakers in this province are quite serious about the tagging requirements for scaffolding. Without these stiff regulations, more lives would surely be lost on this dangerous yet critical equipment.

* For more information on the tagging requirements for scaffolds, refer to section 326 within the Guide to Alberta's Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code.

WELDING, CUTTING, & BURNING. ...ESSENTIAL TO CONSTRUCTION.

2006-11-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

Work involving welding, cutting, or burning on a construction site creates both a fire hazard as well as a breathing hazard for all workers present. Consider the following points before commencing this high-hazard type of work:

Ensure that adequate ventilation is supplied since hazardous fumes can easily be created while welding, cutting, or burning
When other workers are in the same area as the welding, cutting, or burning, "screens" must be used to protect them
Always have equipment to prevent fires nearby before any welding, cutting, or burning begins
Check the work area for combustible materials and potentially flammable vapors before starting work
A welder should never work alone. A fire or spark watch should be maintained
Regularly check cables and hoses to protect them from slag or sparks
Never enter, weld, or cut in a confined space without proper gas tests and a required safety lookout
When working overhead, use fire resistant materials (blankets, tarps) to control or contain slag & sparks
Cutting & welding must not be performed where sparks and cutting slag will fall on cylinders (move all cylinders away to one protected side)
Open all cylinder valves slowly. The wrench used to open these valves should always be kept on the valve spindle when the cylinder is in use

* For more information on welding, cutting, and burning, refer to the applicable section within the Guide to Alberta's Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code.

HOISTING MATERIALS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES...LOOK OUT BELOW!!!

2006-10-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hoisting materials on construction sites can be safely accomplished using two general methods; machine-power and man-power. Machine-power, which is typically the most efficient, involves using a crane/boom-lift to elevate building materials & equipment to the desired floor. Man-power, which can be physically strenuous and time-consuming, entails using human muscle to hoist each load up to the target area. Keep the following points in mind before implementing either hoisting method into your daily work routine:

Evaluate the load to determine whether or not the lifting equipment (man or machine) can operate within its capabilities
Estimate the centre of gravity or point of balance. The lifting device should be positioned directly above this area
Prepare a place to store the load once in has been lifted to the desired area. Lower gently, ensuring stability before removing the sling, rope, or chain
Make sure all personnel stand clear from the load being lifted
Never permit anyone to ride the lifting hook or load
Inspect slings, ropes, or chains thoroughly before each use to ensure defective factors are not present
Designate a worker to the signaling position & make sure the appropriate signals are understood by all members of the hoisting operation

To not have the capabilities of hoisting on a construction site could have drastic consequences on overall jobsite productivity. Even though machine hoisting is almost always the safest/easiest method of hoisting, it is not always possible. Tight spaces, or cost/availability of machinery can create situations where manual, muscle-based hoisting is the only answer. Regardless of what hoisting method has been implemented, be alert at all times because one false move could tragically end your own life or that of your fellow co-workers.

HAND-HELD CIRCULAR SAWS...THEY ALSO CUT FLESH

2006-09-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

Hand-held circular saws, although designed for cutting wood, will also cut flesh and bone with the greatest of ease. One false move while using this equipment could easily leave it's user in a state of full or partial disability for the remainder of their lives. Keep the following points in mind before activating a hand-held circular saw into the line-of-duty:

Safety glasses or a face shield must be worn to protect a workers eyes
Where harmful dust or vapors are created, approved breathing protection is to be used
Select the appropriate blade for what is being cut
Disconnect the power supply before making adjustments to the saw or changing the blade
Ensure that the retracting guard has fully returned to its down position before relieving the saw from active duty
Use both hands to hold the saw while ripping
Maintain the equipment as per the manufacturer's specifications
Make sure all power cords are clear of the cutting area before commencing operations
Before cutting, visually inspect the entire saw for any objects or defects that could prevent smooth, efficient operation

As you can see, there is much more to using a hand-held circular saw then many people initially think. To not be mindful of the above-stated information is to not be mindful of your own personal health & welfare. One false move with this dangerous yet effective equipment could mean the end to a life filled with happiness and intact limbs.

