Weekly Safety Meetings

FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
COMPANY NAME JOB NAME DATE
SOIL COMPACTOR SAFETY

Soil compactors stabilize soil by compressing, kneading, or vibrating it to remove air pockets and increase density. Different
compactors are used depending on the type of soil. Due to weight, frequency, and force of movement, soil compactors can cause serious
or fatal injuries if used improperly.
Rammers drive a metal foot into the soil with a high impact force. Vibratory plates use low force, but a high frequency
movement to settle the soil. Rollers knead and compress soil with their weight and movement. Manual walk-behind rollers have smooth
or padded drums. Ride-on rollers can vibrate or use heavy metal or rubber tires to compact soil. They can be small for patch jobs or large
for big jobs like asphalt finishing work.
Read operating instructions and get hands-on training for each soil compactor you use. Know how to use all of the controls
before you operate one. Choose the correct soil compactor for the soil type (cohesive, granular, or mix). Use machines only on stable
ground. Work up or down a slope, not across it. Get training in trenching and excavation and keep away from the edges of building pits
and excavations. Face toward the soil compactors direction of travel.
Follow manufacturers maintenance schedules and inspect equipment before each use. Lockout energy controls and blockout
stored energy before you perform maintenance. Allow machines to cool before fueling or performing work. Combustion engines emit
carbon monoxide and other pollutants, so dont operate them indoors or in a confined space.
To prevent caught/crush injuries, maintain guards on moving parts and at pinch points. Choose machines with safety bars or
switches that stop the machine if the operator lets go. Use backup alarms to warm pedestrians of ride-on compactor movements. Rollover
Protective Structures (ROPS) and seatbelts to keep you safe. Dont operate a soil compactor if you are a minor or under the influence of
medications, drugs, or alcohol.
Extend use of a vibrating soil compactor can lead to vibration syndrome, an ergonomic injury causing damage to finger
circulation and nerves. Symptoms include numbness, pain, and blanching. Soil compactor instructions include vibration level ratings and
maximum usage times. Most equipment has vibration isolation technology on handles and seats. Excessive vibration may indicate poor
maintenance or disrepair. Wear anti-vibration gloves if needed.
To avoid strains and sprains, maintain proper posture and a straight back when using / driving a soil compactor. Adjust steering
handles / wheels to fit your height and arm length without hunching over or reaching up. Keep equipment controls close to your body
with your arms at waist height. Compactors are HEAVY. Dont lift, wiggle, or force their movement. Use loading ramps, integrated
wheels, or get help when loading and unloading machines.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) like sturdy work boots protect your feet from puncture and crush injuries. Consider
additional toe protection for walk-behind compactors. Work gloves protect your hands from blisters, cuts, and punctures. Safety glasses
and face shields protect against flying debris and dust. Ear muffs or plugs restrict hearing loss due to load compaction equipment. A hard
hat and comfortable work clothes are always needed on construction sites. Consider a dust mask or respirator depending on the worksite
and substrate being compacted.
Special Topics For Your Project
Employee Safety Recommendations
Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Meeting Attended By:
Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

ROOFING (HEAT) HAZARDS

Roofing work using tar, torches, or welding exposes workers to heat, burns, and overexertion that can lead to serious
injuries and heat illness.
During work, wear light-colored, flame-resistant clothing with long sleeves and cuffless long pants to protect you from
heat and burns. Collars and cowls protect your face, neck and ears. Wear a hard hat, safety boots with a non-slip sole and heel, and
leather or heat-resistant gloves. Dont tuck your pants into your boots. Face shields, side-shielded safety glasses, or goggles protect
your eyes. A respirator protects your lungs from fume exposures.
Check the weather before you work. Work in high temperatures and humidity can lead to heat illness. At the job site, try to
work in cooling breeze and keep fumes away from workers. Do the heaviest work in shaded areas and the coolest part of the day.
Stay hydrated by drinking frequent, small amounts of water. Remove your protective equipment when you take breaks.
To prevent fires, clear flammable materials, gases and / or liquids off the roof. Mark and protect permanent building
fixtures, gas, and electrical lines. Seal off air intakes and roof openings to keep fumes and flame out of the building. Have fire
extinguishers available. Make an emergency plan. Know the roof escape routes. Set up communication between the roof crew,
building, and ground workers. Know the local emergency numbers for fire and medical services. Know first aid for heat illness and
severe burns.
For hot tar roofing, wear a face shield when you add tar chunks or kegs to the tanker truck or kettle. Pumping the hot tar to
a hot lugger tank on the roof and then to a mop cart is the safest. Hot tar from hand-carried buckets can splash and burn you. Dont
carry hot tar buckets up a ladder; use a hoist line. When you carry a hot tar bucket, walk cautiously to avoid slips and falls. Keep
buckets and carts covered until you use or dump the materials.
Hand-held or walk-behind roof torches can exceed 20000 F. Dont torch directly onto building materials, flashing, or voids
in the roof. Be careful on heavy slopes; walk-behinds can roll away or tip over. Dont pull a walk-behind backward on roofs that
exceed a 4:12 slope. When you set the torch down, always turn it off and set it upright on its legs. Dont hang a torch over the roof
edge. To turn the torch off, turn off the propane fuel tank first, then allow the gas in the line to burn off. Stop working 2 3 ours
before you leave the job to prevent hot spots or smoldering fires.
Welding machines to apply plastic roof membranes reach 11000 F and use up to 220 volts of electricity. To prevent electric
shock, use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and avoid rain or wet areas. Dont touch grounded objects such as pipes or
scaffolding while operating the equipment. Dont overheat plastic membranes, they can emit toxic compounds.


CAL/OSHA INSPECTIONS
Cal/OSHA inspectors make unannounced visits to ensure California workplaces are safe and healthy. If your business has a
documented uncontrolled hazard and, as a result, receives a Cal/OSHA citation, the resulting penalties, legal issues, and lowered
employee morale and publicity can have serious financial and business impacts. Managers, supervisors, and employees need to know
what to expect during a Cal/OSHA inspection and how to respond appropriately.
Cal/OSHA conducts site inspections in cases of imminent danger or industrial accidents. A fatal injury to one or more
employees; a serious injury or illness; a serious exposure; or the inpatient hospitalization, regardless of duration, of three (3) or more
employees (a catastrophe) will trigger an accident investigation and must be reported to Cal/OSHA within 8 hours. Inspectors also focus
on high-hazard work sites and industries with loss rates at or above the Bureau of Labor Statistics averages.
Inspectors will also visit worksites as a response to employee complaints posing an imminent danger. At times, employee
complaints may be considered low risk. These are handled with a letter reporting general information and a request to follow-up and
report back within a certain time period. Conduct investigations into these complaints, gather documentation, and submit it in writing on
time to the Cal/OSHA office. Note that the name of the complaining employee will be kept confidential. It is against the law to retaliate
against employees for reporting safety hazards and concerns.
Cal/OSHA inspectors will present their identification and request permission from a management representative to conduct a site
inspection. Instruct your receptionist and / or security personnel on which management staff should be notified of a visit. Inspectors will
wait on site about one hour for management contact. They will conduct an opening conference to explain the reason for the visit.
Inspection walkthroughs may include your entire facility, or targeted work area. Inspectors have the right to walk around the building
(accompanied), interview employees in private, and document hazards with photos and measurements.
When you work with an inspector, be courteous and friendly. Limit the inspection focus to only the documents and facility areas
listed in the opening conference. Accompany the inspector at all times, though private employee interviews can be arranged in controlled
access conference rooms. Provide neutral, fact-based answers to the inspectors questions; dont offer opinions or guess at answers. It is
okay to offer follow-up at a later date. Dont argue with an inspector. Also, dont agree with comments as they may be incorrect. Dont
make jokes about health and safety, worksite, or personnel matters. Keep notes, photos, and records during the visit. If the inspector takes
measurements or readings, conduct the same measurements and reading simultaneously.
After the walkthrough, the inspector should conduct a closing conference to provide inspection results, next steps and timelines.
Inspectors may request protocols, work procedures, or other documents. Deadlines for submittal range between 24 hours and 14 days, The
Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) may be required immediately, since it is required to be readily accessible to employees.
Conduct follow-up investigations, corrective actions and gather requested documents and provide them to the inspector by the stated
deadline. Missed deadlines can result in further site inspections or citations.
Cal/OSHA inspections are unannounced. Start planning now so you can present a competent, organized, and compliant response
to a Cal/OSHA inspection. Designate and train staff to respond to Cal/OSHA inspectors. Maintain your safety programs and employee
training procedures at appropriate levels. Keep safety records organized and on site to ensure key staff know how to access them.


CARPET LAYER SAFETY
Carpet layers install a wide range of flooring products in homes and buildings to enhance style and comfort. The hazards involved with
this work include the use of sharp and cutting tools and materials, the use of chemical adhesives and treatments, and physically
demanding work that can result in ergonomic injuries.
If you install carpet for a living, focus on ergonomics. Before installation, you often have to clear out furniture and haul old and
new carpeting materials. Use proper lifting techniques to protect your back. Maintain a level of good overall health and fitness. Take
frequent mini-breaks to rest, and rotate your tasks as much as possible.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that carpet layers account for 6% of all reported knee
injuries, a rate 100 times the national worker average. Because you spend about 75% of your work time kneeling on hard sub-flooring,
use knee pads to reduce the contact stress. Kneepads can also prevent accidental punctures from tack strips, flooring irregularities, and
other sharps.
Use of a knee-kicker to stretch carpet wall-to-wall in a room or to engage the room-edge tack strip can cause knee injuries due to
force and repetition. Workers must forcefully strike the knee kicker approximately 120-140 times each day. A hard and arm operated
power carpet stretcher accomplishes the same tasks with reduced force. Dont trade a knee injury for a hand, arm, or shoulder injury; get
training and follow ergonomic principles when using the power stretcher.
Carpet cutting tools, sharp tack strips, sewing materials, and staples can cause injuries if you do not use hand protection and tool
safety. Gloves should be of sufficient weight to protect you while still allowing full movement of your hand; you may need several pairs
of gloves for different work tasks. Consider wearing eye protection to protect against flying debris and sharp objects. Always use the
correct tool for the job. Ensure that your cutting tools are in good condition and sharp enough to do the job. Watch where you place your
hands and knees so you do not come into contact with sharp tacks, staples, or cutting tool edges. Use caution with heat-tape and carpet
irons to avoid burns.
When you use adhesives and glues to install carpet and padding, get training and read the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for
information on handling, mixing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for safe use. Some carpets may require special
handling due to their contents or treatments. Read the carpet health information labels for the flooring materials that you install and
follow the directions for the installation.
Knowledge of the hazards of carpet installation and the use of good ergonomics and work practices can keep you safe wall to wall.


COLD STRESS
Working under cold conditions can lead to various injuries or health effects, which are collectively known as cold stress.
Construction workers may experience cold stress when working: Outdoors on a cold day, in a refrigerated room, in an unheated building,
in cold water, rain or snow and / or while handling cold objects or materials.
Other workers who may be susceptible to cold stress include field workers, cold storage workers, and workers who work with
refrigerated or frozen foods.
The hazardous effects of cold on the body may include dehydration, numbness, shivering, frostbite, immersion foot (trench foot),
and hypothermia. Hazards associated with cold stress are categorized into systemic and local effects. Local effects impact the part of the
body where the exposure to cold is the greatest. Systemic effects impact more than just the local area and can affect the whole body.
Numbness, frostbite, and immersion foot are all local effects. Immersion foot is the result of the skin having been exposed to
long to cold and dampness. Immersion foot can result in swelling, tingling, itching, loss of skin or skin ulcers. Hypothermia is the most
serious effect of cold stress. Once the body loses the ability to maintain its normal temperature, the body temperature lowers, and other
symptoms such as violent shivering, slow or slurred speech, confusion, hallucinations, a weak and irregular pulse, or unconsciousness
occurs. Certain people are more susceptible than others to cold stress. People who are not physically fit, have a chronic illness, drink
alcohol or take drugs (including prescription drugs), are wet or damp from work or weather, are fatigued, are exposed to vibration from
tools, dont wear the right clothing, or are not used to working in cold have a higher risk from cold stress.
How can you recognize cold stress? Shivering is the bodys response to cold stress and serves as a protection mechanism by
increasing the rate of the metabolism. Be on guard for cold stress if workers are shivering because its a good sign of cold stress and
possible hypothermia. Subjective responses of workers provide a good tool for recognizing cold stress in the workplace. Worker
behaviors that may indicate cold stress exposures include seeking warm locations, adding layers of clothing, or increasing the work rate.
If there is a noticeable drop in manual dexterity for workers, local cold stress may be occurring. Manual dexterity decreases with cold,
which could result in safety hazards to the worker and coworkers.
Employers can help protect workers from cold stress by proving training, controlling temperature and wind when possible by
using heaters and windbreaks, rotating workers in cold jobs so that no one is exposed too long, scheduling work at the warmest times,
encouraging self-pacing and extra breaks if necessary, establishing a buddy system, and keeping first aid supplies and equipment
available.
Equally important, employees can do their part to prevent cold stress. Proper insulation and good ventilation is critical for
clothing worn during cold stress exposures. Better insulation is achieved by layering clothes rather than by wearing just one warm
garment. Layering allows a person to add or remove layers to adjust for different insulation needs during the work period.
Note that the insulation quality of clothing may be greatly decreased by moisture. Thus, water vapor permeability is also
important. A waterproof shell may not allow sweat to escape. A water repellent shell may keep a worker warmer. Seek warm locations
during breaks and replace lost fluids with warm, sweet, non-caffeine-containing drinks to avoid dehydration. By taking the necessary
precautions, employers and workers together can minimize the potential for cold stress.


