| |
SAFETY MANAGEMENT PAYS IN THE
LONG RUN !!!!!!!!!!!!!
FOR PRICES ON SAFETY MANUALS OR REGISTERS PLEASE GO TO OUR PRICE LIST
PAGE OR CLICK HERE >
Jannie Nortje - Occupational Health & Safety Advisor: Port Elizabeth
Diona Vermaak - Occupational Health & Safety
Advisor: Port Elizabeth
Refer all safety enquiries to :
Jannie Nortjé Tel: (041) 365 1835 Fax: (041) 3641676 or Cell: 083 546 9730 or
Diona Vermaak Tel: (041) 365 1835
Fax: (041) 3641676 or Cell: 072 597 9127 or
AVOID TOXIC MATERIALS
-
Avoid lead poisoning when
working around bridges. Bridges, tunnels, and elevated highways are
frequently coated with old paint that contains lead. If you work in any of
these areas, have your blood lead level checked regularly and talk to your
employer about ways to reduce lead exposure.
-
Don't breathe the asphalt
(fumes). Workers are exposed to potentially harmful fumes when roofing,
waterproofing, or paving roads with hot coal tar. These can cause skin, eye,
and respiratory problems, and possibly even cancer down the road. Make sure
you're using the best equipment available to reduce fumes, as well as
wearing proper protective gear.
-
Watch out for asbestos, lead,
and other toxins in older homes and buildings. Ask your employer for
tips on how to spot dangerous substances. If you think you may have come
across one of these hazards while working on a job, ask that the material be
sent to a lab for analysis. If the material tests positive for contaminants,
wear personal protective gear at all times.
-
Be aware of the hazards of
stone-cutting. Experts warn that you can get the lung disease silicosis
from dry-cutting masonry or stone, since the dust may contain silica.
Wet-cut this material instead, or make sure your employer supplies you with
a full respirator system.
Workers in the construction
industry face a number of health and safety hazards in their work sites
everyday. These may include exposure to materials that can cause serious illness
and affect the worker's health in the long–term. This fact sheet was prepared
to draw your attention to the potential dangers of some common materials that
you may be exposed to in your work.
Synthetic Mineral Fibres (SMF)
SMF are generally a series of
products made from fibreglass and ceramic. These fibrous products are widely
used in buildings for thermal insulation and sound protection and are therefore
handled in large amounts by plumbers and carpenters.Due to the similarity in the
fibres and their uses, there were concerns that SMF may have similar health
effects to that from asbestos. However, a number of studies show that SMF are
less hazardous than asbestos. Larger fibres can cause irritation of the skin,
eyes, nose and throat while there is a possible risk of lung cancer from some
SMF, for example fibreglass.
In good working conditions with
adequate protection to the workers, the health risk from exposure to SMF dust is
very low. Suitable respirators and protective clothing must be provided by the
employer and worn by all workers exposed to SMF.
Chemicals that are commonly known
as solvents may be used in a number of jobs in the construction site. Solvents
are widely used in degreasing, cleaning and painting and are found in glues,
paints and varnishes.
Solvents are easily evaporated.
Exposure to the vapour or liquid form can have both short and long-term effects
on the worker's health. The health effects will largely depend on the chemicals
in the solvent and the amount of exposure to it. Exposure to solvents is mainly
through breathing but they can also be absorbed through the skin.
Short-term exposure to solvents
will cause headaches, nausea, drowsiness and dermatitis (skin problems). If
repeatedly exposed to a solvent, a worker may develop long-term damage to the
kidneys, liver and skin. Personality changes, sleep disorders, short-term memory
loss and dementia can also occur from solvent exposure and these toxic effects
on the nervous system are a great concern.
The employer should prevent
exposure of any workers to these hazardous substances and provide them with
information on the chemicals (MSDS, etc).
(DV)
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK
5
SAFETY TIPS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ON AVOIDING STRESS AND INJURY
Working as a construction worker
is much like being a superhero. Every day, you’re tasked with bearing
heavy loads and using ultra cool equipment and tools. Riding in cranes and
squatting on scaffolds put you so high in the sky that you almost feel like
flying. But the same things that make construction job extraordinary could
put you in a lot of stress. If you’re not too careful, you’d likely
meet injuries along the way.
Fortunately, there are some
safety measures you can follow to avoid common stress and injury in construction
sites. Here they are:
1. Lift objects properly.
Back aches are every construction
worker’s number one enemy. While it’s easy to get injured by carrying
heavy loads, it’s not that hard to avoid this hazard altogether.
Remember to always bend your
knees and to avoid twisting to the side when lifting. To maintain balance,
put one foot slightly in front of the other.
2. Use ergonomically correct portable and
high-powered tools.
Tools are supposed to make your
life easier. Of course you know this but still you find yourself reaching out
for the same hammer that puts a strain on your hand or those pliers that always
slip from your grip.
You may not know it but by
frequently using poorly designed tools, you could develop such conditions as
carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, white finger, and trigger finger.
Even powered tools can cause you
serious problems with their high vibration and excessive noise. For this
reason, employers must make sure that power tools they choose for workers not
only have lower vibration but have a long trigger. They should also
consider both left-handed and right-handed workers when selecting tools.
In the case of hand tools,
employers or safety officers must choose those that need less force to use and
do not strain the hand when you hold them tight. Hand tools must also be
balanced and do not conduct heat or electricity.
3. Sit down when working at
lower levels.
Avoid squatting or kneeling when
you have to work at lower levels. By sitting on a stable stool, you avoid
straining your knees and waist.
4. Keep your wrists in
neutral.
Same goes with your
arms. Otherwise, by the end of the shift, your body will be suffering from
swelling, tingling, strains and pains. If things get worse, you could
develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. Balance the weight of your
tool belt.
Tool belts sure are small and handy but they have
the ability to pull your body out of alignment. That is unless you keep its
weight balanced. If you find that one side of your belt is heavier than the
other, then make the necessary adjustments by transferring tools to the lighter
side.
(DV)
Basic
Construction Safety Tips that could save the lives of your employees
Any construction project requires
massive work, particularly the bigger ones like those of home and large building
construction. In such a scope of work, hundreds of labourers and workers are
needed to finish the task of constructing a building. While the work is good
paying, it is very difficult and to some extent very dangerous considering that
many high rise buildings, especially in the construction stage, requires the
workers to be in very high areas that put them in risk of falling. Also, there
is often too much construction material, much of which are heavy and are liable
to fall and cause major injuries. To minimize the risks as much as possible,
some precautionary measures should be implemented while working or surveying the
construction area. Abiding by these measures may very well save lives, even
yours.
One of the most common causes of
death at a construction site is a worker falling from a ladder or a scaffold. To
prevent this from happening, be sure that the materials and equipment used pass
the rules and standards set by law. It is also wise to hire well experienced
workers who know what they are doing, are aware of the dangers and do not need
as much training. All safety tips should be made known to all workers. Make
regular inspections of the equipment, particularly the scaffolds and ladders
where people keep standing or walking by. It would be safer to put a safety net
in areas where debris may fall as well as to ensure the safety of workers who
may for some reason or other fall off despite all the precautions.
Hard hats, masks, goggles, gloves
and other forms of protection should be available to all who are working in the
building while it is still being constructed. By abiding by these simple tips,
you may be saving the lives of yourself and your workers.
Here are just 4 specific
obligations for employers…
1. You must provide and maintain systems
of work, plant and machinery that are safe and without risk to health.
Example:
Keep machinery well maintained and regularly serviced according to the OHSAct
and Regulations.
2. You must take steps to eliminate
or mitigate any hazard or potential hazard to the safety or health of
employees, before resorting to personal protective equipment.
Example:
You should ensure good ventilation when painting – don’t merely resort to
the use of protective masks without attempting to ensure good ventilation to
start with.
3. You must make arrangements to ensure the safety and absence of
risks to health connected to the production, processing, use, handling,
storage or transport of articles or substances.