CLEANING SOLVENTS & CONSTRUCTION:A POTENTIALLY LETHAL UNION

2006-08-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

Without the presence of cleaning solvents in the construction industry, a building would never truly be clean once the time came to turn it over to the applicable owner. Water by itself is no match for the dirt, grime, and bacteria that flourish within the atmosphere of a construction site. Solvents engineered for cleaning are a force to be reckoned with when handled by competent users who are fully aware of all consequences surrounding the mis-use, and mis-care of these effective yet perilous solutions. Use the following points as a tool of guidance when dealing with cleaning solvents on a construction site:

Non-flammable solvents should be used for general cleaning
When flammable solvents are the only answer to a grimy problem, ensure that hot-work is not permitted within the area
Store flammables & solvents in specialized storage areas
Refer to the applicable MSDS sheets before implementing solvents into your cleaning operation
Adequate ventilation must be provided when using solvents & flammables
Safety goggles/face-shields, respiratory protection, and hand protection are the P.P.E. tools of choice when cleaning with solvents
Appropriate containers must be used for the transportation and storage of solvents and flammables
When dealing with controlled products, users must be trained and certified within the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. Ensure that all WHMIS requirements are fully met

As you can see, there is much more to using cleaning solvents than initially meets the eye. Incompetent users are not only risking their own lives, they are risking the health & welfare of any individual un-lucky enough to be working within the same vicinity. Respect yourself and respect your fellow co-workers by respecting the most dependable solution within the construction industry; cleaning solvents.

EYE PROTECTION & CONSTRUCTION: SOUL - MATES FOR LIFE

2006-07-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

The use of eye protection on construction sites has dramatically increased over the years. Since the technology does not yet exist to transplant a human eyeball, the decision on whether or not to install this type of protection should truly be an easy one. The following points will discuss eye protection on a deeper level, and insight may be provided to those gamblers out there who risk a life of impaired vision by not protecting the most powerful yet delicate component of the human body... the eyes.

Eye protection is designed to protect the worker from hazards such as flying objects/particles and splashing liquids
Hardened glass prescription lenses and sport glasses are not an acceptable substitute for certified safety eyewear
Contact lenses should never be worn on a construction site. Doing so could trap or absorb particles or gases causing eye irritation or potential blindness
Ensure that the glasses you choose are comfortable and fit close to your face
Eye protection should be cleaned daily (more often if needed), to maintain clear vision throughout the day
Store safety glasses in a safe, clean, dry place when not in use
Replace pitted, scratched, bent, or poorly fitted glasses immediately upon discovery
Never use safety glasses which are not CSA certified

Not using eye protection at all times when on a construction site is an unfortunate gamble that many trades-people still make throughout their careers. For some of these risk-takers, consequences will never truly be realized. For others, living life in a state of disability will be the most severe consequence available, the only exception being death.

COMPRESSED AIR:RESPECT IT, AND IT WILL RESPECT YOU

2006-06-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Air powered tools are heavily relied upon in both the residential & commercial construction industries. The absence of this technology on any jobsite would surely have a negative impact on a company's labor costs for the project. Keep the following points in mind before using compressed air on a construction site:

Compressed air should not be used to blow debris or clear dirt from any workers clothes
Ensure that the air pressure has been turned off and the line pressure relieved before disconnecting the hose or changing tools
Arm yourself with personal protective equipment such as eye protection or a face shield
Check hoses on a regular basis for cuts, bulges, or any other visible damage. Repair or replace any hose deemed to be defective
A pressure regulator and a relief device must be part of the compressed air system to ensure that desired pressures are maintained
The correct air supply hoses must be used for the tool/equipment being operated
Maintain the tools and equipment as per the manufacturers recommendations
Follow the manufacturers general instructions and comply with legislated safety requirements