AMMONIA SAFETY
Ammonia is a commonly used chemical in commercial and household cleaners. In industry, ammonia is used in petroleum
refining, to manufacture pharmaceuticals, to disinfect water, and as a refrigerant. In agriculture, ammonia can be used for crop processing,
fertilizers, or as an anti-fungal treatment for citrus. Ammonia can also be produced naturally when stored materials such as manure,
compost, or other materials break down.
Ammonia can be mixed with water and sold as ammonium hydroxide, or used in compressed gas as anhydrous ammonia
(meaning without water). Workers in all industries should know that, despite its common usage, ammonia poses health risks and hazards
that require proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe use and handling procedures.
The reason ammonia is considered a hazardous chemical is that it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Ammonia has a
distinct and irritating odor when it is released, so your nose is usually the first warning of exposure. If you breathe ammonia into your
lungs, you may cough, wheeze, or feel shortness of breath.
To prevent overexposure to ammonia, know the amounts, concentrations, and properties of the materials that you work with.
Store ammonia in a cool, dry area away from incompatible materials such as chlorine, acids, oxidizers, and metals. Use ammonia
products and materials in well-ventilated areas. Never mix ammonia with chlorine (bleach) because the combination creates chloramines,
an extremely toxic and irritating gas. Wear the appropriate PPE for the job task and the strength of the ammonia you use.
Wear an air-supplying respirator if you will be entering an area that has high ammonia concentrations. If your workplace stores
large amounts of ammonia make sure that escape respirators with supplied air are available to you in case of an accidental release.
Know where these respirators are located and how to use them. Inspect and maintain ammonia storage and processing equipment to
prevent leaks and exposures.
Swallowing ammonia can cause burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach and can be fatal. Always wash your hands after using
ammonia products and before you smoke, eat or drink. Do not store food and beverages near ammonia products.
Skin contact with ammonia can cause redness, pain, irritation, and burns. For housekeeping purposes, wear gloves to protect
your skin when using ammonia cleaning products. When using higher concentrations in industrial and laboratory settings wear gloves and
consider a lab coat or coverall with long sleeves to protect your skin. If your clothes are splashed with ammonia, remove the
contaminated clothing and flush your skin with water for at least 15 minutes.
An ammonia splash in the eye can cause pain and burns and lead to eye damage and temporary or permanent blindness. If you
work with household cleaners, always spray the materials down and away from your face to avoid exposure. If you use or mix
concentrated ammonia, wear splash goggles or consider a face shield to protect your eyes. If your eyes are exposed, flush them with water
for 15 minutes and get immediate medical attention.


DRIVING AND TAILGATING

Many people have experienced the frustration of traveling behind slow-moving vehicles. Under these
conditions, many drivers are tempted to follow more closely than they should. This practice, commonly referred to
as tailgating, is risky and can lead to rear-end collisions or other accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions account for
approximately 23 percent of all motor vehicle crashes, resulting in approximately 2,000 deaths and 950,000
injuries.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE TAILGATE?

When drivers tailgate, they significantly reduce their stopping distance or the distance needed to come to
a complete and safe stop. What many drivers dont realize is that stopping distance is directly proportional to the
size and weight of a vehicle. For example, the stopping distance is much longer for a heavy truck than it is for a
passenger vehicle, such as a car. In fact, it takes about twice the distance to stop a heavy truck than it does a car.
Other critical driving elements drivers sacrifice when tailgating are perception and reaction times. Perception and
reaction times are two separate intervals of time. Perception is the time we need to see and process the roadway
hazard, while reaction time is the time needed for a drivers body to physically react to their brains perception.
When a driver tailgates, both are significantly reduced. According to the American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials, it takes alert drivers approximately two seconds to see a roadway hazard and react to
it. The more space a driver allows between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them, the more time they have
to see a hazard and react safely.
ADD ANOTHER SECOND

A drivers best defense against becoming involved in a rear-end collision is to create a safety cushion by
keeping at least two seconds between them and the vehicle in front of them. This allows time for the driver to
perceive and react to a roadway hazard, ultimately avoiding an accident. For added protection, when driving in
poor conditions, such as driving at night, in bad weather, in heavy traffic, and through roadway construction,
drivers should double their safety cushion to four second.
Remember to practice safety. Dont learn it by accident.


SLEEPING RESTFULLY
IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP
Difficulty falling or staying asleep is a common problem. About half of Americans report sleep difficulty at least occasionally, according
to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) surveys. These woes called insomnia by doctors have far-reaching effects: a negative impact
on concentration, productivity, and mood. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to improve your sleep. The first step requires
some detective work. Youll need to examine your diet, exercise patterns, sleeping environment, personal habits, lifestyle, and current
concerns. As you begin to see the connection between, for example, what and / or when you eat and nights of poor sleep, you can develop
your own good sleep plan. Keep in mind that good sleep doesnt always just happen. Like a successful play, a restful night of ZZZs
demands a strong directors hand and a stage set appropriately. If youve been sleeping poorly for some time, you may have fallen into
some bad sleep habits that reinforce your problem.
SEVEN TIPS TO A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP

Want a better nights sleep? Try the following:
1. Consume less or no caffeine and avoid alcohol
2. Drink less fluid before going to sleep
3. Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime
4. Avoid nicotine
5. Exercise regularly, but do so in the daytime, preferably after noon
6. Try a relaxing routine, like soaking in hot water (a hot tub or bath) before bedtime
7. Establish a regular bedtime and wake time schedule. Keep a sleep diary before and after you try these tips. If the quality of your
sleep does not improve, share this diary with your doctor.
PREPARING FOR SUCCESSFUL SHUTEYE IN DAYLIGHT HOURS

There are steps you can take to successfully fall asleep and stay asleep. (The key is to make sleep a priority)
Set the stage for sleep even though it might be broad daylight outside
Prepare your body and mind for sleep
Wear wraparound dark glasses on your way home from work if you are on the night shift to keep morning sunlight from
activating your internal daylight clock
Follow bedtime rituals and try to keep a regular sleep schedule even on weekends
Go to sleep as soon as possible after work. At home, ask family and friends to help create a quiet and peaceful setting during
your sleep time
Have family members wear headphones to listen to music or watch TV
Ban vacuuming, dish washing and noisy games during your sleep
Put a Do Not Disturb sign on the front door so that delivery people and friends will not knock or ring the doorbell
Do not schedule household repairs during your sleep time


NIGHT BLINDNESS
You are driving on a dark two-lane road. The glare of oncoming vehicles high beams suddenly appears. The vehicle flashes past and for the next few
seconds, your blind. Youve just experienced a common hazard known as night blindness. Night blindness occurs when the eye is accustomed to low
levels of light and the light intensity suddenly rises. The eyes adjust to the new light level by contracting the pupils, but if that level of intensity is only
momentary, then the eyes have to readjust to the lower level again by dilating the pupil. While the eyes make these adjustments, there are several seconds
that the vision is impaired.
During the day about 85 percent of the information we need to drive is visual, but at night this changes. Without enough light, we lose much of
our contrast sensitivity (the ability to distinguish objects from the background) and peripheral vision (the ability to recognize objects at the edges of our
visual field).
At night, headlights limit our visual range to the area that they illuminate, only 250 to 350 feet of the road ahead. At sixty miles per hour a car
will cover 350 feet in four seconds. Therefore, slower driving speeds will allow you more time to spot a hazard and respond in crisis. With this in mind,
pedestrians should wear light-colored clothing or put reflective tape on their clothes to make themselves more visible in the darkness.
If a driver turns his or her head from side to side, it will help make up for the lost side vision that occurs at night. Also, if the driver must wear
glasses to drive, frames that have thin sidepieces should be selected, since wide sidepieces will hinder side vision.
In addition to the problems listed above there is a fact that as we age, the lenses of our eyes become yellowed and we need more light to see.
Most of us begin to notice this in our 40s. By the age of 65 we need 2.5 times the light that we needed when we were 20 to see the same level of detail.
For this reason, older persons should drive slower when they find it necessary to drive at night. Whatever your age, precautions must be taken to avoid
accidents. The following traffic safety dos and dont may help.
DO
Drive within the range of your headlights, not by what you think you see beyond your headlights.
Adjust your rear-view mirror to the night setting to dim headlight glare coming from behind. When the glare is gone, readjust to the day setting.
Focus your eyes on the right edge of the pavement to avoid being blinded by oncoming headlights.
Clean your headlights
Clean your windshield (inside and out)
Keep your eyes moving between the road and the rear and side-view mirrors
Use your high beams when you can
Take off sunglasses at dusk
Turn your head from side to side to increase your peripheral vision
Dim you instrument lights to reduce brightness when you look at them
DONT
Drive faster than sixty-five miles per hour at night, slower on winding roads
Put dark aftermarket tinting film on windows and windshields
Depend on fog or parking lights when driving at dust or dawn
Keep your high beams on when another vehicle approaches
Exceed the speed for driving conditions at night in rain, snow or fog
Turn your interior lights on while driving your vehicle
Wear sunglasses at night
Stare into your side-view mirrors as cars pass from behind
Use any time of medication that may change your night vision or cause drowsiness
**Humans are not designed to be creatures of the night, so remember to respect the road and the darkness.**


DRIVING IN THE FOG

Weather can be very dangerous at times, especially when you drive a car, truck, bus, airplane or boat for a living.
Fog creates dangerous driving conditions and has been the cause of a high number of accidents and fatalities.
Fog is a cloud form at the surface of the earth made of tiny water droplets suspended in the air. The greatest
problem with fog is visibility. Heavy fog is defined as visibility below one quarter of a mile. A Dense Fog
Advisory means that dense fog has reduced visibility to mile or less within the advisory area.
If you must drive in the fog, follow these safety tips:

Slow down and do not drive faster than your vision
Be cautious, fog can become thicker without warning and without being notices until it is too late to react
Increase following distance to ensure enough reaction time and stopping distance
Turn on all your lights including your hazard lights. Use low beam headlights and fog lights DO NOT
use your high beams
Turn on your 4-way flashers to give vehicles approaching from behind a better opportunity to see and
notice your vehicle.
Use windshield wipers and defroster as necessary to maximize visibility
Be ready for emergency stops by other vehicles
If possible, drive in a pocket where no other vehicles are around you
Turn off your cruise control so you are in control of your vehicle
Use the right edge of the road or roadside reflectors as your guide
Listen for traffic that you cant see
Do not change lanes or pass other vehicles, unless absolutely necessary
Remember that other drivers have limited sight distance and fog that makes the road wet
Signal early, and when you use your breaks, doesnt stop on them
Watch out for slow-moving and parked vehicles
If you cannot see, pull completely off the road preferable at a rest area or truck stop
If you pull off the road, turn on your hazard flashers immediately.
Remember to practice safety. Dont learn it by accident.


DRIVING IN THE RAIN

Driving in rain can be dangerous. The most important thing for drivers to remember is to SLOW DOWN! In rainy conditions pedestrians, livestock, and wildlife
are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid. It takes longer to stop or adjust speed in wet weather.
The following are tips for safe driving in the rain:
Before it starts to rain, replace old or brittle wiper blades.
Stay toward the middle lanes water tends to pool in outside lanes.
Maintain proper following distance (3 second rule). This needs to be increased in wet weather.
Drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.
Dont follow large trucks or buses too closely, because the spray created by their large tires can reduce vision.
Be more alert watching for brake lights in front of you.
Avoid using your brakes; if possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.
Turn your headlights on in a light rain and in gloomy, foggy, or overcast conditions to help you see the road and help other drivers see you.
Avoid off-road driving; its hard to judge the actual depth of puddles and standing water where you can easily become stuck.
Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. The glare of oncoming lights, amplified by the rain on the windshield, can cause temporary loss of visibility
while substantially increasing driver fatigue.
Never drive through moving water if you cant see the ground through it; your vehicle could be swept off the road.
Avoid driving through deep water, because it can cause serious damage to a modern vehicles electrical system.
If possible, stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms. Large flashes of lightning can temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the accompanying
high winds and heavy rain can create deadly driving conditions.
When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.
Watch the contours not only of the road, but also the fences, trees, hedges, and buildings at the side of the road ahead. If they appear to be unnaturally
low, slow down at once, because the road is probably flooded.
Watch for places where floodwater collects, particularly low-lying roads adjacent to streams, and dips under rail or highway bridges.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of the tires builds up faster than the vehicles weight can push out of the way. The water pressure causes the
vehicle to rise up and slide in a thin layer of water between the tires and the road. At this point, the vehicle can be completely out of contact with the road, and in
danger of skidding or drifting out of the lane. If you find yourself hydroplaning or skidding:
Do not brake or turn suddenly
Ease your foot off the gas until the vehicle slows and you can feel traction on the road again
Turn your steering wheel in the direction of the skid. As you recover control, gently straighten the wheels; and
If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping action. Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally. Because the vehicles computer will
mimic a pumping action.
There are three main factors that contribute to hydroplaning:

Vehicle speed. As speed increases, wet traction is considerably reduced. Since hydroplaning can result in a complete loss of traction and vehicle
control, you should always reduce speed when driving in wet weather.
Tire tread depth. Maintaining adequate treading on tires and replacing them when necessary can help prevent hydroplaning. Tire experts can measure
tread depth with a specially designed tread depth gauge and recommends checking tire treads depth every 2-3 months.
Water depth. The deeper the water, the sooner you will lose traction, although even thin water layers can cause a loss of traction, including at low
speeds.