Example:
You need to ensure that the manufacture and handling of flammable substances
is done in a safe environment away from the risk of combustion or heat
sources.
4. You must find out what the health and safety hazards involved
with any work are. Once you have done this you must consider what
precautionary measures should be taken for these health and hazards and
implement those precautionary measures.
Example:
If employees are exposed to bladed machinery, you must ensure employees don’t
operate this machinery without the necessary protective clothing. You must
also ensure all blade safety covers are used and kept in good repair at all
times.
(DV)
DON’T NEGLECT CUTS
Infection is often called 'Blood
Poisoning'. It might be of interest to know exactly what is meant by 'Blood
Poisoning'. The term itself indicates that it is a poisoning directly related to
blood.
There are two ways in which a
poison can attack our bodies. It may be taken in through the mouth and enter the
body by way of the digestive organs, or it may enter directly into the blood
stream through an abrasion or cut in the skin. In any event, every poison
eventually works through the blood and the poison of infections works into the
blood stream directly.
The smallest cut, abrasion or
scratch is large enough for germs to enter. If they are not washed off they will
cause an infection which could lead to blood poisoning. If left untreated, a
hand or arm could become so infected that it might possibly have to be
amputated.
Should you find yourself with a
small scratch or cut be sure to get it washed out and properly covered with a
clean bandage. 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure'. Serious cuts
and lacerations need to be treated by professional medical personnel.
Most often you'll run up against
smaller injuries - burns, nicks, scratches and cuts. The danger here is that
most workers don't bother to get first aid for these minor injuries. The bottom
line is - DON'T NEGLECT CUTS. Do your part by trying to prevent them from
happening in the first place, but when any injury occurs - serious or minor - be
sure that it receives the right kind of treatment, as quickly as possible.
First aid kits must be checked;
frequently to be sure they are clean and fully stocked.
KEEP MINOR INJURIES MINOR!
FIRST AID TREATMENT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT INFECTION
(DV)
FALL PREVENTION TIPS
(2)
Continued from last week
Unprotected Sides, Wall Openings, and Floor Holes
Continued from last week
Unprotected Sides, Wall Openings, and Floor Holes
Almost all sites have unprotected sides and edges, wall
openings, or floor holes at some point during construction. If these sides and
openings are not protected at your site, injuries from falls or falling objects
may result, ranging from sprains and concussions to death.
· Use at least one of
the following whenever employees are exposed to a fall of 2 metres or more:
· Guardrails
· Safety Harnesses
· Fall Arrest
Systems
· Cover or guard
floor holes as soon as they are created.
· Guard or cover any
openings or holes immediately.
· Construct all floor
hole covers so they will effectively support two times the weight of
employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any
one time.
· In general, it is
better to use fall prevention systems, such as guardrails, than fall
protection systems, such as safety nets or fall arrest devices.
Ladders
You risk falling if portable ladders are not safely
positioned each time they are used. While you are on a ladder, it may move and
slip from its supports. You can also lose your balance while getting on or off
an unsteady ladder. Falls from ladders can cause injuries ranging from sprains
to death.
· Position portable
ladders so the side rails extend at least 1 metre above the landing.
· Secure side rails
at the top to a rigid support.
· Make sure that the
weight on the ladder will not cause it to slip off its support.
· Before each use,
inspect ladders for cracked, broken, or defective parts.
· Do not apply more
weight on the ladder than it is designed to support.
· Use only ladders
that comply with SANS standards
(DV)
FALL PREVENTION TIPS
Falls and falling objects can result from
unstable working surfaces, ladders that are not safely positioned, and misuse of
fall protection. Workers are also subject to falls or to the dangers of falling
objects if sides and edges, floor holes, and wall openings are not protected.
Any time a worker is at a height of two metres or more (construction industry)
the worker must be protected.
Fall Protection
Fall protection must be provided for each
employee on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge at the
height required by the SANS standard. Management is required to:
-
Develop, implement and
commit to a fall protection program
-
Provide training on the
fall protection program
-
Evaluate the program on
a regular basis to insure the program’s effectiveness and determine
whether it needs to be changed or updated
Employers are required to
assess the workplace to determine if the walking/working surfaces on which
employees are to work have the strength and structural integrity to safely
support workers.
Once employers have determined
that the surface is safe for employees to work on, the employer must select one
of the options listed for the work operation if a fall hazard is present.
-
Where protection is
required, select fall protection systems appropriate for given
situations.
-
Use proper construction
and installation of safety systems.
-
Supervise employees
properly.
-
Train workers in the
proper selection, use, and maintenance of fall protection systems.
(DV)
To be continued next week
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH (2)
appears quite frequently
in people exposed to asbestos dust. While science and medicine have not yet been
able to explain precisely why or how asbestos causes lung cancer to develop, it
is clear that exposure to asbestos dust can increase the risk of contracting
this disease.
Studies of asbestos workers have shown that the risk is
roughly five times greater than for people who are not exposed to asbestos.
Cigarette smoking, another cause of lung cancer, multiplies
this risk. Research has shown that the risk of developing cancer is at least
fifty times higher for asbestos workers who smoke than for workers who neither
smoke nor work with asbestos.
How hazardous materials evade the lung’s defenses
The airways of the respiratory system have developed an
elaborate system of defenses which trap all but the smallest dust particles.
This system consists of hairs in the nose and mucus in the trachea or bronchi.
The mucus is produced continuously by special cells in the walls of the larger
airways. It is moved upward and to the back of the throat by the whipping action
of cilia—tiny, hair-like projections on the cells of the trachea and bronchi.
Large dust particles are trapped in the mucus and are either swallowed or spit
out Once in the lungs, these tiny particles of dust may cause extensive scarring
of the delicate air sacs. This scarring starts the disease process which
produces severe shortness of breath. In addition, welding fumes or truck
exhausts can stimulate the lung’s defenses to produce large amounts of phlegm,
causing the condition known as chronic bronchitis. These same substances can
destroy the delicate air sacs of the lungs, causing emphysema.
(DV)
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH (1)
Routes of entry
Hazardous materials in the workplace may cause disease in the
body at four main sites:
-
Where they enter the body—entry routes such as the
lungs, skin, and intestines
-
In the blood that carries the hazardous materials
throughout the body
-
In the central nervous system
-
In the organs which have the ability to remove toxic
agents from the body: i.e., the liver, kidneys, and bladder (exit
routes).
This section briefly describes four routes of entry—inhalation,
absorption, ingestion, and injection—and some of the workplace hazards and
diseases commonly associated with them.
Inhalation
The body’s respiratory—or breathing—system is one of
the most common routes of entry for a toxic substance. The substance may cause
damage to the system itself or it can pass through the lungs to other parts of
the body. The main function of the respiratory system is to absorb oxygen from
the air and pass it on to the blood. It also removes carbon dioxide—the waste
gas produced by the body’s processes—from the blood and releases it in
exhaled air. Air reaches the lungs through a branching system of tubes, starting
with the trachea, or windpipe, which divides to form two bronchi, one to each
lung. Each bronchus, in turn, branches into many smaller divisions, finally
ending in a small cluster of tiny air sacs which are known as alveoli. The
oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange takes place through a very thin membrane
surrounding these air sacs. The lung is covered by a delicate lining known as
the pleura.
Cancer
It's not well understood exactly how a chemical produces
cancer. Some carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) are thought to interact
with the genetic material of the cell; others may interact with the immune
system; and still others are thought to act with other agents, but not initiate
cancer themselves. Whatever the mechanism, the effect is very often delayed,
sometimes up to 30 years.
Defining a chemical as carcinogenic usually involves animal
studies as a first step. If the substance causes cancer in animals, particularly
those that have biological systems similar to humans, it is classed as a
suspected carcinogen. Two examples are silica and refractory ceramic fibres
which cause lung cancer. Some chemicals have also been shown to be
cancer-causing through industrial experience. These include asbestos (cancer of
the larynx, lung, and abdomen), vinyl chloride (liver cancer), coal tar pitch
(skin cancer), chromium (lung cancer), and benzidine (bladder cancer). All
chemicals which have been classified as carcinogens should be handled with extra
care.