DEMOLITION:ESSENTIAL YET DANGEROUS

2006-05-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Demolition and construction could easily be considered brothers in a literary sense. This statement is true because they both depend on each other greatly. Without the presence of effective demolition, projects being constructed could be inflated cost wise, as well as schedule wise. Keep the following points in mind before commencing any sort of demolition process:

Only competent individuals should be assigned to demolition work by their employer
Demolition of a building should occur from the top floor down
Certification from an engineer is required when demolishing a building with an adjoining structure. An engineer also must be present when tensioned steel cables or bars require demolishment
Provisions of a fully enclosed garbage chute is critical to the safety of the workers at the top of the chute, as well as below it
Accumulation of materials and debris within a building being demolished not only creates a serious hazard for workers on site, it also extends an invitation to a villain referred to as structural overload
A free-standing scaffold should be used in the demolition of a building from the inside
Extreme care should be implemented when using powered mobile equipment in the demolition process

* To learn more about the exhilarating process known as demolition, refer to part 30 of the guide to Alberta's Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation & Code.

ASBESTOS:THE ANTAGONIST OF CONSTRUCTION

2006-04-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

At one point in history, Asbestos and construction were good friends. Incombustibility, durability, and versatility are all factors that contributed to this long-time relationship. The falling out that has occurred in recent times between Asbestos and construction boils down to one reason; breathing in disturbed Asbestos fibers potentially creates a serious health risk.

Potential Asbestos Health Risks:

Buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs (Asbestosis)
Lung cancer (small & large cell)
Mesothelioma (cancer of the chest lining & abdomen)
Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract

Procedure For When Asbestos Containing Materials Are Encountered:

Do not disturb the material
Exit the contaminated area
Report your findings to the jobsite supervisor or company foreman
Stay away from the affected area until the Asbestos containing materials are removed, or until it is determined that no Asbestos risk is present

Facts About Asbestos:

Asbestos is found naturally in nearly two-thirds of the earth's crust
More than sixteen percent of the world's Asbestos is produced in Canada
Asbestos is very resistant to heat & chemicals
Asbestos related illnesses could take up to forty-five years to develop
Asbestos fibers can become so small that they remain airborne longer than many other fibers
Human respiratory dust defences are greatly out-matched by small airborne Asbestos fibers
Asbestos can be used safely in a number of products such as brake linings and water/sewer pipes. In these applications, the fibers are encased in cement or a resin to prevent particles from dispersing into the environment

THEY CAN HURT, TEAR, OR EVEN MAIM...USING A GRINDER SHOULD NOT BE A GAME

2006-03-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

The availability of grinders in the construction industry has positively impacted productivity for a great number of trades. Unfortunately, the hazards that these tools present to the operators equal the amount of benefits that are provided. Keep the following points in mind before summoning a grinder for a tour of duty:

Protect your eyes with safety glasses or a face-shield
Protect your hands with gloves
Replace cracked or broken grinding wheels immediately upon discovery
Use only the grinding wheels that are approved by the tools manufacturer
Never grind on the side of a wheel which is designed purely for cutting
Do not stand directly in front of the grinding wheel during it's first use
Tighten the grinding wheel mechanically, not by hand
Never attempt to adjust a grinder while the wheel is in motion
Always un-plug a grinder before conducting maintenance on it
The guard on a grinder must cover at least 120 degrees of the wheel circumference
Never use a grinder near flammable materials

For the in-experienced operator, a grinder can be a dangerous tool with the potential to permanently disable. For the experienced, mindful operator, a grinder can be a loyal friend. Which type of operator you choose to be is completely up to you. Respecting the above-stated facts about grinders should aid you in making the right decision.

* For more information about grinders, refer to part 25 of the guide to Alberta's Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation, & Code.