SHOULDER INJURY PREVENTION

Have you ever wondered how baseball pitchers can have such different throwing motions and create so many variations of a pitch? Its the shoulder, an
amazing joint that can make the arm throw overhand or underhand at almost 100 miles per hour, and seconds later make a full circle frontward or
backward. Yet the feats performed by this mobile joint in the body can stress the shoulder in ways that make it prone to injury. A shoulder injury can
occur as a result of a repetitive job, process or operation. Employees involved in tasks such as painting walls, hanging curtains, repairing vehicles raised
on a lift, filing, and lifting objects are at risk for shoulder injuries due to excessive overhead arm motion. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) 2003 Survey of Injuries and Illnesses, back injuries are the most frequently reported on the job injury, shoulder injuries kept people out of work
the longest 30 days compared to the back 12 days.
ANATOMY OF THE SHOULDER

The shoulder joint is often thought of as a golf ball sitting on a tee: the large, rounded end of the humerus (upper arm bone) moves within the scooped
out glenoid head (or socket of the scapula bone in the back) next to the end of the clavicle (collarbone). But unlike a golf ball that is launched from a tee,
the head of the arm must remain in a confined space and still move freely.
Pain is the most common symptom of a shoulder injury. Variable degrees of stiffness and a locking sensation may occur with or without pain. Sometimes
a shoulder injury can lead to numbness or tingling down the arm.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WARNING SIGNS OF A SHOULDER INJURY?

When experiencing pain in your shoulder, ask yourself these questions:
Is the shoulder stiff? Can you rotate your arm in all the normal positions?
Does it feel like your shoulder could pop out of slide out of the socket?
Do you lack strength in your shoulder to carry out your daily activities?
If you answer, yes to any of these questions or are experiencing recurring shoulder, neck, or arm pain, you should consult a doctor. Early intervention
is one of the best forms of treatment. Some people will have a tendency to ignore the pain and play through shoulder injuries, which only aggravates
the condition and possibly causes more problems. People also may underestimate the extent of the injury because steady pain, weakness in the arm, or
limitation of joint motion can become almost second nature to them.
WORKPLACE SAFETY
Many injuries are related to sustained postures and repetitive duties at work. There are several things employees can do to improve workplace safety and
reduce the risk of shoulder injuries.
When sitting, sit in a supportive chair with your buttocks back as far possible in the seat and your thighs fully supported by the seat.
Place your monitor directly in front of you at fingertips reach.
Look straight at your monitor, your eyes should be level with the toolbar.
Bend your elbows and knees 90 degrees.
Support your feet on the floor or footstool.
Take posture breaks and exercise for several minutes every hour.
Follow instructions with respect to proper lifting techniques and other safe work practices designed to prevent shoulder injuries.
Use care when positioning the body and back before even mild exertion during lifting. Face the object to be lift, and keep the back as straight as possible
by bending and using legs for lifting power.
Do not reach to place or retrieve heavy objects stored up high; use a stable platform or step stool.
Know when you need to rest and relaxation during non-working hours and maintain good physical condition to avoid strains and sprains.


SUSPENSION TRAUMA
Personal fall protection is important when you perform job tasks at heights. If you fall and your fall protection gear
saves you, you may be suspended in the air for several minutes. During this time, blood can pool in your legs, deprive the
brain of oxygen, and cause orthostatic intolerance, or suspension trauma. If you are not rescued promptly and with correct
procedures, suspension trauma can have lasting effects and even cause death.
You have probably seen examples of orthostatic intolerance without knowing the term. When soldiers lock their legs
straight at attention or nervous bridegrooms stand too long at the altar, they experience orthostatic intolerance and faint.
Because the muscles of the legs are not moving enough to pump the blood back up to the heart and brain, it pools in the legs
and causes the person to faint. With the body in a horizontal position, the blood flow is restored and the person can recover.
If you are suspended in fall protection gear, you will be handing straight up with your feet dangling. Holding this
position for a long period of time can lead to orthostatic intolerance and you may faint. You will not, however, fall to a
horizontal position, and your blood will continue to pool. Your inactive leg muscles will use up the oxygen in the pooled
blood and begin to burn fats to stay alive. If you are suddenly put into a horizontal position, such as during a rescue, this
deoxygenated blood can flow back into the body (reflow syndrome) and cause damage to your organs, brain, and even cause
your heart to stop.
To avoid suspension trauma when your fall protection is in use, first be aware of the symptoms you may experience
such as faintness, nausea, dizziness, sweating, paleness, and a narrowing of vision. The risk of experiencing suspension
trauma can be affected by the weather conditions, the shock and injuries sustained during your fall, blood loss, and your
overall health.
Learn techniques that can help pump your leg muscles such as tensing and relaxing them and straightening them and
pulling them up to a sitting position. Maintaining these exercises may be very difficult after a fall, so consider adding foot
straps to your fall protection gear to support the legs and give you something to strain and push against.
Pay close attention to the rescue procedures that are appropriate to suspension trauma and to prevent reflow
syndrome. Have a plan in place to rescue suspended workers quickly and get them immediate medical attention. When
rescuing a suspended worker, do not lay them flat into a horizontal position. Keep them sitting up with their legs straight out
in front of them. Keep the worker calm and quiet and monitor them constantly so they do not faint and fall into a horizontal
position. Get a rescued worker immediate medical attention and ensure that medical personnel are aware of the possibility of
suspension trauma.
Dont leave safety hanging. Learn proper prevention and prompt rescue techniques to prevent suspension trauma.


FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Even though your company may be equipped with automatic sprinklers or other means of fire protection, the
portable fire extinguisher is the first line of defense in the control of fires an their start.
Most fires, in the beginning stage, can be extinguished easily with portable equipment, but only if the equipment is
readily accessible and the employee knows how to use it. The reaction time, from when the fire is first realized, is
extremely important. If time is wasted in a search for the proper fire extinguisher and a review of the operating
instructions, a small, easily controlled fire will spread in size and intensity. The fire will get out of control and both
lives and equipment will be endangered.
Knowledge of the various types of extinguishers and their location in relation to the company layout or equipment
is necessary for a quick and effective employee action. This means that extinguishers should reflect the character
of the fire anticipated for the company and its operations. Fire extinguisher locations should be clearly marked and
readily accessible.
An inspection and recharging program should be in place to insure that when an extinguisher is needed, it is fully
charged and operational. The program will run more effectively is the fire extinguishers are well positioned and
clearly marked.
Too many fires have spread because the wrong extinguisher was used, the extinguisher was empty, the employee
did not know how to operate the extinguisher, or the employee could not find an extinguisher in time to be of any
help. Knowing where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them should be basic to any effective injury and
illness prevention program (IIPP).
SAFETY REMINDER DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR FIRE

EXTINGUISHERS ARE LOCATED?

Information Provided by STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

FALLING OBJECTS
Objects falling from above and striking people below have caused serious industrial injuries and account for a number of fatalities every
year. Although the exact number of falling objects injuries is difficult to determine, documents produced in several recent court cases
suggest that the practice of high stacking materials and supplies poses a serious safety threat to those below.
Provide adequate warning Workers or customers below depend on those working above for their safety. If youre going to be doing
work overhead, warn those in the area either verbally or with signs, ropes or barricades. For those below, its their responsibility to be
aware of the work being done overhead an observe the warnings and barricades.
Secure the load If youll be lifting a load to a higher level, make sure the load is balanced and secured so it wont slip off. Restraints
such as nylon strapping bands can be used to secure overhead goods. In some cases, merchandise to be stacked on top of racks can be
shrink-wrapped in plastic to provide stability and keep loose boxes and other items from falling. If using plastic wrap remember that the
plastic may stretch due to high heat at the top of the tacks and may cause the load to shift. Another safety precaution is to provide netting
on stored items or restraining bars to keep the load in place If youre placing a load on a scaffold or platform, make sure the guard rails or
tow boards prevent material from fall off.
Moving a load Never lift, lower or swing a load over anyones head! Block off areas where loads are being lifted or lowered. Have a
spotter in the adjoining aisle where items might be pushed off racks or platforms during moving or stacking of materials. If possible,
restrict these stacking and heavy moving operations to hours when fewer people are present.
Practice good housekeeping Keeps tools and other materials away from edges and off of railings or sills. Stack them on a flat surface;
crosstie or cover them, if necessary, to keep them in place. If youre working overhead, watch that you dont kick, throw or sweep
material off that could fall on anyone below.
Whenever theres a risk of falling objects at a worksite, an employer is required to provide protection for workers and visitors to the site.
Hard hats and safety shoes are examples of personal protection against falling objects.
SAFETY REMINDER
Remember to look up!!!


INSECT AND SPIDER BITES

Each year many workers experience insect and spider bites serious enough to make them lose time off the job.
If you are stung by a bee, remove the stinger gently (with tweezers, if possible) and avoid squeezing the poison sac. Apply an
ice pack or a cloth dipped in cold water to reduce swelling and itching. A sting from a yellow jacket can be deadly. These
insects feed on dead animals and can cause blood poisoning. If you have an allergic reaction to a bite, get medical help
immediately.
Of spiders causing serious medical problems only the black widow and brown recluse are considered serious threats. The
black widow has a shiny black body, about the size of a pea. With legs extended, its about an inch long. Females have red or
yellow hourglass mark on their underside; the black widow spider is partial to outdoor latrines and other places that attract
flies. The black widow spider will attack with even the slightest provocation. Its bite is less painful than a pinprick, and does
not cause a hole in the skin, but soon, intense paid and stiffness set in. Symptoms may also include fever, nausea, abdominal
pain and chills. For children and the elderly, black widow bites can be lethal.
Also beware of the brown recluse spider. When it comes to insect bits, the bite of the brown recluse spider is one of the most
feared. This yellowish-tan to dark brown spider is - inches long. It has a characteristic fiddle-shaped mark on its upper
body. Its bite can have painful, disfiguring, and even deadly results. Within hours of a bite, victims may suffer severe pain
and stiffness, fever, weakness, vomiting or a rash. The recluses venom destroys cells and clots blood, blocking blood vessels
and leading to gangrene. Within 24 hours, the wound erupts into an open sore ranging from the size of a thumbnail to that of
an adults hand. Anyone bitten by either spider should seek medical help immediately.
Experts say spiders typically dont go looking for human prey. Spiders are generally shy and try to avoid contact with
humans. Leave them to their dark, secluded spaces under rocks, in debris piles, sheds, closets and attics, and theres no
worry. Invade their space, though, and risk a bite. Spiders will attack if trapped or if pressed against the skin.
Not all people react the same way to these spider bites. The variation may be due to the amount of venom injected or the
persons physiology or immune system. The first line of treatment, if you suspect a bite is to apply a cold compress.
However, if you have a bite and experience other side effects, get medical treatment immediately.
SAFETY REMINDER
Be aware of your surroundings!


MASONRY AND CONCRETE SAWS

Masonry saws are used to cut tiles, bricks, and blocks of stone, concrete and other materials. Concrete saws are used to cut
channels or openings through concrete blocks, slabs, and walls. Both types of saws can be hand-held, mounted on a stand, or wheeled by
hand or motor and may be powered by electricity, compressed air, or fuel. Working with saws can expose workers to hazards such as
cutting blades, kick-backs, push-backs, and pull-ins; training and proper work practices are the key to safety.
Workers require training on the safe use of masonry and concrete saws. Cutting blades should be the correct size, installed
properly, guarded at all times, and speed should not exceed the manufacturers suggested RPM. Workers should use the correct blade for
the job and inspect it for defects before each use. Saws should be maintained and kept clean from dust build-up. Workers using concrete
and masonry saws should always ensure that there are no gas or electric utility lines embedded within their cutting zones.
Saws pose kick-back, push-back and pull-in dangers if they cannot run freely through the cutting material. Blades are designed
to go in a straight line crooked or off-line cuts can cause blades to pinch or bite into the material and jam. Though a blade may be
jammed, the running motor builds up power and can cause a worker to lose control of the saw and become exposed to the cutting blade.
Loss of control includes kick-back where the saw thrusts up and backward, push-back where the saw thrusts straight back, and pull-in
where the saw pulls the worker in toward the blade.
Hand held saws pose special dangers if kick-back occurs because the worker can lose control and drop the saw. Hand helds
should never be used over shoulder height or on ladders and stepstools. Saw push-back at a height could cause a worker to fall. If elected
cutting work is required, the saw should be mounted on guide tracks for the job. Walls and bricks that are cut should be supported so they
do not fall and pinch the blade or crush workers.
Mounted saws should be kept on firm, flat surfaces for stability. Workers should keep their hands clear of the cutting blade while
holding materials firmly against the backstop. Conveyor surfaces should be free of debris that could cause products to slip and pinch the
blade. Longer materials should be supported by scaffolds to prevent blade pinching.
Walk-behind saws keep the worker more removed from the cutting blade. These saws should be guided in a straight line with
several passes for each cut. Workers should not push against the saw; this could cause the blade to jump or climb out of the cutting path
and the operator could lose control.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for masonry and concrete saws varies depending on the job task, but may include hard hats,
boots, and safety glasses and face shields, hearing protection, gloves, and respiratory protection from hazardous dusts and fumes.
SAFETY REMINDER
WATCH WHAT YOURE
DOING!!