Asbestos
Inhaling asbestos dust has been shown to cause the following
diseases:
Asbestosis is a disease of the lungs caused by scar tissue
forming around very small asbestos fibres deposited deep in the lungs. As the
amount of scar tissue increases, the ability of the lungs to expand and contract
decreases, causing shortness of breath and a heavier workload on the heart.
Ultimately, asbestosis can be fatal.
To be continued………
(DV)
DRAFT
AMENDMENT TO CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS (Act 85 of 1993)
The new Draft Construction Regulations are finally out for
public comment. It is very important for management to sit down with their
safety personnel and study these proposed Regulations, as there are changes
proposed that can have quite an impact on your work on construction sites.
The following examples are of importance as they will be big
changes; you are encouraged to comment on other issues as well.
(CR - Construction Regulation)
CR 3: Application for permit to perform construction
work. This used to be the notification of construction work. The Client
will be required to apply for a permit from the Department of Labour and
submit important supporting documents that have to be reviewed and approved
before the permit is awarded. No site will be allowed to operate unless the
permit is displayed on the entrance to the site.
CR 4(o): The Client has to ensure that the Principal
Contractor on site is audited at least every 14 days. This could be
very time consuming for all.
CR 5: Same applies to the Principal Contractor; audits
must be performed on their Sub Contractors at least every 14 days.
CR 7(11): An employee performing construction work
must be in possession of a valid medical fitness certificate. This used
to only apply to employees working at heights and machine operators etc. It
now will apply to your whole workforce on a construction site.
Definitions: "fall risk" Employees
working at heights is no longer higher than 2 metres on site. It is now
called a fall risk which means: any potential exposure to falling either
from, off or into.
These are just a few examples of the changes that could take
place and affect your company and work on site.
Please ensure that you obtain a copy of these regulations and
spend time reviewing them.
A copy of this draft can be collected at any of our East Cape
MBA offices or can be emailed to you on request.
(DV)
NUISANCE NOISE
Noise, which can be described as sound that is unwanted by
the listener. Whilst it can be damaging to hearing can also be damaging to the
relationship with our surrounding neighbours and is responsible for more
complaints than any other site activities.
The Decibel Scale
Any Legislation?
Noise Induced Hearing Lose Regulations (OHSAct)
What can we do?
o Avoid delivery vehicles standing
outside your site, coordinate deliveries to site
o Keep noisy plant away from public
areas and property where possible
o Route site traffic to take in account
the need to avoid noise and vibration – maintain the haul roads
o Use mufflers or silencers to reduce
noise transmitted along pipes and ducts
o Careful selection of plant
o Operate plant properly
o Shut down plant when not in use, no
idling
o Where necessary noise screens on site
(DV)
TRASH CHUTES
Trash chutes (also called
disposal chutes) are commonly used on high rise projects. They are also used by
remodeler’s and roofers to keep their job sites cleaner and safer.
Guide for Discussion
-
No material shall be
dropped to any point lying outside the exterior walls of the structure
unless the area is effectively protected.
-
Whenever materials are to
be dropped in an unprotected area an enclosed chute will be used.
-
The chute should be fully
enclosed on all sides.
-
Never allow someone using
a chute to be subjected to material falling from above.
-
Be sure the chute door
can be securely latched in a closed position.
-
Be sure all debris is
collected into a suitable container (i.e., trash barrels, back of a dump
truck).
-
Never allow debris to
fall into an unguarded or unsecured area.
-
Never allow debris to
accumulate to overflow.
-
Keep a fire extinguisher
near the trash accumulation area.
-
Never put solvent, oil,
flammable liquids or materials soaked with any flammable liquids into a
trash chute.
-
If attached to a wall
opening, standard guardrails, a safety net system or a personal fall
arrest system must be used.
Additional Discussion Notes:
-
Chutes shall be designed
and constructed of such strength as to eliminate failure due to impact
of debris or other materials loaded on them.
-
Where debris is dumped
from a wheelbarrow or other mechanical equipment, a toeboard or bumper
not less than 8 cm thick and 12cm high will be mounted at each chute
opening.
Remember: The use of trash
chutes can greatly improve the housekeeping of any construction project. But
unless the chutes are properly constructed and used, they will do nothing but
create additional hazards for the workers. Be conscious of what you are doing
around a chute.
(DV)
THE DEADLY DOZEN
We all know that there must be a
cause for an accident to happen. In order to avoid accidents, we must remove the
cause. Every cause is a result of an unsafe act or unsafe condition. By
recognizing the unsafe act or condition, we can effectively remove the exposure
to them. The following "deadly dozen" are reminders to help you
recognize unsafe acts or conditions.
Guide for Discussion
Unsafe Acts
- Unauthorized use or operation of equipment.
- Failure to secure or tie down materials to
prevent unexpected movement.
- Working or operating equipment too fast.
- Failure to issue warnings or signals as
required.
- Using defective tools or equipment.
- Removing guards.
- Improperly using tools or equipment.
- Standing in an unsafe place or assuming an
improper posture (as in lifting).
- Servicing moving equipment.
- Riding equipment not designed for passengers.
- Horseplay.
- Failure to wear the proper personal protective
equipment.
Unsafe Conditions
- Lack of proper guards.
- Lack of a proper warning system.
- Fire and explosion hazards.
- Poor housekeeping.
- Unexpected movements.
- Protruding objects such as nails, wire, or
other metals.
- Improper clearance or congestion at aisles or
passageways.
- Poor placement, storage or arrangement of
materials.
- Hazardous tools, equipment or materials.
- Poor lighting, high noise levels.
- Hazardous atmospheric conditions.
- Improper personal attire.
Additional Discussion Notes:
Remember: Be able to
recognize these conditions or acts, you can effectively correct or avoid them
and reduce your personal exposure to the general causes of accidents.
(DV)
STEEL ERECTION
Falls account for a large
percentage of all construction fatalities and they are a major hazard during
steel erection. Each company must have an effective fall prevention program to
provide their workers with protection. Some potential fall areas to look out for
include falls from the structure to the ground, falls from one level to another,
falls from ladders and scaffolds.
Falling objects present another
hazard during steel erection. Safeguards include guard-rails and toe boards,
barricading areas below work areas and securing ladders. Additional Safeguards
include the strict use of proper personal protective equipment. Many employers
are requiring the use of 100% fail protection and full body harnesses. This is a
change from the way steel used to be erected.
Another area to watch out for
during steel erection is material handling. Sharp edges cause cut and
lacerations. Moving steel beams provides an opportunity for pinch points or
being caught between two heavy objects. Check your surrounding area for overhead
power lines; crane booms and load lines don't mix with electrical lines. The
crane superstructure swing radius needs to be barricaded to prevent anyone from
coming in contact with the counter weight, or being crushed between the cab and
crane chassis.
Steel erection can be extremely
hazardous if you don't follow the rules. Don't become a statistic.
USE TAGLINES TO CONTROL LOADS DURING STEEL ERECTION
(DV)
SKIN ABSORPTION
Absorption through the skin is
another common form of entry for toxic substances (e.g., organic solvents).The
skin is the largest organ of the body. Some chemicals can penetrate through the
skin, reach the bloodstream, and get to other parts of the body where they can
cause harm. Mineral spirits and other solvents used in the manufacturing of
paint can easily penetrate the skin.
Skin irritation
Dermatitis
is an inflammation of the skin which can be caused
by hundreds of workplaces substances like solvents (paints), epoxy resins,
acids, caustic substances, and metals. Dermatitis appears as redness, itchiness,
or scaling of the skin. There are two types of dermatitis:
· Primary irritation dermatitis
(contact dermatitis), and
· Sensitization dermatitis
(allergic dermatitis).