FOOT PROTECTION & CONSTRUCTION:A MANDATORY RELATIONSHIP

2006-02-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

Safety footwear is designed to protect workers against foot hazards which are prevalent on all jobsites. Compression injuries, puncture injuries, & impact injuries are all examples of trauma that could be inflicted on our bodies greatest tools with the absence of certified protection. These tools, of course, are called feet. Keep the following points in mind before summoning safety footwear to action:

Safety footwear is divided into three grades which are indicated by colored tags & symbols
The tag color symbolizes the amount of resistance that the toe will sustain in regards to different weights dropped from varying heights
In construction, it is recommended that only the 'green triangle' grade of footwear be used
Choose a high-cut boot to provide ankle support (less chance of injury)
Ensure that laces on boots are tied securely. Boots don't provide adequate protection if they are a tripping hazard
Never wear defective footwear. An example of this is boots with exposed steel toe caps, or soles which are worn-out

Safety footwear has been declared mandatory on all commercial construction sites for obvious reasons. The foot hazards present on these sites are abundant. It is important to remember that when choosing safety footwear, over-protection of the feet should be a key factor in making your decision.

* For more information on safety footwear, refer to part 18 of the guide to Alberta's Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation & Code.

HEARING PROTECTION:ESSENTIAL FOR MANY TASKS IN CONSTRUCTION

2006-01-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

For many tasks within the construction industry, hearing protection is critical in avoiding potentially permanent damage to a precious body part we refer to as the ear. Similar to eye injuries causing reduced vision or blindness, hearing damage is irreversible. Please note the following examples of tasks where hearing protection would be a sound idea:

Operating a chop-saw or grinder
Operating a jack-hammer
Operating a hammer-drill
Operating a circular/table saw
Firing a powder-actuated tool
Demolition

The most common form of ear protection used on a construction site is disposable ear plugs. Every company should make this p.p.e. available to all workers when needed. If you require hearing protection for your work duties, and are unable to locate any on-site, talk to your supervisor to make certain that provisions are made. Neglecting to properly protect your hearing could result in negative repercussions in the future, so please remember to safeguard against excessive noise levels whenever possible.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.DESIGNED TO SAVE LIVES

2005-12-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

Respiratory equipment is used to protect workers from airborne particles that have the capability to enter a human lung by the millions. Please note the following examples of times when these critical devices should be worn:

The sanding stages of taping.
Sweeping floors.
Scraping fire-spray off of structural steel for the attachment of metal framing.

The above examples are only a few out of a possible many instances where respiratory protective equipment should be worn on a construction site. Without this equipment, these tasks have the potential to cause damage to the lungs comparable to the smoking of a nicotine cigarette.

To find out more about respiratory protective equipment, refer to part 18 of the guide to Alberta's Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation & Code.

CARRYING MATERIALS ON JOBSITES. A CRITICAL& DANGEROUS OPERATION

2005-10-31T09:34:00.000-08:00

Never carry more than you think you can handle
Call for back-up if the load appears too heavy
When carrying materials up or down stairs, move one step at a time, regardless of the stair size
When carrying steel (bundled/un-bundled) always keep one end of the load at floor level, and the other end above face level. This is especially important when walking with the load around corners. Ideally, doing so will help eliminate the possibility of someone getting hit in the face with the load
Lift with the legs, not the back
Wear gloves to protect your hands from hazards whenever possible. An example of one such hazard might be carrying a load of steel with un-hemmed edges
If possible, keep a load being carried close to your body. Avoiding over-extending could mean avoiding a painful injury

* For more information on carrying materials on a jobsite, refer to part 14 of the guide to Alberta's Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation & Code.