CHEMICALS
Chemicals come in various forms and can affect those exposed in different ways. A chemical can take the form of a mist, vapor,
liquid, dust, fume or gas. The type of chemical, the way it is used, and the form that it takes determine its effect and what should be
done to avoid harmful exposure.
Some basic safety precautions should be understood and the following included:
Know what to do in an emergency. If there is a leak or spill, keep away from the area, unless you know what the chemical is and
how to safely clean it up. Know where emergency protective equipment and supplies are kept and how to use them.
Use appropriate protective clothing and equipment (glasses, aprons, boots, gloves, etc.) as required or as necessary.
If the chemical contaminates the clothing, shower or wash the skin areas exposed. Change and decontaminate clothing (or dispose
of clothing if it is designed to single use).
Do not take contaminated clothing home to be laundered because by doing so, it could expose family members to the contaminant.
When working with chemicals, always wash hands thoroughly before eating. If necessary, shower and change clothes before going
home.
Never take food into the work area where chemicals are being used or stored.
If work will be done in an area where there is a possibility of exposure to toxic substances, use a buddy system or establish an
emergency communication system. A work can be dangerously exposed or overcome by a chemical and need immediate
assistance.
Keep the workplace clean to reduce the risk of contamination. Where possible, wipe up and absorb the contaminant, using proper
protective equipment as required. Clean up spills immediately and dispose of contaminated material properly. With some
chemicals a vacuum is recommended for clean up rather than a broom or compressed air. The idea is to collect and confine the
contaminant, not just spread it around.
Workers should know the companys system for identifying hazardous chemicals. They should know and understand the specific
health and safety hazards of the chemicals with which they work and follow the recommended safety precautions. All workers
should be trained in proper chemical storage and disposal procedures and know what to for first aid and emergencies.
SAFETY REMINDER Do you know what to do in case of an

emergency?


NEW JOBSITE
A lot of careful planning goes into a job. Accurate estimates have to be made by the contractor, both for time and
materials. Mistakes in estimating or planning the job can be costly.
As a contractor, you also have to do some mental preparation of your own. Before starting a new job you should
consider the following:
1. Are the ladders correct for the job? Are they in safe condition?
2. If scaffolds are used, are they in safe condition and properly set up?
3. Are respirators required for the job? Will ventilation fans be needed?
4. Is power equipment such as compressors and airless sprayers in safe condition both from mechanical and
electrical standpoint?
5. Do I need eye protection (glasses, goggles or face shields), hard hats or gloves?
6. Will I be lifting and carrying heavy materials or equipment? How can I avoid back strain? Will it be better
to have two persons lifting together?
7. Do I have safe footwear? (No tennis shoes!)
8. Is a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher available?
Rushing into the work at a new jobsite without considering all of the safety aspects first is one of the reasons so
many painters get hurt. Let us know if there is anything that we can do to make your job easier and safer.
Sample discussion questions:
1. How do you prepare to work on a new jobsite?

2. What do you do if you find unsafe conditions or equipment on the new site?
3. What are some f the consequences if not considering safety in preparing to work in a new jobsite?
SAFETY REMINDER Murphy law only applies when you

have failed to plan properly!


CROSS CONTAMINATION
Cross contamination occurs when workers spread contaminants around the worksite and into their homes by soiled clothing,
shoes, and skin contact. Contaminants can be transferred to the items workers touch, sit on or walk on. Using good personal
hygiene at work by hand washing, showering, and changing dirty clothing and shoes can prevent cross contamination.
Workers that handle chemicals and contaminants in the workplace are aware that the use of personal protective equipment
(PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, respirators, coveralls, and boots, can reduce or eliminate their exposures. PPE can act as
a barrier against the contaminants and protect the worker. If, however, a worker does not properly wash, remove or
decontaminate soiled PPE and skin after leaving the work area, they can spread the contaminants outside the industrial work
zone, to themselves, their coworkers, and to their family, homes and cars.
The spread of contaminants is hazardous when unprotected workers, co-workers or family members come into contact with
dirty surfaces. Skin exposures occur if they touched a soiled surface, and accidental ingestion can occur if they eat or drink
something that has been contaminated. The contaminants of concern include chemical such as solvents, herbicides, and
pesticides, and industrial materials such as lead, asbestos and fiberglass. Potentially infectious materials such as blood and
other body fluids pose a bloodborne pathogen hazard. Field workers should be aware that they could contact and spread
irritating plant oils from poison ivy and poison oak.
When workers hug family members, prepare food, and touch the furniture, bedding, and carper in the home, they could
contaminate them if they have not washed their skin and removed or decontaminated soiled clothing and PPE. Workers can
contaminate their coworkers and the worksite when they contact areas such as the break room, restroom, and office areas.
Workers can also increase their own exposures if they eat, drink or smoke before washing their hands and removing or
cleaning their PPE.
Removing or decontaminating PPE and washing hands before exiting the work zone can prevent cross contamination of the workplace.
To prevent cross contamination at home, workers should wash their hands and faces at the end of a work shift and change into clean
clothes and shoes. Workers can also take a shower and wash their hair before leaving work or as soon as they get home. Work clothes
should be washed in hot water, separately from the family clothing, and given two rinse cycles.
SAFETY REMINDER
Be aware of what youre carrying
around with you!


BE AN EXTRA SAFE DRIVER

Those who drive for a living would be the first to agree it can be might dangerous out there on Californias crowded roads.
Although the common factors of inexperience, recklessness, and aggressive driving contribute to many vehicle accidents, it
doesnt explain why so many professional drivers get into accidents. A driver may be trained, experienced, and competent
behind the wheel, but the very flood of vehicles competing for space on the roads today presents added danger to all drivers.
Even the very best drivers must learn to operate their vehicles with life-saving EXTRAS.
Drivers should take extra care of their vehicles maintenance by keeping them in good operating condition. Before getting
behind the wheel, do a simple walk around the vehicle to insure that tires are properly inflated and have good tread, check
that lights are clear and working, and see that windshields are clean and wiper blades are sharp.
Once inside the vehicle, drivers should take the extra time to check the gas gage, adjust the mirrors, seat, and seatbelt to a
comfortable position and, if its an unfamiliar vehicle, locate the lights, breaks, and wipers. Horns, flasher lights, and other
warning devices are not just accessories but vital parts of the extra safety built into any vehicle, so make sure they operate
properly.
On the roadways, be extra careful by driving defensively. Following the rules of the road can help you concentrate on what
you should be doingdriving. Stay out of other vehicles blind spots and avoid tailgating. Instead, keep a safe distance from
other drivers by maintaining that extra safety cushion of driving space between your vehicle and those around you. As an
extra precaution, know the condition of the weather and the road and drive only as fast as those conditions allow.
Be extra cautious by staying alert and expecting the unexpected. Watch out and anticipate other drivers, pedestrians or
children near the road. Safe drivers scan constantly for hazards, predicting how they may be affected by a hazard and pre-
determining how to avoid or reduce them.
The ever-changing variable of the road and other vehicles can make drivers instantly vulnerable to accidents. If drivers dont
practice these life-saving extras on the road, they might personally discover why vehicle deaths and serious injuries now total
more than all the wartime wounded and fatalities since 1776.
SAFETY REMINDER Its better to take one minute out of

your life then to lose your life in one
minute!


WAREHOUSE SAFETY
Warehouses range from product distribution centers to popular retailers that sell oversize and bulk products. Whether it is an industrial,
commercial or retail facility, warehouse workers should follow safety guidelines for loading docks, conveyor systems, forklifts and pallet
jacks, material storage and handling, and good housekeeping.
Products enter and exit warehouses through truck and loading dock systems that are usually at a height from the ground. When loading
and unloading materials, workers should pay special attention to avoid falls from elevated docks and ramps; yellow striping can draw
attention to edges. Trucks delivering goods should be treated cautiously while they are parked on the loading dock. The area between the
dock and truck is hazardous because a rolling truck can cause a crush injury; truck wheels should be chocked while unloading.
In some warehouses, products may be placed on conveyor systems that distribute them to different areas in the facility. Workers must
avoid placing body parts or hair near conveyors because moving wheels and belts can pose a pinch point hazard. Elevated conveyors
should have safety nets to avoid dropping products on workers below. Workers need training on the location of on/off buttons and
emergency stop buttons for conveyor systems and lock out/tag out procedures are required whenever servicing conveyors.
Forklift and pallet jacks help move products from the shipping area into and around the warehouse. Forklifts are powered industrial
trucks; forklift operators require training and certification while pallet jack operators require training only. Loads should be properly lifted
on forks and stabilizes, then slowly and deliberately taken to their assigned location. Forklifts and pallet jacks should never be used as
rides or man lifts.
When large, awkward, and/or heavy items are warehoused, they become a challenge to store in a safe manner. Storage shelving and rack
systems should be sturdy, braced, and spacious enough to allow people and equipment to move freely. When goods are shelved, they
require slow and careful placement to avoid disturbing or pushing products off the facing aisle on to co-workers below. Products should
be stored slat and inside the shelving units with aisle ways kept clear.
Pallets used for stacking products should be sturdy and in good condition; damaged or unstable pallet items should be restacked on a new
one. Where possible, palleted products should be shrink wrapped for stability.
Workers can protect themselves on the job with personal protective equipment such as steel-toed shoes, gloved, and hard hats or bump
camps. Proper lifting techniques protect backs. Safe lifting also prevents loads from shifting, falling, and crushing fingers, hands and toes.
Good housekeeping in a warehouse required keeping dirt, oil, and debris off the docks and floors. Floors should be non-slippery and free
from pits and dents. Excess garbage, boxes, baling materials, and other recyclables should be removed and stored properly.
SAFETY REMINDER Training on the hazards and attention

to procedures will make sure
warehouse workers stay safe!

Supervisors Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

CAUGHT OR CRUSHED INJURIES

Each year, workers suffer approximately 125,000 caught or crushed by injuries that occur when body parts get caught between two
objects or entangled with machinery. These hazards are also referred to as pinch points. The physical forces applied to a body part
caught in a pinch point can vary and cause injuries ranging from bruises, cuts, add scalping to mangled and amputated body parts, and
even death.
Workers in field, industrial, and office settings are all affected by caught or crush hazards to some degree. Get training and learn about the
caught/crush hazards and pinch points specific to your tasks, tools, and equipment so you can take precautions.
Dress appropriately for work with pants and sleeves that are not too long or too loose. Shirts should be fitted or tucked in. Avoid wearing
loose and dangling jewelry. Tie back long hair and tuck braids and ponytails behind you or into your clothing. Wear the appropriate, well-
fitted gloves for your job.
Look for possible pinch points before you start a task. Take the time to plan our your actions and decide on the necessary steps to work
safely. Give your work your full attention. Dont joke around, daydream, or try to multi-task on the job most accidents occur when
workers are distracted. Read and follow warning signs posted on equipment. If you value all that your hands can do, THINK before you
put them in a hazardous spot.
Machinery can pose a hazard with moving parts, conveyors, rollers and rotating shafts. NEVER reach into a moving machine. Properly
maintain and always use the machine and tool guards provided with your equipment; they act as barriers between the moving parts and
your body. Dont reach around, under or thought a guard and always report missing or broken barriers to your supervisor. Turn equipment
off and use lockout/tagout procedures before adjusting, clearing a jam, repairing, or servicing the machine.
Caught/crush hazards are not limited to machinery. Vehicles, powered doors, and forklifts can pose a crush hazard unless they have been
blocked to tagged out. Never place your body under or between powered equipment unless it is de-energized. Doors, file drawers, and
heavy crates can pinch fingers and tows. Take care where you place your fingers. Test the weight before lifting, carrying, and placing
boxes; an awkward or heavy load can slip and pinch your hands or feet. Get help or use tools to move large and/or heavy items.
If you have slammed your finder in a door, you can appreciate the pain associated with this common type of caught/crush injury.
SAFETY REMINDER
Take time to learn about caught/crush
hazards in your workplace so you dont
learn about the consequences first hand.