Contact dermatitis
is caused by friction, heat or cold, acids,
alkalis, irritant gases, and vapours. Skin in contact with the chemical turns
red, becomes itchy, and may develop eczema (inflammation, scaling, and
collection of fluid droplets under the skin’s surface). Typical hazards in
construction include caustics, acids, many chlorinated solvents, wet concrete,
chromic acid, and calcium hydroxide.
Allergic contact dermatitis,
on the other hand, is the result of an allergic reaction to a given substance.
Sensitization may be the result of prolonged or repeated contact and becomes
established usually within 10 to 30 days. The process could also take years.
Once sensitized, even a minute
exposure can produce a severe reaction. Substances like organic solvents
(paints), chromic acid, and epoxy resins can produce both primary and contact
dermatitis. Sensitizers include epoxy materials (especially the hardener),
nickel, and chromium.
Solvents
Keratin solvents: These
injure or dissolve the outer layer of the skin producing dry, cracked skin. All
the alkalis such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and calcium chloride
are keratin solvents.
Fat and oil solvents:
These remove the surface oils of the skin so that it can no longer hold water
efficiently. Dry, cracked skin results. Organic solvents such as toluene and
xylene will cause this condition.
(DV)
SAFETY IS COMMON SENSE
According to safety
professionals, four of five serious injuries are the result of workers not being
sensible on the job and taking unnecessary chances. Common sense on the job is
irreplaceable. Most of us have worked around people that are accident prone.
They aren’t jinxed; they aren’t very common sense smart. Today we want to
talk about using common sense to avoid accidents in the workplace.
Guide for Discussion
Common Sense "Smarts"
Always wear the proper personal
protective equipment.
Don’t over exert yourself –
get help with heavy tasks.
Don’t over extend yourself
when on ladders – and risk losing your balance.
Always use the proper tool for
the job.
Concentrate on your work.
Look for unsafe acts or unsafe
working conditions – and then report them.
Watch out for others –
remember you are part of a team.
Ask the following questions
before you begin to work:
Are the conditions safe to do
the work?
Are the methods we are going to
use safe?
Does everyone know what to do?
Does everyone know how to do
it?
Can I fall, get struck by, get
caught between or under, or get electrocuted on this job?
Additional Discussion Notes:
Remember: By remembering the
above common sense rules and by asking yourself about the conditions, methods,
job site hazards and knowing what to do, you should be able to decrease your
chances of being injured. Be "common sense smart" and prevent
accidents, not cause them.
(DV)
REFUELING EQUIPMENT
Refueling equipment is a necessary part
of each construction project. As such, it is important that this operation be
conducted in as safe a manner as possible. Remember that gasoline and fuel oils
are manufactured to cause an explosion (hopefully in the engine). Today, we want
to talk about simple refueling rules.
Guide for Discussion
Concentrate on the task to be performed.
Never smoke during refueling operations.
Don’t refuel near an open flame or
near a sparking situation.
Keep a fire extinguisher within reach.
If the equipment may accidentally move,
chock the wheels.
Always shut the engine off.
If necessary, allow the engine to cool.
Be sure both fuel dispensing tank and
equipment are grounded.
Don’t spill the fuel. (Spilled fuel is
a safety, health and environmental hazard).
Don’t overfill the fuel tank. On hot
days, allow for expansion.
Always clean up any spills.
Additional Discussion Notes:
Remember: If there is a refueling area,
be sure it is clearly marked and keep the area neat at all times. Whether you
are filling a bulldozer or a chain saw, it's better to do it properly than to
risk an explosion that could ruin or end your life and the life of those all
around you. Remember gasoline was designed to explode when ignited.
(DV)
PROTECTING THE PUBLIC
All construction companies need
to take serious steps to protect the public. It doesn’t really accomplish
anything if we protect the public after an accident; their lawyer will have a
field day in court at a cost to us and the future of our company.
Guide for Discussion
-
Efforts to protect the
jobsite should be directed toward the young. (Many liability claims come as
a result to injuries to youths that gain access to a jobsite after hours or
on weekends.)
-
Inform the police of the
normal hours of work and ask that they regularly patrol the site after
working hours.
-
Have workers report changes
in the work conditions that may require additional protective measures.
-
If possible, fence in the
site using plywood or chain link fences, keep the site well lit at night, or
provide for a night guard.
-
During working hours, don’t
let unauthorized personnel on the site without an escort.
-
Always rope off or barricade
excavations; protect against fall exposures.
Additional Discussion Notes:
Consider not installing risers
and tread on stairways until after the doors and windows are hung to keep
unwanted visitors out of the second or third floors.
Guardrails are an important fall
protection on stairways and landing platforms. What do we do to insure
guardrails remain functional?
Remember:
In all situations of public
exposure, it is important that steps are taken to eliminate the exposure of the
public to injuries on your jobsite. In defending a suit against the company,
good faith efforts can go a long way to protecting the company.
(DV)
INGESTION
A third major route of entry
for toxic substances is through the mouth and digestive tract. Toxic materials
may reach the stomach when food or drink is consumed, when cigarettes are smoked
in a dusty work area, when clean lunchrooms are not provided, when workers fail
to wash their hands before eating or smoking, or when food is left unwrapped in
a dusty place. Lead dust, for example, is easily ingested in this way and can
have serious health effects. Once swallowed, the substances enter the digestive
tract and may enter the bloodstream.
The digestive tract is a
continuous tube that extends from the mouth to the rectum. The organs of the
digestive system provide the means of ingestion, digestion, and absorption of
food. Almost all digestion and absorption of food and water take place in the
small intestine. The large intestine generally absorbs vitamins and salts.
Once swallowed, the toxic
substances enter the digestive tract, where they may enter the bloodstream and
move on to the liver. The liver and kidneys try to remove the poisons and make
the substances less harmful to the body, but they are not always successful.
INJECTION
In rare cases the chemical may
enter the body by injection. Skin can be punctured by paint from a high pressure
spray gun or oil from a high-pressure hydraulic hose. This is very serious and
requires prompt medical attention. Chemicals in the paint or oil can damage the
immediate area and be transported by the blood to a target organ. Chemicals can
also be injected into the body by means of puncture wounds from nails or
staples, for example.
(DS)
HOUSEKEEPING
Lack of proper housekeeping on the job is one safety hazard
common to all construction projects until after final cleanup. Good housekeeping
is one item that can help improve not only the safety on the job, but also the
morale and productivity of the job.
Guide for Discussion
The following "General Rules" should be covered in any discussion
on housekeeping:
-
Keep scrap wood with protruding nails separate from
other debris; Bend nails over or remove from wood.
- Keep all waste debris in neat piles and away from the immediate work
area.
- Remove debris from the job on a regular basis.
- Keep aisles, stairways and walkways clear.
- Store materials only in their designated areas.
- Place trash barrels where needed to eliminate food rubbish.
- Keep tools and equipment stored neatly.
-
Keep extension cords from being across walkways. If
necessary, run them overhead; same applies to air compressor hoses.
- Don’t let trash and debris build up. If it does, make an extra
effort to get it cleaned up.
Good Housekeeping Can:
-
Prevent minor injuries like cuts, punctures, slivers;
-
Prevent major accidents like slips, trips, falls and
fires;
-
Increase job productivity by speeding up the movement
of workers and materials on the job;
-
Keep compliance inspectors from visiting the job.
Remember: Good
housekeeping aids everyone and makes it easier for everyone to do their work
safely and with more pride.
(DS)
FLOORS AND OTHER OPENINGS
Injuries
in the workplace because of holes in walking and working surfaces are
commonplace. Slips, trips and even falls from one level to the next can be as
painful as a fall from a roof. The following items should be considered when
dealing with floors and other types of openings.