SCAFFOLDS. A MAJOR PLAYER IN THE GAMEREFERRED TO AS CONSTRUCTION

2005-09-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Scaffolds of all sizes are heavily relied upon in the commercial construction industry. Without them, worker productivity would surely be decreased. Keep the following points in mind before using one of these crucial devices:

Castors (wheels) should be locked before climbing the unit
Overloading a scaffold could have tragic effects, such as tipping
Use caution when working around electrical circuits
Move a scaffold to a desired location instead of over-reaching on it
Never move a scaffold with a person on top of it
Never use a ladder on top of a scaffold
Keep the scaffold clean of un-necessary debris. This will help to eliminate potential tripping hazards
Ensure that a warning system is in place before using a scaffold in front of an un-locked door
Visually inspect the scaffold before use each day. Things to watch for include missing pins, and cracked or broken planks
Only use a scaffold on a somewhat level surface
A harness must be worn when working at scaffold heights above 10' a.f.f.

* For more information on scaffolds, refer to part 23 of the guide to Alberta's Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation & Code.

FALL PROTECTION:A GOOD FRIEND WHEN INSTALLED CORRECTLY

2005-08-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

According to the Alberta government, it is mandatory that fall protection be worn when the possibility exists that a worker may fall more than 10'. The most common form of fall protection used on a construction site is a harness and lanyard. Keep the following points in mind before using one of these critical devices:

The most important component of the harness system is the anchor point
Alberta safety regulations state the requirement that fall protection anchors be capable of supporting a load of approximately 4000 lbs
Existing structures make excellent anchor points, especially structural columns and beams
Avoid tying into structures that could cut into the lanyard (ie. sharp angle iron)
Visually inspect the harness and lanyard before use to ensure that no defects exist
If a defect is located within the harness and lanyard, regardless of the severity, remove the item from service immediately and verbally notify the supervisor on site of the defective discovery that has been made

The above information is only a small piece of the fall protection guidelines puzzle. Further information can be located within Part 9 of the guide to Alberta's Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code.

DEFECTIVE TOOLS & EQUIPMENT:THE ENEMY ON ALL JOBSITES

2005-07-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

With the presence of defective tools & equipment on construction sites, the possibility strongly exists that workers could/will receive serious & painful injuries. Conducting a daily visual inspection of all tools & equipment is the best method to ensure that hazards are promptly being removed from site. Take note of the following examples of defective tools & equipment that typically create hazards on most jobsites:

Frayed power cords
Power cords missing the ground wire on the plug end
Cracked blades on a chop-saw or grinder
Missing guards on a chop-saw or grinder
Scaffolds missing pins
Scaffolds with incorrect wheels installed
Powder actuated tools not firing correctly
Split or cracked handles
Chipped or broken drill bits

The above examples have only touched on the tip of the defective tool & equipment ice-burg. An in-depth tour of any construction site would likely reveal the existence of many other defective tool & equipment hazards. It is the policy of this company that a tool or piece of equipment deemed to be defective must be removed from service immediately, followed up with a verbal report to the foreman on site.

COOPERATION & CONSTRUCTION:A WINNING COMBINATION

2005-06-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Within the ISM trade is the existence of three sub-trades. Framing, drywall, and taping are the ingredients that create one of the most relied on trades in the commercial construction industry. Take note of the following in regards to cooperation in construction:

GENERAL:

Teamwork is the primary form of cooperation. Working as one unit, instead of multiple sub-units allows a company the ability to increase worker productivity and positively impact employee job satisfaction.
Effective communication is a key element in cooperation. This is especially relevant in the ISM trade because coordination between the framers, drywaller's & tapers is critical to a job staying on-track.
An example of cooperation by a framer is ensuring that all installed framing is straight & level. This ultimately improves the quality of life for the drywaller's who have to apply gypsum to it.
An example of cooperation by a drywaller might be piling up garbage as the day progresses, or fully sinking screws into the gypsum wallboard. This form of cooperation means that a taper will not have to alter his/her schedule to touch up work done by the drywall team.
An example of cooperation by a taper might be to clean the floor, scaffolds, or ladders of any large amounts of taping compound which have accumulated over time.