WORKING IN HOT WEATHER

One thing that makes painting different from most other jobs is that it is often done outdoors. Exposures to high summer
temperatures for long periods increase your chances of having an accident.
Peoples ability to think and carry out tasks efficiently and in a safe manner can become increasingly affected in severe heat.
In many parts of California temperatures of over 100 degrees are not uncommon. Working in such temperatures can also
result in heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. When a person has heat stroke their sweating stops, and their skin becomes hot
and dry. They may even become delirious and go into convulsions.
To work comfortably and be able to concentrate on your work it is important to avoid getting overheated on hot days. If
possible, alternate working in and out of the shade. Know where the company has placed a large thermos of cold water or
other cold drink for you. Too many sodas containing sugar can be unhealthy. Needless to say, beer or other alcoholic
beverages are not allowed on the job. Also, dont forget to wear a hat.
Another advantage of keeping cool in hot weather is that you will have more energy at the end of the day for your personal
activities.
Too much direct sunlight can cause skin cancers, especially with light-skinned people. A doctor should check small growths
on the skin before they develop into something serious. Watch out especially for a mole that changes color. Try using
sunscreens to help block out those ultraviolet rays (i.e. both UVA and UVB) that have been known to cause skin cancers.

1. What are some of the things that can happen to you when working in hot weather?
2. What can you do to keep cool when working in these conditions?
3. What are some things you can do to prevent skin cancer?
SAFETY REMINDER The purpose of skin is to keep the

outside out and the inside in!


TIRE SAFETY
The condition of your tires is one of the most important mechanical factors in vehicle safety. There are four ways
you can improve the safety and performance of your tires.
Keep tires properly inflated. Check them at least monthly to notice if the tire pressure appears to be getting low.
Incorrect tire pressure can cause uneven tire wear, poor handling, excessive heat build up, and possible tire failure.
Check your vehicle manual for recommended tire pressure. Recommended tire pressures can vary depending on
the brand of the tire. When you check the tire pressure, do so the first thing in the morning for an accurate reading.
Driving the car heats up the tires and changes their pressure.
Rotate tires to increase life. Follow the rotation schedule in your cars owners manual.
Keep tires balanced and aligned. Improperly balanced tires can produce an uneven ride that can result in poor
handling. Defective alignment can cause excessive tire wear and the vehicle to pull to the side.
Replace tires when the tread get too low. What is too low? All tires have tread wear indicators built right into
them. These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread groves and will appear as bands when the tread
depth reduces to the size of 1/16th of an inch. When the indicators appear in two or more adjacent grooves, the tire
should be replaced. Look in your vehicles manual for more information. Usually the manual will have a picture
showing what the tread wear indicators look like. Take a look at your tires on a regular basis. Have a professional
check them out further if you have any doubts about their safety.
SAFETY REMINDER Do you know where your tire

indicators are?


CHAINSAW SAFETY
Any tool powerful enough to slice through wood can do the same to human flesh, so chainsaw injuries are often serious. Before
you operate a chainsaw, make sure you read and understand the operators manual and make sure you have the right chainsaw for the job.
The instruction manual should describe the saws capabilities. If you rent a saw, be sure to get a demonstration of how it works, including
its safety features. Then make sure your saw is sharp, properly tensioned, and in good condition.
When youre going to use a chain saw, wear protective clothing which includes a hard hat, safety goggles, gloves to give you a
good grip, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes with non-slip soles, and trim-fitting clothes that wont get caught in the chain.
Start your chainsaw according to the manuals directions. Clear the work area so the chain wont touch anything but the wood
you want to cut and place the saw on a level surface; never rest a saw on your leg or drop start it. Stand to the side of the saw so you
wont follow the cut through into your leg and stand on the uphill side of your work so it wont roll into you. Hold the saw parallel to the
ground with your left arm straight for better control and to reduce the chance of the aw pushing into you if it kicks back.
Keep both hands on the saw while its running. Work slowly, dont rush. Let the chainsaw do the work; never force it. Avoid
cutting above mid-chest height. Never attempt to cut a tree with a diameter greater than the length of the chainsaw blade and watch for
branches that may spring back as you cut. Always be aware of what is in the saws downward path after the cut. Its a good idea to take
frequent breaks from cutting so that you dont operate the saw when youre tired.
Although some chainsaw injuries are caused by operator error, kickback is the greatest cause of chainsaw injuries. In kickback,
the upper chain grabs in the wood or an obstruction and forces the saw backward, causing the operator to either lose control of the saw
of lose balance, bringing the saw into contact with the body. Some chainsaws have chain brakes that are designed to instantly stop the saw
after the kickback. While these dont prevent kickback, they can reduce the severity of injury from it.
Carry the saw below your waist, with the engine off and guide bar pointed to the rear, so if you trip the saw drops behind you.
If your saw is electric, make sure you use an extension cord thats approved for outdoor use and dont use the saw in a damp
environment. Fuel gasoline-powered chainsaws outdoors, being careful not to overfill or spill the fuel. Never refuel a hot saw. Let it cool
down first, and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Its dangerous to work alone with a chainsaw. Have a companion within calling distance, but keep bystanders and helpers at a
safe distance from operation so that they will not be injured by the saw, flying chips, sawdust or by what youre working on.
SAFETY REMINDER DONT FORGET YOUR SAFETY

GLOVES & GOGGLES!


ARE YOU PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY?

Emergencies in the workplace cannot be eliminated, but if you have an emergency action plan in place and have trained workers to respond
quickly and appropriately you can optimize efficiency, relieve anxiety, and in some cases, save lives.
Management commitment and worker involvement are essential to an effective emergency action plan. The action plan should be explained to
workers and reviewed whenever the plan or responsibilities change. How good is your emergency action plan? Find out by asking yourself and
your workers the following questions:
General
Is there a means of reporting emergencies and accounting for personnel before and after an incident?
Who is the person responsible for decision-making during emergency conditions? Does everyone in the workplace know how the procedures to
follow in various emergency scenarios (e.g. fire, explosion, earthquake, chemical spill or workplace violence, etc.)?
Do workers know where emergency supplies are located?
Medical
Do workers know how to response in the event of a medical emergency?
Are there workers trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid?
Does the worksite have first aid equipment that corresponds to the possible injuries workers may encounter? (e.g. emergency wash stations,
personal protective equipment, oxygen tanks, ice packs, etc.)
Are emergency response phone numbers (fire department, ambulance, medical facility, etc.) clearly posted where they can be readily accessed?
Fire
Does the worksite have fire extinguishers that match the possible fire hazards?
Have workers practiced using the fire extinguisher so that they are aware of their operation and limitations?
Have the fire extinguisher been recharged within the last year? (They must be tagged to indicate the recharge date).
Spills
Does the worksite have absorbent material that matches the quantity and type of chemicals that could spill?
Do you have relevant personal protective equipment that would be needed to respond to a chemical spill?
Have workers been properly trained on how to safely respond to a chemical spill?
Once you have established your emergency action plan, make sure workers are trained and retrained in the possible emergencies that may
encounter, the emergency procedures they should follow, any first aid or rescue procedures, and in the location of emergency response
equipment and phone number. In an emergency an immediate and educated response can save individual lives, the business operation, and
thousands of dollars in potential losses.
SAFETY REMINDER
Always lend a helping hand.


EMERGENCY WASH STATIONS

Many new chemical products are introduced into the workplace each year and even with careful planning and safety measures,
harmful chemical-exposure accidents occur. Because of the potential for exposure, a list of all hazardous substances should be
maintained at each worksite. Material Safety Data Sheets on these substances should be readily available with substance
descriptions including their location, risks, manufacturers precautions, and treatment or antidote measures should there be a
harmful exposure.
Emergency wash fixtures must be provided in the workplace if there is a reasonable risk that workers may be exposed to caustic
chemicals or other hazardous substances. All workers at risk for exposure should be made aware of the location and purposes of the
emergency wash stations and receive regular training on their use. Keep in mind that emergency wash fixtures are not substitutions
for personal protective gear like safety eyewear, face shields, and protective clothing.
Some chemicals have a harmful reaction when mixed another substance and may endanger the handler or those in the area. You
can counteract a reaction by having emergency wash stations or showers that provide large amounts of continually flowing water to
flush the chemical. It is not recommended that neutralizing agents be used on the eyes or skin. Combining certain chemicals can be
dangerous, and may increase the damaging effects of chemical burns or develop scar tissue if the wrong neutralizing agent is
accidentally used.
The most effective first step is treating chemical contamination of the eye or skin is immediate flushing or washing with potable
water. This and the selection and placement of emergency wash stations or showers, are among the most crucial steps you can take
in effective emergency response.
Medical experts say that immediate access to an emergency wash station is critical. The chance of full recovery from chemical
contamination of the eye is excellent, if the victim reaches an eyewash station within 10 to 15 seconds. Panic, pain, and obscured
vision will slow response time, so it is important that emergency wash fixtures be highly visible.
The length of time and amount of flushing or washing is key to the successful treatment of the eye or skin. The minimum amount
of time for flushing the eye is 15 minutes, although most medical experts say a full 20 to 30 minutes of flushing is the best. It is
important that the water pressure of the eyewash station be closely regulated because tender eye tissue can easily be damaged.
With the help of a trained medical professional, establish first-aid procedures for chemical injuries then review and update these
measures and all safety precautions on a regular schedule.
SAFETY REMINDER Do you know where the emergency

wash stations are at your jobsite?


WORK SAFELY WITH POWDER ACTUATED TOOLS
A powder actuated tool (PAT) fires a pin or stud through wood or into cement by way of an explosive charge. As such, it has a great
potential for injury and only trained workers with a valid operators license are authorized to use them.
If you are certified to operate a PAT, remember:

Wear eye and hearing protection.
Check that safety features are working properly and that shields are in place.
Make sure the load matches the working material.
Never use it on hard or brittle material including cast iron, hard steel, and glazed or hollow tile.
Never point a loaded or empty PAT at anyone.
Load the tool right before use.
Press the tool firmly at a right angle against the material and hold for 30 seconds before firing.
Before firing, clear other workers within the line of fire or behind the firings surface.
For wall work, check behind the wall for other workers or place a temporary barrier behind it.
Properly dispose of misfired or skipped charges,
Keep loads stored safely and separately from other tools and materials.
For workers who dont use powder-actuated wools, be alert in areas where theyre being used. Because a pin or stud can go through a
wall, never walk behind a wall or within firing line of a PAT.

1. What is PAT?
2. Why are only licensed workers authorized to use PATs?
3. How can other workers stay sage in PAT use areas?
SAFETY REMINDER You could pay the price for getting

it wrong for the rest of your life!


TAKE CARE WITH CUTTING TOOLS
Cuts, scrapes, and puncture injuries can often happen in construction work. Not only should you take care to avoid these
injuries but if they happen be sure you get proper treatment and report the injury to your supervisor or crew leader.
Cuts to hands and fingers may happen when sharp tools are carried in your pockets. If the job requires a cutting tool, wear a
belt with a tool holder. When the job is finished, store your tools safely in your utility box or wherever they belong.
If you get a cut or puncture, the first thing to do is report it to your crew leader, then make sure you get proper treatment. A
cut may seem minor at first but can later become infected and cause more serious problems. You should wash around the
wound, apply a disinfectant, and cover it with a bandage. If you use the first aid kit and notice that supplies are getting low,
let your supervisor know so they can replace them.
Watch for signs of infection in the days that follow. If an infection does develop, let us know right away. If your injury needs
medical treatment we want to make sure you get it promptly.
Whether a cut is treated by a doctor or not, its important that we know about any on-the-job injury in case we have to file a
workers compensation claim.

1. If you must carry a cutting tool around with you, what safety measures can you take?
2. Where should you store your cutting tools?
3. Why is first aid important for all cuts?
SAFETY REMINDER We were given two arms, two hands

and two legs-lets keep it that way!