Guide for Discussion
Hazard Identification: Floor Openings
Temporary openings
Plumbing
Ventilation
Skylight wells
Manholes
Holes in Ground (Trenches and Excavations)
Wall/Window Openings
Temporary guardrail system
Methods of Protection
Use of standard guardrails
Use of covers
Able to support four times the intended load
Nail down
Mark with "Cover"
Additional Discussion Notes:
Floor Openings -- Types in Need of Guarding
Ladder way floor openings
Hatchways and chutes
Remember:
When you create a safety hazard, you need to protect others
against the hazard. The easiest method is to fix the problem when you create the
problem.
All floor covers must be able to support at least twice the
intended load and installed to prevent accidental shifting. Floor coverings
should be so marked in a bright colored paint to communicate the danger.
(DV)
CARE FOR THE INJURED
The following points should be covered on how to care for the
injured after a careful review of your Emergency Response Plan.
Guide for Discussion
Determine the seriousness of the injury:
If Serious:
Contact Emergency Response Team(s).
Do not move the injured person.
Get First Aid trained personnel assistance; ask them to help.
Keep the injured person from standing.
In case of bleeding—apply pressure to the wound. Do not use
a tourniquet except in cases of excessive bleeding.
If the injured person has stopped breathing, get someone who
has been trained in CPR to help restore the breathing.
Try to keep the injured person warm.
If Non-Serious:
Contact the supervisor immediately.
Do not try to get the injured person to move if a fall is
involved.
Get any First Aid treatment that may be needed. Be sure you
know the location(s) of the nearest First Aid kit on the job.
Other Items to be Aware of:
Report all injuries - even minor ones may become major ones.
Seek first aid for even minor injuries.
Be sure the emergency telephone numbers and the location of
the nearest cross street are posted in a conspicuous place on the job. Know
them.
Additional Discussion Notes:
· Company Emergency Medical Plan
including location of nearest telephone.
· Who is First Aid trained
· The First Aid kit is kept where?
· The Supervisory person to contact on all accidents/injuries is?
Remember: Be sure to review the
locations of First Aid kit(s) and emergency numbers on the jobsite.
(DS)
ANNUAL REGIONAL
SAFETY COMPETITION
SAFETY HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT
ENTER NOW
Entries close
16 APRIL 2010
Diona, Jannie, Simon and Manie are waiting to assist you.
Category winners will be entered into the
MASTER BUILDERS SOUTH AFRICA
National Safety Competition
The categories cater for Building Sites, Plant and Storage,
Allied Trades and Manufacturers.
Entries are confidential and a comprehensive report will be
generated.
Measure your company efforts in line with the Act and MBSA
recommendations.
The evaluation will include a Safety Star Grading.
Refer all safety enquiries to:
Port Elizabeth:
Jannie Nortjé tel. (041) 365-1835, return fax (041)
364-1676, Cell: 083 546 9730 E-mail: jannie@ecmba.org.za,
Diona Vermaak tel. (041) 365-1835, return fax (041) 364-1676,
Cell: 072 597 9127 E-Mail: diona@ecmba.org.za
Border-Kei:
Simon Boucher tel. (043) 7210 159, return fax (043)7210 593,
Cell: 079 877 5562, e-mail: simon@ecmba.org.za,
Diona Vermaak tel: (041) 365-1835, return Fax: (041) 364-1676, Cell: 072 597
9127, e-mail: diona@ecmba.org.za
Southern Cape:
Manie Klopper (044) 873-3356, return Fax: (044) 874-6381, Cell: 072 560 1309,
e-mail: manie@ecmba.org.za,
Jannie Nortjé (041) 365-1835, return fax (041)364-1676, Cell: 083 546 9730,
e-mail: jannie@ecmba.org.za
SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR ENTRY FORM è
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EAST CAPE MASTER BUILDERS & ALLIED INDUSTRIES ASSOCATION
EAST CAPE MASTER BUILDERS & ALLIED INDUSTRIES ASSOCATION
P O BOX 7086
NEWTON PARK 6055
TEL: 041-3651835
FAX 041-3641676
e-mail: ecmba@global.co.za
ANNUAL REGIONAL COMPETITION
ENTRY FORM
Construction Occupational Health- Safety- Environment
Regional/National/Competition Audit System and Star Grading Programme
ENTRY (Mark with X)
|
CATEGORY |
CONTRACT VALUE |
DETAILS |
X |
|
A |
Plant & Storage Yard |
Construction Company Yard |
|
|
B1 |
Allied Trades |
Builders Merchants, Formwork & Scaffold Storage Yards, etc. |
|
|
B2 |
Manufacturers |
Joinery, Aluminium Window/Door Warehouse & Factory, etc. |
|
|
C |
Less than R5m |
Building Sites |
|
|
D |
R5m to R20m |
Building Sites |
|
|
E |
R20m to R50m |
Building Sites |
|
|
F |
R50m to R120m |
Building Sites |
|
|
G |
R120m to R200m |
Building Sites |
|
|
H |
R200m to R500m |
Building Sites |
|
|
I |
R500m plus |
Building Sites |
|
Signed: ................................Designation:
..................................... Date: ......./............/.............
BARRICADES &
WARNING DEVICES
Two types of construction work,
which usually require a great deal of public protection, are new residential
developments and highway work. Both should require modifying the existing
traffic patterns and more importantly the existing driving habits of the public.
Today we will discuss the use of barricades and signs.
Guide for Discussion
Types of Accidents
Collision with construction equipment such as
forklifts or trucks.
Collision with other vehicles.
Pedestrians (both construction workers and
visitors) falling into excavations.
Driving into excavations.
Driving into work areas.
Loss of control of vehicle due to changes in road
conditions.
Types of Warning Devices
Signs
Cones
Drums
Barricades
Channelling devices such as barrier walls
Flashing lights
General Rules
Give the public plenty of warning
by use of signs
Make sure warning devices can be
seen and are effective
Use flagmen on narrow passages,
one way passages, or when construction vehicles will be interacting with the
public traffic flow
Maintain all barricades and signs
Give the construction area a
buffer area
Be sure you clearly mark the
beginning and end of the construction area.
Additional Discussion Notes:
Remember: There are numerous
specific rules for signs, barricades and warning device usage. It is important
we use all the types of warning devices we have to protect us and the public
around our construction site(s).
(DS)
WELDING EQUIPMENT
Continued from 2 February 2010
Welders must keep cylinders a safe distance from where they
are working, which means that hoses must be completely uncoiled. You should keep
the tanks and hoses behind you, never in front where flame, heat, or slag will
strike them. Hoses must be protected to keep trucks from running over them, and
people from walking into them or dragging things across them. Cylinders
must be properly secured when in use and the caps in place during
transportation.
VENTILATION
Good ventilation is a must for all welding operations. Many
of these operations produce fumes that are harmful in heavy concentrations, and
good ventilation is the only method of protecting yourself against this
hazard. Screens around your work must be placed so as not to prevent
good air circulation. Sometimes special ventilating equipment is
necessary. If you have any doubt about the adequacy of ventilation on
a job, ask the supervisor for his opinion. Don't weld in a small room or tank or
other closed place without first making sure the ventilation is good.
When welders leave their equipment or stop work, they must
shut off the oxygen and acetylene at the cylinders, so that no gas can enter
either hose. And, of course, the rule for everyone except the welders is:
"Hands Off All Welding Gear."
EYE PROTECTION
Eye protection is necessary on all welding jobs, and full
face protection is needed on many jobs. The type of protection you've been told
to wear on your operations has been proven necessary by experience.
Face and eye protection are needed in many operations
performed by welders besides actual cutting and welding. That's why, for
instance, electric welders need goggles as well as the regular helmet. Any
welder may have to do a good deal of chipping. And this work, usually done with
the helmet raised, can throw particles of metal into your eyes.
Basically, however, eye protection is designed to protect you
against sparks, slag, molten metal, and flash burns caused by radiation from the
welding equipment. If you follow the rules for wearing face and eye protection
you won't have any face and eye injuries from cutting or welding work.
EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY
Remember that preventing welding fires is everyone's responsibility, whether
doing the actual welding or not.
(DS)
BACKS
Have you ever given much thought to your back? It's there
when you need it, but only if you don't abuse it. The back is made up of four
major parts. The spine, nerves, muscles, and the spinal cord. There are
thirty-three bones in the spine and thirty-one pairs of nerves branching out
from the spinal cord. All of them must work together. If they don't, you could
end up with anything from a strain to a ruptured disk, fractured vertebrae,
and/or a debilitating disease like arthritis.
To help prevent a back injury you should exercise, practice
good posture, eat the right foods, and watch your weight. Check with your doctor
for muscle strengthening exercises for the back.
Other things you can do to prevent back injuries include
using work-saving devices -- hand trucks, forklifts and wheelbarrows, can assist
you. When you have an object to lift that is too heavy or bulky get help! Ask a
co-worker for their assistance. Remember, two backs are stronger than one.
Now, what can you do when you have to do some lifting? Check
out the object to be lifted. Think about how you are going to grasp the load and
make sure there is a clear path of travel so you won't stumble. Before you lift,
stand close to the object, bend down at the knees and straddle it, get a good
grip, and lift with your legs while keeping your back straight. The secret is to
let your legs do the work.
It doesn't have to be a heavy load -- even a small, very
light object lifted incorrectly can trigger a back injury.
Back injuries can be painful, disabling, paralyzing, and
sometimes even fatal. Protect your back by following the guidelines above.
You're here today -- we want you BACK tomorrow.
AVOID THE MISERY OF A SORE BACK - THINK BEFORE YOU LIFT -
THEN DO IT CORRECTLY.
(DS)
EQUIPMENT
1. Getting on and off equipment:
Getting on and off the machine is the No. 1 cause of injury
to equipment operators, forklift drivers and truck drivers, any one of whom will
readily share their "learning episode." It happens a lot.
First, check your gloves and boots. Clean the mud off before
climbing, and use "high grip" gloves for a secure hand hold. Next, use
a three-point stance going and coming. Use large size hand and foot holds.
Securely engage the entire hand and foot, avoiding a toe-hold or finger-hold
grip. Use a step ladder for access when no hand or foot holds are provided.
Avoid carrying objects while climbing.
If the machine needs additional hand holds or steps
installed, do it. Operators come in different sizes. Make it as easy and safe as
possible to ascend/descend. Avoid the need to stretch by putting the grab rails
where they're easy to securely reach.
When exiting the machine, correct practice is to lower
yourself in a controlled manner - never jump!
2. Loading / unloading equipment:
Even on level ground, there is a risk of machine roll-over
during loading or unloading. Make sure you are centered on the ramps and stay
straight. Allow enough room to maneuver the trailer and machine, which is
sometimes difficult on tightly compressed jobsites.
Use a spotter for guidance. Make sure the machine clears the
ramps before turning. Keep people away from the sides of the machine during
loading/unloading.
Check the trailer deck, clearances and stability. Review your
lock-out/tag-out plan to be sure the machine is at "Zero Energy State"
when stowed.
Use proper tie-down procedures. If using compression chain
binders, use caution when opening the handle. The load may shift just enough to
add tension to the chain and the handle may spring open. Use safety tie wires or
switch to ratchet binders.
3. People crowding the work area:
Ask any backhoe operator what their biggest headache is and
they will tell you without hesitation - people on the ground crowding the
machine. People love to stand at the edge of the hole and watch the dirt being
moved. There is usually no reason for them to be there, just force of habit. But
why create an exposure to injury when none needs to exist?
People on the ground must stay well away from the
machine operating area. Review this important point at safety meetings. Foremen
need to enforce this, not the operator.
When ready to start work, use the horn to warn people to stay
back; stop the machine if needed; and always check your back before backing up
the machine.
(DS)
WELDING FIRES
0ne of the worst factory
fires in history was started by sparks from a portable welding outfit, which
ignited liquid in a conveyor drip pan.
HOW WELDING FIRES START
Fires from welding operations are
started by sparks, hot slag, and flame from the torch. Sparks often drop or are
carried long distances by the wind. Slag falls on surfaces or materials below.
And a welding torch flame can ignite many substances within a radius of several
metres. Be familiar with the standard safety rules for welding so you can spot
and report any problems.
THE WELDERS' RESPONSIBILITY
When a welding operation moves
into a work area, it's primarily the welders' duty to guard against fire. This
means making sure there's no flammable material within range of the flame. Wood,
paper or other combustibles should be removed. The welders also are responsible
to see that no sparks or slag fall on combustible materials. Keep
extinguishing materials, such as water or sand, on hand if you must weld near
combustibles. You may even find it necessary to assign a worker with a fire
extinguisher to stand by and put out sparks.
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Welders should not begin working
in any area where there are flammable liquids before checking with the
supervisor. If you have to weld or touch any tank or drum that has contained
flammable liquids or gas, don't start your work until an approved test
shows that there's no danger of vapours present. Don't take anyone's word that
the tank or drum was tested previously. Insist on a test just before starting
your work.
COMBUSTIBLES
Where floors are combustible,
welders must place fire resistant material beneath the work area, so that hot
slag cannot contact the floor. Wood floors should be swept clean before welding
over them, and should be covered with metal or some other material that won't
burn. In some cases, it is advisable to wet the floor down. But remember that
this adds a shock hazard, which must be guarded against if you are arc welding.
Be sure there are no cracks into which sparks or slag may fall, and never allow
this hot material to fall into concealed spaces between walls and floors.
You may have to protect openings,
such as open doorways, with a non-combustible curtain. Be sure this curtain
reaches to the floor, so that the hot slag can't roll under it. Ask yourself
also if wind can carry sparks or slag over the side and down onto storage areas
or adjacent property.
To be continued next week
(DS)
SUMMER - HOT WEATHER
Summer is here and we need - to
think serious about working in heat and high humidity. Too much heat and
humidity can make people sick and in some cases, even cause death. Everyone
reacts differently to heat but we all need to know how to recognize and treat
heat emergencies.
Normally the body cools itself by
sweating. When the outside temperature is equal to or above the temperature of
the body and the humidity is high, our sweat does not evaporate and the body can
become overheated. Heat emergencies fall into three different categories:
HEAT CRAMPS cause painful spasms
of the leg and stomach muscles resulting from loss of fluids and salt from
sweating. Treatment is simple: massage the cramped muscles and drink fluids.
HEAT EXHAUSTION - the skin will
be cold, pale and clammy from perspiration. You may feel fatigue, nausea and
have a headache; you may also feel weak and faint. Treatment - move the victim
to a cooler place and lay them down with their feet elevated. Have them drink
small amounts of fluids at frequent intervals. Medical follow-up may be
advisable.
HEAT STROKE is the most serious
and potentially deadly heat emergency. Here is a malfunction in the body's
regulating system resulting in lack of sweating. Heat stroke is a medical
emergency and requires immediate treatment by a doctor. Symptoms include mental
confusion; the victim may stagger or even lapse into unconsciousness. The skin
will be dry, hot and flushed. Treatment - call an ambulance or nearest medical
responder immediately. Move the victim to a cooler place and lay them down with
the head elevated. Sponge with cool water until help arrives.
Here are some basic things we can
do to prevent heat emergencies and make it easier for our bodies to handle the
heat and humidity.
-
Get a good nights sleep,
eat moderately on hot days, wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing,
drink plenty of cool water, avoid intake of alcohol, drugs, etc.
-
Even some prescription
drugs may affect your tolerance to heat.
-
Never ignore the symptoms
of heat illness in yourself or a co-worker.
-
Get help immediately!
(DS)
Managing the
Construction Zone
Road works operations need to
be carefully planned and administered to avoid accidents. Most accidents with
minor plant and equipment are caused by improper usage and poor maintenance.