PlacerCountyContractorsAssociation,Inc.
10656IndustrialAve.,Suite160Roseville,CA95678
Accident Investigation
A primary tool you should be using in an effort to identify and recognize the areas responsible for
accidents is a thorough and properly completed accident investigation. It should be in writing and
adequately identify the cause (s) of the accident or near-miss occurrence.
Accident investigation should be conducted by trained individuals, and with the primary focus of
understanding why the accident or near miss occurred and what actions can be taken to preclude
recurrence. In large organizations this responsibility may be assigned to the safety director. In smaller
organizations the responsibility may lie directly with the supervisor responsible for the affected area or
employee. Questions to ask in an accident investigation include:
1. What happened?
The investigation should describe what took place that prompted the investigation: an injury to an
employee, an incident that caused a production delay, damaged material or any other conditions
recognized as having a potential for losses or delays.
2. Why did the incident happen?
The investigation must obtain all the facts surrounding the occurrence: what caused the situation to occur;
who was involved; was/were the employee (s) qualified to perform the functions involved in the accident
or near miss; were they properly trained; were proper operating procedures established for the task
involved; were procedures followed, and if not, why not; where else might this or a similar situation exist,
and how it can be corrected.
3. What should be done?
The person conducting the investigation must determine which aspects of the operation or processes
require additional attention. It is important to note that the purpose here is not to establish blame, but to
determine what type or construction action can eliminate the cause (s) of the accident or near miss.
4. What action has been taken?
Action already taken to reduce or eliminate the exposure being investigated should be noted, along with
those remaining to be addressed. Any interim or temporary precautions should also be noted. Any
pending corrective action and reason for delaying its implementation should be identified.
Corrective action should be identified in terms of not only how it will prevent a recurrence of the accident
or near miss, but also how it will improve the overall operation. This will assist the investigation in selling
his/her solutions to management. The solution should be a means of achieving not only accident control,
but also total operation control.
If you have a safety and health committee, its members should review investigations of all accidents and
near-miss incidents to assist in recommending appropriate corrective actions to prevent a similar
recurrence.
Through investigations of all accidents and near misses will help you identify causes and needed
corrections, and can help you determine why accidents occur, where they happen, and accident trends.
Such information is critical to preventing and controlling hazards and potential accidents.
**Information obtained from www.dir.ca.gov **
For more information contact the PCCA Office (916) 771-7229
EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING

Excavation and trenching cave-ins are a major source of fatalities in the construction industry. Trenching accidents on
construction sites in the U.S. result in an estimated 100 deaths each year. Many people dont realize how heavy and
dangerous soils can be. A person buried under a few feet of soil can suffocate or be crushed in seconds, even if the persons
face is exposed. Most construction projects have trenches and excavations at some time. Site preparation, underground
utilities, footings, and foundations all require trenching or excavation of the earths surface. Excavations and trenches or
excavations dont have to be deep or large to create a life-threatening hazard. Remember that pre-job planning is essential for
safe trenching. Its too late to think about safety when a trench wall is collapsing.
Before you work in a trench, make sure a competent person has inspected it. Excavations must be inspected before
construction begins, at the start of each shift, and following any rainstorm or other event that increases hazards. A competent
person will: 1) evaluate soil conditions, 2) select an appropriate protective system for the job (shoring, shielding, sloping,
and/or benching), 3) check for hazardous atmospheres, evidence of damage or failure or protective systems, and other
hazards, 4) contact utilities to locate and mark underground lines before you dig, and 5) plan traffic control around the trench
or excavation.
Ladders, stairways, or ramps are required to safely enter and exit a trench or excavation that is 4 feet deep or deeper. Your
survival may depend on these means of egress and on how fast you can get to them. A ladder or other means of egress must
be placed so that you dont have to travel more than 25 feet to reach it.
Excavated spoils can pose a hazard if they are placed too close to the edge of a trench or excavation. The weight of the spoils
adds to the pressure on the walls and can cause cave-in. Serious injuries can occur if spoils fall back into the excavation on
top of workers. Make sure that spoils and equipment are at least 2 feet away from the edge of the excavation. Vibrations from
vehicles or equipment can affect the stability of excavation walls, which in turn increases the chances of a cave-in. Dont
drive vehicles or equipment too close to the excavation.
All excavations are hazardous because they are largely unstable. Keep excavations open the least amount of time needed to get the job
done. You can check 29 CFR 1926.650-652 for more information.
SAFETY REMINDER Dont dig your own grave! If you

enter an unprotected trench even for a
minute, you may not come out.


WORK AS A TEAM
Most of us have spent the majority of our time working on regular construction projects: green fields, brown fields and
rehabs; commercial, residential and industrial. But today we are going to talk about working in an operating plant. Many
things, especially safety, are going to be different. You will need to think about processes, plant rules, hazardous chemicals,
steam lines and what all those new signs mean. To say the least, its a new day in the neighborhood.
Whether youre working in a small factory or a large manufacturing facility that operates 24/7 you need to know where you
fit in. One small mistake could create huge problems and possible many injuries. You could be working near many hazards
that just arent present on the traditional construction site: special equipment, machines that move or start automatically,
hazardous materials, thermal hazards, live steam, compressed gases, and loud noise. It is your responsibility to learn about
the hazards and avoid accidents, as a contractor employee, you must perform your work safely. Because contractor
employees often perform very specialized and potentially hazardous tasks, like confined space entry, a permit or work
authorization system will be necessary. Even safe operations like locking out a circuit may require special authorization;
the circuit you need to lock out may supply power to process monitoring or control equipment.
Process safety management targets highly hazardous chemicals that have the potential to cause a catastrophic incident. The
overall goal is to prevent chemical releases that could lead to a catastrophe in the workplace and possibly in the surrounding
community. In these situation OSHA requires training. All employees, including maintenance and contractor employees,
involved with highly hazardous chemicals need to fully understand the safety and health hazards present. Training conducted
in compliance with 1926.59, the Hazards Communication Standard, will help; however, additional training in specific areas
such as operating procedures, safe work practices, emergency evacuation and response, safety procedures and work
authorization for routine and non-routine activities.
When you work at an operating plant there is a lot of training and learning that needs to take place. Use your brain and
capture everything you can during safety orientation training as well as specialized classes. If you have any questions speak
up, ask your supervisor or ask the plant supervisor or safety officer.
Ignorance is not bliss.

SAFETY REMINDER What you dont know could kill you.
Learn about the hazards and act on your knowledge.


SOUND ADVICE
Construction sites are noisy environments and that noise can have a direct impact on your hearing and your life. Sources of
noise for construction workers include tools and heavy equipment; things like cranes, hand drills, hammers, back hoes,
jackhammers, chain saws, and air compressors. Repeated exposure to excessive noise on the job can lead to permanent
hearing loss. Because the damage to your hearing happens gradually, by the time you notice it, irreversible damage has
already occurred. You may have a problem if you notice that sounds are muffled or distorted.
Noise doesnt just hurt your hearing. If you experience hearing loss, you are exposed to additional threats of injury or death
on a construction site because your ability to communicate with co-workers and the effectiveness of audible warning signals
like backup alarms are reduced. Hearing loss can also affect your balance and may lead to tinnitus, a continuous ringing
sound in your ears. Other problems caused by exposure to noise include fatigue, elevated blood pressure, tension, and
nervousness, some of which can lead to heart disease.
You dont have to suffer hearing loss! Learn to recognize when the sound level around you is dangerous and wear personal
equipment such as earplugs or earmuffs. OSHA has specific rules about how long you may be exposed to a noise level before
you must wear hearing protection. When the noise level is 95 dBA, you can work with no hearing protection for only 4
hours. Keep in mind that the sound level of a ringing telephone is 80 dBA, a hand drill is 98 dBA, a chain saw is 110 dBA,
and an ambulance siren is 120 dBA. If you have to raise your voice for someone an arms length away to hear you, the site
may be too noisy and you probably need hearing protection.
One way to reduce noise to your ears is to increase your distance from the noise. When possible, spend your break time away
from noisy areas. Wear hearing protection when necessary. There are different types of hearing protection developed for
every type of noise. Some let you hear voices and block out other noise around you. Hearing protection should be worn when
operating abrasive saws or grinders, impact tools, demolition hammers, core drillers, rock drills, chippers, needle guns, and
pile drivers. If you have a question about hearing protection, check with your supervisor or safety department. Protect your
hearing both on and off the job so you can enjoy the beauty of music and the voices of your loved ones for years to come.
SAFETY REMINDER A short, intense sound like an

explosion can do severe damage and
cause immediate hearing loss.


THE NEW STEEL ERECTION STANDARD

On average 35-iron workers die during steel erection activities and 2,300 more suffer lost workday injuries each year. With
this in mind the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced that its final steel erection standard will go
into effect January 18, 2002. This is the first OSHA safety standard developed using the negotiated rulemaking process. This
process brings together labor, trade associations, employers and administration. What does the new steel erection standard
mean to you? Here are some of the key requirements in the new standard:
The proper cutting of concrete in footings, piers, etc. for steel columns must be certified.
The controlling contractor must provide the erector with a safe site layout including pre-planned routes for hoisting
loads.
The proper procedure for multiple lifts (sometime called Christmas-treeing) as described.
Specific work practices are provided for safely landing bundles of decking.
There are columns stability requirements including a minimum of four anchor bolts at each column.
The project structural engineer must approve field-modified anchor bolts.
A qualified person must train workers who are engaged in special, high-risk activities.
New fall protection requirements:
All workers exposed to fall hazards must be trained by a qualified person.
Connectors working at heights between 15 and 30 feet must wear fall arrest or restraint equipment and be able to tie
off or they must be provided with another means of fall protection.
Fall protection is required for all others engaged in steel erection at heights greater than 15 feet.
Controlled Decking Zones (CDZs) are specifically defined to make decking operations safer.
Connectors, and everyone in a CDZ, must be protected at heights greater than two stories or 30 feet.
There are many new rules and requirements in the new standard; and weve only touched on a few of them here. If you need
to know more ask questions and check out the standard. Subpart R starts at 29 CFR 1926.750.
SAFETY REMINDER
Take time to tie off every time! Just
because you dont have to doesnt mean
you dont need to be.


PROJECT STARTUP
Planning and preparation are essential to a successful construction project! There is planning and preparation work that you
should be doing before you start to dig the first hole or pound the first nail. Some safety issues are common to all
construction jobs, but every project has specific hazards that must be dealt with. Take the time to become familiar with each
new project and its safety requirements.
Get a general feel for the project you are about to begin. Consider the requirements of the owner and the project, as well as
the size, location, and type of jobsite. Think about the surrounding environment. You may have to deal with nature, wildlife,
traffic, or pedestrians. Be aware of access and security matters. Is it a secured lot? Do you have the required access to do your
job? Do you need an ID badge or permit for employee parking?
Make sure you have received all the required training for the project. Attend the safety orientation to learn the safety details.
Is there any specific safety or project rules for this job? Have you been given a training schedule? Are there awards or
incentives for project safety? Are you familiar with the safety goals or milestones? Do you know who the safety coordinator
is and how to report hazards?
There are also practical matters to consider. Become familiar with the location of sanitary facilities such as toilets, porta-
johns, and hand-washing facilities. If they are available, find changing rooms and lockers for storing your personal items.
Know the location of the lunch or break room, vending machines, drinking water, and ice.
Know what to do in case of emergencies. Learn where telephones, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers are located. Be able to
locate emergency numbers for fire, police, and medical emergencies. Who is the first responder on your jobsite? How do you
report an injury?
As you begin a new construction project, you have many things to think about such as personal protective equipment, fall
protection, hazardous materials, heavy equipment, utilities, power lines, signs, hand and power tools, maintenance, and
repairs. Its important that you get all your questions answered before you begin your work. Talk to your supervisor is you
have any concerns.
SAFETY REMINDER Start every project with safety in

mind and youll always start out on
the right foot.


SECURE YOUR SAFETY ON SCAFFOLDS

Scaffold work can be hazardous. As a result, falls from scaffolds are one of the major causes of injury or death among
construction workers.
Scaffold stability is very important, but sometimes workers who have not followed safe erection procedures set them up.
Always check a scaffold before you climb it. Never climb or work on a scaffold you think could be unsafe. Report any unsafe
condition to your supervisor so it can be corrected immediately.
Keep these scaffold points in mind:
Make sure youre wearing proper fall protection/arrest equipment.
Scaffolds 7-feet or higher require guardrails on open sides and ends.
Platforms must be at least 20 inches wide and made of 2 by 10-inch boards.
Boards must extend beyond ledges 6 to 12 inches.
Base plates on uneven ground must be at least 10 inches square.
Wheels should be locked on rolling scaffolds.
Know which and how scaffolds must be secured to a structure.
Never overload a scaffold.
Use a ladder to climb or descend a scaffold.
Never jump down from a scaffold.
Erecting, modifying or moving scaffolds should only be done by designated qualified individuals.
1. Why should you always check a scaffold before you climb it?
2. Describe some safety points to keep in mind.
3. What should you do if you see a scaffold is unsafe?
SAFETY REMINDER A scaffold supports a hangmans

noose ensure your scaffolding isnt
as lethal.


GET CLOSE TO YOUR WORK
Lifting, pushing, and overreaching are common causes of strains and sprains. Most strains and sprains affect the back, arms, and
shoulders and can happen because of poor material handling techniques.
Back strains and sprains occur because workers lift things that weigh too much or because they lift incorrectly. Before lifting, size up the
load. Stand as close to it as possible. Lift the load correctly by squatting down and bending your knees, not your back. Grip the load
firmly and lift with your legs, slowly straightening them. Watch for protruding nails and sharp edges. Carry the load close to your body
with elbows close in. Keep as much of the load as you can at waist level. If you must turn while lifting, turn by placing your feet in the
direction you will be going, not by twisting your back.
When in doubt, get help with heavy loads. Dont try to move or lift object you cant handle. Instead of lifting a 75-pound load, break it
down into smaller parts. If you cant break it down, get help from a mechanical device such as a hoist, forklift, jack or winch or lift it with
the help of another worker.
Be sure hand trucks, wheel barrels, and other moving equipment are in good operating condition. The work saving device may put more
strain on your body if its overloaded or doesnt work properly. If the wheels on a cart are not aligned, you could strain your back, arms or
shoulders trying to move it.

1. What are common causes of strains and sprains?
2. If you cant lift a heavy load or break it down, what should you do?
3. Why should you be sure moving equipment is in good operating condition?
SAFETY REMINDER If you think and act safely, the next

life you save could be yours!


Ergonomics literally means the rules of human strength. Engineers interested in the design of work
environments originated the word in the 1950s. Today, the purpose of ergonomics in the workplace is to create a
better match between the worker, the work they perform, and the equipment they use. A good match increases
worker productivity and reduces ergonomic injuries.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 34% of all lost-workday injuries and illnesses are work-related
musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). WMSDs are a result of a bad match between the worker, the work they
perform and the equipment they use. More common names for WMSDs include repetitive stress injuries,
cumulative trauma disorders, tennis elbow, white finger, and the most common of all, carpal tunnel syndrome.
Nearly every type of work or occupation has the potential for causing WMSDs. To prevent these injuries, it is
important to understand the factors that contribute to them. Ergonomic factors refer to workplace conditions that
pose the risk of injury to the musculoskeletal system of the worker.
Factors that contribute to the development of WMSDs include:
Force the strength to perform a task.
Repetition the frequency or number of times a task is performed during a shift.
Posture positioning of the body to perform a task.
Vibration which might come from overuse of power hand tools.
Temperature extreme temperatures are more harmful to the body.
Duration the amount of time in a workday spent performing work tasks.
Non-work related issues health, lifestyle, hobbies, sports may add to the ergonomic risk factors.
Identifying and preventing WMSDs requires a careful review of these risk factors. Prevention may require
modification of one or more of these factors.
The first step is to find out which jobs may be causing problems. This can be done by looking around
your workplace, talking to employees, and learning the early warning signs. Signs to look for include;
employee discomfort or fatigue, employees modifying tools or equipment, poor product quality, or
employee reports of problems. Another way to identify problem areas is to review the written records,
i.e., OSHA 200 and 300 logs and workers compensation information. Once the jobs have been
identified, make a list of these jobs.
The second step is to look at the specific tasks that make up the jobs previously identified. When
looking at each task, determine how frequent it occurs (one time per shift or twenty times per hour),
and how hard is each task (from the employees point of view).
The third step is to observe the work tasks. Special attention should be paid to how many of the
above risk factors are associated with the job task. The higher the number of risk factors associated
with a job, the greater the chance that a WMSD might develop. Talking to the employees who
perform the work can often provide valuable information about how the work task may be improved.
It is important to remember to observe all work tasks associated with a job, because each task may have a risk
factor. WMSDs can be associated with a combination of risk factors from multiple tasks. For more detailed
information visit the website maintained by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration at
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/index.html..

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AllRightsReserved2009PlacerCountyContractorsAssociation
Information Provided By State Fund Compensation
OFFICE SAFETY
Many workers think that the office environment is the safest workplace. But, a safe office workplace requires
hazard control, good housekeeping, and safe work practices.
Arrange your office to allow clear walkways and aisles throughout the rooms and near exits. Attach tall and
heavy furniture to the wall to avoid tipovers in an earthquake. Do not store heavy items or hang pictures over your
head in your office or cube. Close file cabinet drawers, file doors, and pull-out work tables when not in use. To avoid
jamming your fingers or hands, make sure that cabinet and desk drawers do not open into walls or other furniture.
Close drawers and doors with the flat of your hand.
Prevent falls in the office by keeping walkways and floors clear of trash, cords, cables and, other items. Clean
up work areas after each project and periodically throughout the day. Clean up liquid spills immediately and mark
the hazard area with a wet floor sign until the floor dries. Walk slowly, and be aware of your surroundings. Use
handrails when going up and down stairs. Wear proper footwear at the office; a non-slip sole and back strap are the
safest.
Store supplies and materials properly to maintain a safe workplace. Arrange your storage so that the heavier
items are stored on lower shelves and keep lighter-weight items on upper shelves. Keep a study step stool in storage
areas to avoid reaching. Use good body mechanics when lifting and moving items. Request an ergonomic evaluation
from your supervisor if you feel discomfort while at your desk or performing other tasks at work.
Use only approved electrical equipment in the office. Examine electric cords and plugs for breaks, tears and
frayed wires before use. Do not use extension cords as a permanent source of electrical power; install an extra electric
outlet if necessary. Do not create chains of extension cords and surge protectors (daisy-chains) because they can
overload your electrical outlets and create fire hazards.
Periodic workplace safety inspections can keep your office safe. Report hazards to your supervisor quickly
and make sure that they get corrected as soon as possible. Be prepared for an emergency in your building. Know your
building emergency room procedures, evacuation routes, and assembly area. Know how to use a fire extinguisher and
when it is safe to do so. Keep exits and walkways clear to allow a quick evacuation.


SAFE USE OF LADDERS
A ladder is a fairly simple piece of equipment. Using one safely is a matter on common sense. Why then, do so many painters
suffer serious injuries with ladders? In most cases they ignore the easily recognized safe procedures because they are in too
much of a hurry. But finishing a job by a certain time is never that urgent that you should take unnecessary risks with your
safety. In any case, here are a few basic rules for safe use of ladders:
1. Step up to your ladder carefully. Position a straight ladder so that it is abut a foot away from the wall for every 4 feet
from ground level to the point where the ladder touches the wall. Make sure the surface and ladder are stable.
2. Set the ladder down on a level, firm surface but one that is not slippery. Soft ground that causes the ladder to lean to
one side, as one foot sinks deeper that the other, can be dangerous. Cement or tile surfaces have the advantage of
being hard but are sometimes slippery. Make sure that the feet of a straight ladder get good traction.
3. The taller a ladder is, the greater need to secure it at the top. If you are not sure how or when to secure the ladder in a
given situation, ask your foreman.
4. If you are going up to a roof or platform on a straight ladder, the tip of the ladder should extend at least three feet
above the edge of the roof or platform. This gives you a bit of safety margin in case it slips to one side. It also offers
a handhold.
5. While on a ladder, always hand on with at least one hand and never lean sideways farther that your belt buckle. Also
do not climb higher that the second step from the top of a step ladder or the third rung from the top of a straight
ladder,
6. Before using a ladder, inspect it to insure that it is in safe operating condition.

1. How do you position/secure a ladder safely?
2. What do you look for when someone is inspecting a ladder?
3. What do you do when you find a ladder is defective?
SAFETY REMINDER Its not the falling that hurts-its

the landing.


FIRE SAFETY
Everybody should be aware of fire hazards, both at home and at work, in order to keep the chances of having a fire
to a minimum. Also, there should be a plan for dealing with a fire should one start.
It would be wise to inspect your home and garage for fire hazards. If you dont already have them, you should get
two or three smoke alarms as well as a good sized fire extinguisher. Some home insurance companies even give
reduced rates for having these. Water from a garden hose or other source of water is not very effective in type B or
type C fires.
The painting trade has an especially high risk of fire because of the solvents and other combustible materials.
Some precautions to take:
Keep the lids and caps on combustible material such as solvents, lacquers, adhesives, etc.
Keep highly flammable materials, including wallpaper and rags, away from heaters, electrical equipment
and other sources of ignition.
Dont smoke around combustibles, including explosive vapors, and observe No Smoking signs.
Know where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them. The best extinguisher for painting is the
A-B-C type. A is for wood and paper fires; B is for paint, oil and gasoline; and C is for electrical fire.

1. What is the companys plan (policy) for dealing with a fire?
2. What precautions can you take to prevent fires?
3. What is the best type of fire extinguisher to use and why? How many of you know how to use them?
SAFETY REMINDER
It cant happen to me? Yes it can!


ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
You dont plan on having an accident, and you certainly dont want to be the one under the microscope should one occur. An accident is
defined as an unplanned or unexpected event. It may include people, equipment, vehicles, property, or the environment. Occasionally
there are good accidents, but the ones we are talking about here did or could have caused injuries and property damage. Accidents are
usually followed by investigations. The reason that we investigate accidents is to find out why they happened so that we can prevent
them from happening again in the future
.
Accident investigation is a process during which we try to capture facts and details about the accident. Good investigators look at what
led up to the incident, what happened during the incident, and how to prevent the incident from happening again. One method of
investigating accidents is root cause analysis. This method defines the problem thoroughly by finding out who was involved, exactly
what happened, when the accident occurred, when contributing events occurred, and where people and equipment were located.
Evidence, like pictures, test results, and witness statements, is collected to support these answers. The situation, contributing factors, and
results are then tied together by cause and effect to create a complete picture of the accident. The investigators final task is to process
solutions and changes that will prevent a reoccurrence.
As a skilled construction worker, one of your primary responsibilities is to avoid and prevent accidents, but we all know that they still
happen. You need to think about your role in the accident and how you can help with the investigation. The accident scene can provide a
great deal of helpful information. After the injured have been taken care of the scene is safe, it should be secured. Dont move anything
unless you are instructed to do so by your supervisor or the accident investigator. Its a good idea to take a few notes and make a quick
sketch of the scene or what was happening just before the accident. These steps are especially important if you are in charge on the site.
If you witnessed the accident, you may be asked to provide a statement. Respond professionally not emotionally. Relax and explain what
you saw and did. Remember, accident investigators are trying to gather information, not place blame. If you dont remember anything
tell them so. Stick to the facts and avoid hearsay.
SAFETY REMINDER Asking Questions About Who, What, When,

Where And Why, Isnt Just For Accident
Investigations. The Answers Can Also Help Your
Special Topics For Your Project Work!


CONSTRUCTION FORKLIFTS
A forklift is used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack, and tier material. Forklift accidents can be disastrous. 100,000 people are injured each
year in forklift related accidents. It is crucial that every forklift operator understands forklift stability.
In March of 1999 OSHA issued new standards requiring that every operator must be trained before being assigned to operate any
powered industrial truck including forklifts. Training includes operating instructions, differences between forklifts and automobiles,
controls, instrumentation, maneuvering, visibility restrictions, fork attachments, vehicle capacity and stability, inspections, maintenance,
refueling, and operating limitations. After completing the training course a certificate is issued. We cannot cover all of these topics in
detail here. Following are some safety issues to remember anytime you operate a forklift.
Prior to starting a forklift, complete a pre-use inspection Check all fluid levels. Inspect the mast, carriage, forks, overhead guard,
backrest, tires, seat belt, lights, back up alarm, and hydraulic system. If you find anything wrong dont use the lift until it is repaired.
Dont forget to check the identification plate for the capacity of the lift.
As you operate the lift, remember that stability is very important. Where the load sits is just as important as how much it weighs. Watch
out for power lines; keep the forklift and the load away from them. Buckle your seat belt and keep your hands and legs inside the cab.
Avoid making jerky moves and dont lift loads over people. Drive in reverse down a ramp or incline to keep the load on the high side of
the slope. If your truck starts to tip over, dont jump. Stay in your seat and go with the truck: grip the wheel securely and brace yourself
with your feet
Look for others before moving your forklift. Slow down to look for traffic when crossing aisles, walkways, and roads. Sound your horn
before backing up, at intersections, when traveling through doors, and anywhere your vision is limited or blocked. Come to a complete
stop before reversing direction.
You can avoid injury or even death by following the lift manufactures instructions and practicing what you learned in your training
course.
SAFETY REMINDER The Most Important Safety Device

On Your Forklift Is You!


CRANES AND POWER LINES
Hundreds of accidents occur each year involving cranes and power lines. Many of these accidents result in serious injuries and deaths.
Safe crane operations require attention from supervisors, crane operators and riggers. Be aware of the presence of power lines and other
electrical hazards. Refuse to make the lift if the crane, hoist line, or load will come closer to a power line than is allowed in ASME/ANSI
B30-5 or other governing regulations.
Overhead power lines are generally safe and you can help keep them that way. If you operate a crane, dont risk a tragedy. Remember,
electric lines cannot get out of your way. You are in control. You must maintain a safe distance between equipment and power lines to
prevent needless injuries and fatalities.
When you work near power lines

Provide for safe clearances and keep those power lines in sight.
Consider all wires hot even though they may be de-energized.
Never touch a rig that is near power lines.
Keep bystanders away.
Contact the local electrical utility for proper safeguards.
If a piece of equipment does contact a power line
Keep everyone clear of the equipment, its load, fallen wires or damaged cables.
Dont touch anyone who is in contact with the rig, the load or fallen wires.
Inform the local power company of the accident and have them de-energize the lines.
If possible, have the operator move the rig away from the lines.
For additional information about cranes and power lines, check with your supervisor or review the OSHA regulations in 29 CFR
1926.550.
SAFETY REMINDER Stay Away From Equipment

That is Working Near Power Lines,
Electricity Can Arc To Bystanders.