Management guidelines of construction zones are very comprehensive – we would
however like to focus on a few examples of how effective management can limit
the risk of accidental road accidents:
· Signs must be kept clean and
well maintained if they are to be effective.
· Press and radio releases are
often a valuable means of warning drivers of what to expect at a site, thus
minimising impatient and dangerous behaviour. [This is also good PR!]
· Workers who control traffic
must be properly trained.
· Traffic controllers must know
where to stand, how to slow or stop traffic, and how to coordinate public and
construction traffic movements.
· Controllers should use
two-way radio communication when visual contact between traffic controllers is
not possible. Where the site is suitable and they are available, arrangements
should be made to use temporary traffic signals to control traffic.
· Traffic controllers and
general road workers should wear suitable conspicuous clothing to ensure that
they can be seen by motorists
· Unnecessary traffic control
signs or road markings must be removed as they tend to confuse motorists and
make them careless.
· Where vehicles are held up in
queues, a worker might be appointed to talk with motorists, apologise for
delays, estimate the length of the delay, and generally keep people informed.
· Speed limits should be
consistent with safe site operations and traffic movements.
· Compliance with reasonable
speed limits will then be more likely - If motorists perceive a speed limit to
be unrealistic, they are likely to disregard it.
· A variety of devices and
technology can provide information to motorists, including brighter, bigger
electronic signs.
· Trucks which are regularly
used for transporting workers should been closed, have seats which are attached
to the vehicle, and have a safe means of access and egress. Drivers of trucks
carrying passengers should be alert, dependable and careful.
· A systematic preventative
maintenance programme should be established for all trucks, plant, and
vehicles.
· All access points leading to
the area where construction blasting works are carried out must be manned to
prevent entry during blasting.
(DS)
First Aid
It's an excellent idea for construction workers and for
everyone to know first aid fundamentals: how to stop bleeding, start breathing,
start a stopped heart beating again, and give any other vitally needed care
until professional help arrives.
Whether or not you've had any first aid training, you should
know this principle that is too often forgotten in many emergencies: DON'T MOVE
ANYONE WHO APPEARS TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED. Well-meaning people often have the
impulse to hoist an accident victim to a sitting position, or pointlessly move
them from here to there...or from there to here.
The victim of a bad fall, or of some other accident on your
project, might have internal injuries or a fractured spine; if so, trying to
move him needlessly might aggravate the injury—might permanently cripple, or
even kill them!
Wait until experts arrive who will transport the victim to a
hospital with a minimum of danger. If the person must be moved to save them from
additional danger, try to work a blanket or coat under them, then pull them
gently along the ground to a safe location. If they must be lifted, support each
part of his body so that his entire frame is kept in a straight line.
Good first aid is not only knowing what to do—how to stop
excessive bleeding, or restore breathing; it's also knowing what not to do—not
to move a seriously injured person unless absolutely necessary.
So if someone is ever seriously hurt on the job, see that
professional help is called right away—then see that what needs to be done is
done... and that what needs not be done isn't done.
(DS)
Road
Safety for drivers / motorists at construction zones / road works
Perhaps the best way to avoid
long delays, frustration, and the potential for an accident is to avoid
construction zones whenever possible. If a construction zone is unavoidable,
drivers should allow extra time in their schedules in case there are traffic
delays. Every safe driver has a responsibility to exercise caution and good
judgment in construction zones. Consideration for the safety of construction
workers and other motorists can help turn highway construction areas into
"safe zones" for everyone.
Before embarking on the road to
the construction zone it is advised to schedule enough time to drive safely and
to check the radio or internet websites for traffic information. Expect delays
and leave early so you can reach your destination on time.
Safety professionals recommend several
precautions to help make construction zones safer for everyone:
-
When approaching a
construction/maintenance situation exercise caution and slow down.
-
Observe warning and
caution signs before entering a construction zone.
-
Observe these posted
signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone.
-
Turn on your lights to
make your vehicle more visible.
-
Expecting the unexpected
is a golden rule when travelling through construction zones.
-
Avoid abrupt driving
manoeuvres.
-
Always be aware that
vehicles ahead of you may stop unexpectedly.
-
Maintain a safe following
distance. Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of
construction zone accidents.
-
Drivers should slow to
the posted speed and move to the proper lane as instructed.
-
Traffic and road
conditions may dictate an even slower speed.
-
Keep -up with the traffic
flow. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by
merging smoothly and not slowing to "gawk" at road work and
equipment and crews.
-
Obey road crew flaggers!
The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone.
A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited
for disobeying his or her direction.
-
Drivers should not wait
until the last minute to merge to the correct lane.
-
Use correct merging
techniques when changing lanes – use your indicators.
-
Narrow lanes and
restricted shoulders make construction zones a common place for
lane-change accidents.
-
Regular traffic lanes are
often shifted to temporary lanes and shoulders that may not provide the
stability regular traffic lanes offer.
-
Stay alert for aggressive
drivers. If another motorist is aggressively jockeying for position,
drivers should let them move on. Challenging another driver encourages
road rage and endangers the safety of other motorists and workers in the
area.
-
Avoid distracting
activities. Remaining alert for unexpected hazards is critical when
travelling through construction zones. Talking on a cell phone, tuning the
radio, eating, reading, or other similarly distracting activities can
quickly lead to an accident.
-
Watch for construction
equipment and workers. Construction equipment entering and exiting a work
zone without warning, equipment extending into traffic, and construction
crews and flaggers working dangerously close to moving traffic are a few
of the hazards to expect.
-
Stay alert for obstacles
and debris. Construction equipment, signs, and barriers may be located
close to the edge of the roadway. Debris from work projects, especially
dust, dirt, and gravel, may cause added disruption.
- Be patient, cautious, and courteous.
Remember, the work zone crew members are working to improve the road and
make your future drive better.
(DS)
Carpenter
Dies from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning while Using a Fuel Powered Generator
inside a Construction-site Storage Container
Summary
A 43-year-old finishing carpenter (the victim) died from
carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, while he was working inside a metal storage
container where a fuel powered generator was operating. The victim was putting
equipment away and completing tasks at the end of the day, after having
installed a newel post in a residential home in a new housing complex. The
generator was running, providing energy for a light. When the victim did not
return home after work and did not answer his cell phone, his wife and her two
brothers went to the storage container and found the victim.
He had been overcome by CO and had collapsed inside the
storage container. A call was placed for emergency medical services (EMS). One
of the victim’s wife’s brothers turned off the generator and pulled the
victim out of the storage container. They administered cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR). Once EMS arrived the victim was transported to a local
hospital where he was pronounced dead. To prevent similar occurrences in the
future, employers should:
· Always leave
fuel-burning generators outside of buildings and storage containers when
operating;
· Ensure carbon monoxide
detectors are used when fuel-burning generators are running and employees are
located at indoor and/or partially enclosed work sites.
· Provide electricity at
long term tool and equipment storage locations being supplied to subcontractors;
· Ensure that the maps of
construction sites provided to local emergency response personnel include all
storage locations for materials and equipment.
· Provide warnings about
the hazards of carbon monoxide associated with fuel-burning generators on labels
permanently affixed to the generators.
· Promote research to
develop fuel-burning generators that reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Background
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless and
tasteless gas produced by burning fuel, such as gasoline, kerosene, oil,
propane, coal or wood. When fuel-burning equipment, tools and appliances are
used in enclosed spaces, or spaces without good ventilation, CO levels can build
up quickly and can result in death.
CO is extremely hazardous, because it deprives the body of
oxygen and reaches deadly levels without being detected.
(DS)
Worker
crushed under load when forklift tips
At a metal fabricating shop, a worker was operating a forklift, moving a load
of metal plates. The load — over 1½ metres wide — weighed about 2,794
kilograms. The metal plates were being carried on a custom-made load-handling
rack attached to the forklift forks. This steel rack weighed 299 kilograms and
was so large that it affected safe operation. The forklift operator travelled
with the load elevated about 2 metres off the ground so that it could clear a
welding shield set up near a metal fabricator's workstation.