TRY
EMERGENCY PLANS
What would you do if we had an emergency on this job site? Someone forgets to close a valve. An operator undercuts an
excavation wall. An electrician shoves a bare wire into a receptacle. There is a lightening strike nearby. A co-worker
grabs his chest and cries out in pain. Another worker flips a cigarette into a pile of trash. Any of these situations could
quickly turn into an emergency. You must be able to react to the emergency. Do you know what to do?
It is very important that emergency plans be in place on every jobsite. Plans should be developed to cover all kinds of
emergencies, including fires, medical emergencies, trench cave-ins gas line rupture, structural collapse, and severe
weather. Be familiar with the steps to take in each situation since there wont be time to get out the employee handbook to
look things up. The more prepared you are to handle a situation; the more likely you are to save lives and minimize
damage by containing the situation.
The following steps provide a useful guideline in any emergency situation. Start by taking steps to minimize further
injury and loss of life. Sound the alarm- alert co-workers and emergency services to the situation. Take steps to minimize
additional damage and prevent fire or explosion. Close off the area and evacuate the sit. Dont forget to write up an
accident report and make notes for yourself in case of an accident investigation.
In order for emergency plans to be effective everyone must know about them and understand them. Construction workers
often move from jobsite to jobsite. Make sure you are familiar with emergency plan for each jobsite you work on. The
evacuation plan should be posted on the jobsite. Check and make sure emergency phone numbers are posted near jobsite.
Make sure you know who the supervisor is on the site. Check and make sure emergency vehicles phone numbers are
posted near jobsite telephones. Know the address where you are working. Be prepared to answer questions from the
emergency dispatcher.
Emergency plans are an important part of a complete safety program. Emergency plans are important at home as well as
on the job. Create an evacuation plan with your family. Make sure that everyone in your family knows what to do in case
of a fire, severe weather, or a medical emergency.
SAFETY REMINDER
Teach Your Children What to Do In An
Emergency And To Dial 911 For
Emergency Assistance

Information provided by Placer County Builders Exchange & Contractors Association

LEAD
The presence of lead on the jobsite is serious business. Although lead has not been used in residential construction for years, it is still
used in some commercial and industrial work. You may also encounter lead when remodeling or demolishing older structures.
Lead-based paints are commonly used on outdoor steel structures like bridges, water tanks and fuel tanks. Left alone, the dry paint is not
hazardous, but you could be exposed to lead when working on these structures depending on what you have to do. Operations like
abrasive blasting, sanding, cutting, burning or welding can create dust and fumes that contain lead. Inhaling or ingesting the dust and
fumes can result in lead poisoning. Even if you are not performing these types of operations, you can still be exposed to lead if youre
working near them. This means that laborers, inspectors, painters and even equipment operators could be at risk.
An industrial hygienist or other qualified professional should perform an initial hazard assessment. Engineering controls should be used
to minimize exposure to lead at the worksite. Before welding, cutting or burning any lead-coated materials, lead-containing coatings
should be removed. As a general rule, they should be cleared to a point of at least four inches from the area where the heat will be
applied. When performing abrasive blasting, scaling, chipping, grinding or other operations to remove lead-containing coatings, use work
practices that minimize the amount of dust generated. Lead-containing dust and abrasive materials should be removed daily by using
vacuums equipped with HEPA filters or by using wet methods to prevent lead-containing particles from becoming airborne.
All workers exposed to lead should wash their hands and faces before eating, drinking or smoking and they should not eat, drink or use
tobacco products in the work area. Workers should change into work clothes at the worksite. Street clothes should be stored separately
from work clothes in a clean area provided be the employer. Warning signs should be posted to mark the boundaries of lead-
contaminated work areas. A sample warning sign may look like this. WARNING! LEAD WORK AREA POISON! NO EATING
OR SMOKING, RESPIRATORS REQUIRED.
Respirators should supplement engineering controls and good work practices. Respiratory protection must be put on before entering the
contaminated work area and it should be removed only after you have left the area.
SAFETY REMINDER Lead Is Not The Only Hazardous

Material Around. What Hazardous
Materials Exist On This Jobsite?


HOLIDAY SAFETY
From now until New Years Day there are all sorts of things to celebrate. Unfortunately, decorations, food, and alcohol all
present dangers, particularly to young children. A few common-sense precautions can help keep your holidays safe and happy.
Candles, colored lights, Christmas trees, artificial snow, and plants add a lot of beauty to festive occasions. Unfortunately,
young children (pets, too!) often like to play with these. Kids may even try to taste these lovely decorations, or experiment with that
candle flame. Make sure decorations are kid-safe or out of reach. Watch out especially for small ornaments, button batteries, and festive
yet poisonous plants such as mistletoe, poinsettia, and Jerusalem cherry. (Hard or chewy candy can choke children, so keep it away from
them too!).
Candles are also popular, but dont let yours go up in smoke! Speaking of candles, have you ever let one get too close to some
greenery, paper, or a tablecloth? You know what can happen. Keep an eye on those candles. Never leave them burning unattended, and
never place them too close to other objects. (Light candles only in containers meant for lighted candles many candles are not meant to
be lit in their original, usually decorative containers). Keep those lighters and matches out of childrens reach too!
If you use outdoor lights, make sure they are approved for outdoor use. For indoor and outdoor lights, inspect them for broken
or missing bulbs, and check the cords for fraying before you use them. Dont place cords where they can trip people, and dont run them
under furniture, rugs, carpeting or other objects, or around doors and windows.
A crackling fire in the fireplace is a welcome sight. Keep your safe. Make sure the fireplace and chimney are clean when you
begin using it each year. Call a professional to clean and inspect your flue. Keep the area in front of the fireplace free of any combustible
material, and use a screen to keep sparks from flying out. Again, keep young children and pets away from the fireplace.
Theres plenty to eat during the holiday season. Unfortunately eating food that isnt prepared right or that has been sitting
around too long can turn happiness into misery. Food borne illness can make you very sick. It can also kill you. You should always be
aware of food safety precautions and follow them no matter what time of year. If you are hosting a celebration, be sure to follow safe
handling, cooking, and re-heating practices, especially for meats and eggs. These precautions can usually be found printed on the food
packages and in published literature, such as cookbooks or health department brochures. Dont take a chance by eating food that is not
fully cooked, seems to have been sitting out too long, or serious illness is just not worth it.
Many holiday celebrations include alcohol consumption. If you do drink, never drink and drive. Watch out for guests and make
sure everyone is riding with a sober driver. Provide plenty of alternatives to alcohol such as soft drinks, coffee, tea, and cocoa. Stop
serving alcohol a few hours before your party ends. Also, never leave drinks around where youngsters and pets can get them. Alcohol
can make them very sick. Collect used glasses and cups quickly and lock up your supply.
Finally, make sure your home is equipped with smoke detectors and, if your home uses a fossil fuel heat source, carbon
monoxide detectors. Test the batteries frequently some people find it helpful to replace the batteries twice a year when Daylight
Savings Time begins and ends. If your home has been vacant for several days test the detector batteries when you return. The low-
battery alarm may have sounded while you were away and could be silent when you return. The battery may be dead and you wont
know unless you check. Dont let accidents spoil your holiday. Plan now to play it safe this year and every year.


WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT COLD STRESS INJURIES

Winter weather is just around the corner, but did you know cold stress, or hypothermia can occur any time of the year? In
fact most cases of cold stress develop in air temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. People who are exposed to lower
temperatures are at risk for injuries ranging from frostbite to serious loss of body heat which could result in brain damage or death.
DRESS WARMLY, IN LAYERS. Preserving the air space between the body and the outer layer of clothing will help retain
body heat. Choose fabrics such as cotton or wool which insulate but also allow sweat to evaporate. It is especially important to protect
the feet, hands, head and face. These parts of the body are farthest from the heart and the hardest to keep warm. Almost half your body
heat can be lost through the head, so cover it up as well.
KEEP DRY. Wetness greatly increases the chance of cold stress. Always have extra clothing available if theres a chance you
could get wet. Keep your feet dry, they are very susceptible to frostbite.
TAKE A BREAK. You may think its wise to keep working in cold temperatures. After all, working makes you break a sweat
and you feel warmer. But if you become fatigued during physical activity, your body loses its ability to properly retain heat. This causes
rapid cooling which can quickly lead to cold stress. When you take a break, be sure to replace lost fluids and calories by drinking warm,
sweet, caffeine-free, nonalcoholic drinks and soup.
EAT RIGHT. A proper died provides your body with the nutrients it needs to withstand cold stress. A restrictive diet may
deprive your body the ability to work well in cold temperatures.
DONT WORK ALONE. In cold-stress prone environments, a buddy system should be used. Look out for one another and be
alert for the symptoms of cold stress.
LEARN WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR. The effects of cold stress may not be apparent to its victim. The first symptoms of
hypothermia are uncontrollable shivering and the sensation of cold. The heartbeat slows and may become irregular, and the pulse
weakens. As the condition worsens, severe shaking or rigid muscles may be evident. The victim may also have slurred speech, memory
lapses, and drowsiness. Cool skin, slow, irregular breathing, and exhaustion occur as the body temperature drops even lower. This is a
serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Frostbite can occur without accompanying hypothermia. Frostbite occurs when the fluid around the bodys tissues freeze. The
most vulnerable parts of the body are the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes. Symptoms of frostbite include coldness and tingling in the
affected part, followed by numbness; changes in skin color to white or grayish-yellow, initial pain which subsides as the condition
worsens, and possibly blisters. Frostbite can cause irreversible tissue damage and requires immediate medical attention.
If you work in lower-temperature environments, always be alert for the possibility of cold stress. Follow these guidelines to help
protect yourself from injury. Remember, it doesnt have to be freezing for cold stress to occur. Take steps to protect yourself.


FALLS CAUSES AND CURES

Has this thought ever crossed your mind? The only way to be safe from fails is to avoid them!
Avoidance is the key word. Let's explore just a few of the factors contributing to falls and their serious
results. Here are some to think about.
Scaffolds - Never erect a temporary scaffold. Even if the job will only last a very short time, the
scaffold should be erected as if you were going to use it indefinitely. Make sure you install all the cross
braces both vertically and horizontally, be sure the scaffold is built on a level surface and fully decked,
and don't forget to provide proper access.
Ladders - Select the right ladder for the job. Is it the right size, did you tie it off, did you inspect it
prior to use? Always face the ladder when you climb and avoid carrying tools in your hands when
climbing -- one slip could send you down -- use a hand line or pouch for the tools. Never stand on the top
two steps.
Floor Openings - Any floor opening measuring 12 inches across or larger must be covered or
protection provided by a standard guard rail with toe board. A cover must be large enough and strong
enough to prevent failure and be marked so that everyone on the job will be aware of its purpose. Guard
rails must meet minimum strength requirements (See OSHA Standard 1926.500). Toe boards will prevent
tools or materials from falling through the opening and injuring workers below.
Stairways - Slow down -- don't run up or down. Avoid carrying objects that block your view of the
steps. To help eliminate falls on stairways take your time, look where you step, and use the handrail.
Keep stairways free of clutter to prevent tripping.
Housekeeping - A secure footing is a positive step in avoiding falls and good housekeeping is
essential to secure footing. Debris, trash, oil and water left to accumulate on stairs, walkway etc. will lead
to certain falls. A clean worksite is a safer worksite.
Watch your step! Stay alert! Avoidance and prevention is your first line of defense.
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SLIPPERY SURFACES AND WALKWAYS.

WINTER'S FROST, SNOW & ICE INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF SLIPPING.


HEART ATTACKS
The American Heart Association lists the following as possible signs and symptoms of a
heart attack: Pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting two minutes
or longer. The pain may come and go. The pain may spread to either shoulder, the neck, lower
jaw or either arm. Any or all of the following: weakness, dizziness, sweating, nausea, or
shortness of breath.
A heart attack means the heart has stopped pumping blood to the vital organs. It is one of
the leading causes of death. Many people will deny that they are having a heart attack, so even if
a person only has a few of the symptoms, it is critical to seek help immediately. A heart attack
can happen anytime, anywhere, so you need to be prepared.
First, get help, call for an ambulance or dial 911 and tell the operator that you have a
medical emergency. If the person that is having the attack is conscious, help them sit down.
Keep the victim warm and comfortable. Loosen clothing around the neck and waist. Ask the
victim if they are taking any kind of medication. If they are unconscious check for some type of
medical ID card or medical alert bracelet, and check the ABC's (A for airway - check for
obstructions, B for breathing, C for circulation - check for a pulse) and then start CPR if you are
trained do so.
Heart attack prevention starts by watching what you do. Exercise regularly, stop smoking,
avoid fatty foods, and reduce stress. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns. Heart
attacks come unannounced so be prepared. Have a plan and use it when the need arises.
Sometime, somewhere, someone is going to need your help! Are you ready to help a loved one
or a co-worker? Keep current on your first aid and CPR training. It could mean saving a life!
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS SHOULD BE POSTED

NEXT TO EVERY TELEPHONE AT WORK AS WELL AS AT HOME.


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FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

COMPANY NAME JOB NAME DATE

SOIL COMPACTOR SAFETY

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

ROOFING (HEAT) HAZARDS

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

CARPET LAYER SAFETY

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

DRIVING AND TAILGATING

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE TAILGATE?

ADD ANOTHER SECOND

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

SEVEN TIPS TO A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP

PREPARING FOR SUCCESSFUL SHUTEYE IN DAYLIGHT HOURS

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

DRIVING IN THE FOG

If you must drive in the fog, follow these safety tips:

Remember to practice safety. Dont learn it by accident.

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

DRIVING IN THE RAIN

There are three main factors that contribute to hydroplaning:

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Reviewed MSDS# Subject

Supervisors Signature : ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________

SHOULDER INJURY PREVENTION

ANATOMY OF THE SHOULDER

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WARNING SIGNS OF A SHOULDER INJURY?

Special Topics For Your Project

Employee Safety Recommendations

Supervisors Signature : ______________________ Date:

Supervisors Signature : ______________________ Date:

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