The forklift approached the workstation where the fabricator was welding with
his back to the forklift. The fabricator was wearing a welding helmet and
hearing protection. He did not hear the forklift operator's attempts to get his
attention. Just as the forklift operator applied the brakes, the fabricator
turned toward the forklift with its elevated load. The metal plates slid off the
forklift's load rack, the forklift tipped forward, and the load rack itself slid
off the forks. The fabricator was knocked to the ground and pinned underneath
the load rack with its remaining plates. He suffered fractured and broken bones.
Safe work practices:
· Consult the forklift manufacturer
or a professional engineer before using any custom-made load-handling
attachments, racks, or pallets that may affect the stability and rated
capacity of forklifts.
· Provide specific written safe
work procedures for the operation of forklifts. Train forklift operators in
these procedures. The procedures should include — but are not limited to
— the following:
- Determine the load weight, load centre, and combined centre of
gravity.
- Use an effective means of communication to alert workers who are in
the vicinity of operating forklifts.
- Ensure a clear view of the work area before moving loads.
- Ensure that approved custom-made load-handling attachments, racks, or
pallets and loads that could shift are properly secured.
- Do not travel with an elevated load.
· Keep forklift routes clear. If
necessary, change workplace layout to keep forklift traffic away from
workstations and pedestrians.
Do not operate a forklift unless all the safe work requirements listed here
have been met.
(DS)
HAZARDS
Am I In Danger?
If vehicle safety practices are not observed at your site, you risk being
pinned between construction vehicles and walls, struck by swinging backhoes,
crushed beneath overturned vehicles; you risk being struck by trucks or cars.
How Do I Avoid Hazards?
· Wear seat belts
that meet OSHA standards except on equipment that is designed only for standup
operation, or that has no rollover protective structure.
· Check vehicles
before each shift to assure that all parts and accessories are in safe
operating condition.
· Do not drive a
vehicle in reverse gear with an obstructed rear view, unless it has an audible
reverse alarm, or another worker signals that it is safe.
· Drive vehicles or
equipment only on roadways or grades that are safely constructed and
maintained.
· Make sure that you
and all other personnel are in the clear before using dumping or lifting
devices.
· Lower or block
bulldozer and scraper blades, end-loader buckets, dump bodies, etc., when not
in use, and leave all controls in neutral position.
· Set parking brakes
when vehicles and equipment are parked, and chock the wheels if they are on an
incline.
· All vehicles must
have adequate braking systems and other safety devices.
· Haulage vehicles
that are loaded by cranes, power shovels, loaders etc., must have a cab shield
or canopy that protects the driver from falling materials.
· Do not exceed a
vehicle's rated load or lift capacity.
· Do not carry
personnel unless there is a safe place to ride.
· Use traffic signs,
barricades or flaggers when construction takes place near public roadways.
· Workers must be
highly visible in all levels of light. Warning clothing, such as red or orange
vests, are required; and if worn for night work, must be of reflective
material.
(DS)
WORKER
DIES AFTER BEING STRUCK BY REVERSING DUMP TRUCK
A new road was being preloaded
with sand and gravel. An engineer walked across a dump truck staging area next
to the road while talking on his cellphone. A spotter was using hand signals to
direct a loaded dump truck backwards along the staging area. The truck driver
was maintaining visual contact with the spotter in his side-view mirror. The
dump truck's backup alarm was working normally. Two or three similar backup
alarms were also sounding from other nearby mobile equipment.
The spotter turned away from
the dump truck for about 10 seconds to check for other vehicles. He continued to
motion the dump truck to reverse, without maintaining visual contact with it.
During this 10-second interval, the engineer stepped onto the staging area
between the spotter and the reversing dump truck. Still talking on the
cellphone, he stopped directly behind the reversing vehicle with his back to it.
The driver could not see the engineer and continued to reverse as directed by
the spotter. The spotter did not see the engineer.
The engineer was unaware that
the dump truck was approaching. One of the dump truck's rear tires snagged the
back of the engineer's leg, pulling him under the truck. He died from his
injuries.
Safe work practices:
Establish and enforce safe
work procedures for working around mobile equipment, including the
following:
- the use of cellphones and other
communication devices
- wearing high-visibility apparel
- making eye contact with equipment operators or spotters when entering
mobile equipment work zones
Remind spotters or signallers
to maintain continuous visual contact with mobile equipment operators.
If practicable, ensure that
mobile equipment backup alarms are audible above ambient noise levels.
If practicable, establish
designated pedestrian routes through worksites and use signs to indicate them.
(DS)
Abrasive wheel
on grinder breaks, killing worker
A worker was using a hand-held
5-inch angle grinder while working on a wrought iron gate when the abrasive
wheel broke and pieces flew off. One piece cut into the worker's thigh, severing
a large artery. The worker collapsed from the blood loss and later died.
The accident investigation
found that the abrasive wheel that broke was rated for a maximum of 6,110 rpm
but the angle grinder was rated at 10,000 rpm. As well, the abrasive wheel was
larger than 5 inches in diameter, preventing the installation of the guard
provided with the grinder.
Safe work practices:
-
Use only abrasive wheels
that match the diameter and speed (rpm) rating of the grinder.
-
Before using a grinder,
always make sure the guard is installed.
-
Ensure that workers are
adequately trained in the safe use of grinders and that they know about rpm
limitations.
-
Always wear adequate eye
and face protection when using a grinder. Hearing protection and
flame-resistant clothing must also be worn.
(DS)
FALLING / FLYING OBJECTS
Am I In Danger?
You are at risk from falling objects when
you are beneath cranes, scaffolds, etc., or where overhead work is being
performed. There is a danger from flying objects when power tools,
or activities like pushing, pulling, or prying, may cause objects to become
airborne. Injuries can range from minor abrasions to concussions, blindness,
or de
How Do I Avoid Hazards?
General
- Wear hardhats.
- Stack materials to prevent sliding, falling, or collapse.
- Use protective measures such as toeboards.
Power Tools, Machines, etc.
-
Use safety glasses, goggles, face shields, etc.,
where machines or tools may cause flying particles.
-
Inspect tools, such as saws to insure that protective
guards are in good condition.
-
Make sure you are trained in the proper operation of
power tools.
Cranes and Hoists
Avoid working underneath loads being moved.
Barricade hazard areas and post
warning signs.
Inspect cranes and hoists to see that
all components, such as wire rope, lifting hooks, chains, etc., are in good
condition.
Do not exceed lifting capacity of cranes and hoists.
Overhead Work
- Secure tools and materials to prevent them from falling on people
below.
- Barricade hazard areas and post warning signs.
- Use toeboards, screens, or guardrails on scaffolds to prevent
falling objects, or,
- Use debris nets, catch platforms, or canopies to catch or deflect
falling objects.
(DS)
Worker
dies after being thrown
back by concrete pump hose
A concrete pump truck was
pumping concrete into the walkway of a house while a worker held the end hose.
The rubber hose was 6 metres long and had a coupling device attached at the end.
The operator of the concrete pump truck saw that the concrete had stopped
flowing out of the hose as the result of a blockage. He pushed the emergency
stop button and the pumping stopped. However, compressed air trapped behind the
blockage forced it to clear suddenly. Concrete burst out of the hose, causing
the hose to whip out. The worker holding the hose fell backwards. He struck his
head on a piece of scrap lumber and later died of his injuries.
Safe work practices:
- Maintain regular communication between
workers about hazards while the pumping operation is in progress.
- Stay out of the end-hose discharge area when air has entered the
delivery system and a blockage is suspected.
Follow the manufacturer's
instructions for the operation and maintenance of concrete pump trucks. For
example, the end hose should be no longer than the manufacturer allows, and it
should not have a coupling attached at the end.
(DS)
|
