Safety Orientation for Construction

Introduction As an employee, you are faced every day with situations that require prior training, quick decisions and proper actions. This program discusses a variety of topics and introduces some basic safety rules to help you recognize and prevent hazards at the worksite. Your employer will provide more in-depth training on each topic as needed.

Right Attitude = Safety Such Employees: Are alert to their surroundings. Are able to identify hazards and ways to prevent them. Stay focused on the task at hand. Pay attention during training sessions. Follow safety rules and procedures even if it takes a little longer. Take personal responsibility to ensure the safety of themselves, their co-workers and others on the jobsite.

General Safe Work Guidelines Employers have safety programs in place to ensure that you are not required to work in surroundings or under working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to your health or safety. These safety programs should provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job sites, materials and equipment. You need to be aware of the many different types of equipment that are utilized at the worksite. You may not require specific training on every piece of equipment, but you should be cognizant of the characteristics and movements of the equipment.

Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention is as easy as: Paying attention. Keeping tools and work materials stored properly. Wearing appropriate shoes. Rerouting or properly covering exposed cables/cords that cross pathways.

Fall Protection Falls are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. OSHA requires fall protection anytime an employee is working at 6 ft. or more above a lower level. Some types of fall protection include: Guardrails Safety Nets Covers Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)

Ladder Safety Use only ladders that meet OSHA requirements and are appropriate for the work being performed. Fall protection is not required when working on a ladder. Use extreme caution and follow all safety rules to avoid an accident or injury. NEVER use a metal ladder on or around electrical elements. Always inspect a ladder before use. Ladders with structural defects must immediately be marked defective or tagged with “DO NOT USE” and taken out of use until repaired by the manufacturer or they should be destroyed and discarded.

Back Safety Improper lifting, twisting and bending can lead to serious back injury. Use proper lifting techniques whenever you lift an object. Get help lifting heavy or odd shaped objects. Use special equipment when possible to move heavy items.

Electrical OSHA requires protection for all employees working near any part of an electrical power circuit. Such protection includes the use of insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical protective devices and safe work practices. Watch for overhead power lines. Assume that all overhead lines are energized. Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines.

Hand and Power Tools Hand and power tools are very common both at work and home. Power tools must be fitted with guards and safety switches. Electrical tools must have a three-wire cord with a ground and be plugged into a grounded receptacle or be double insulated.

Control of Hazardous Chemicals Chemical exposure may contribute to or cause many serious health problems and many chemicals are also serious safety hazards. Employees have both a need, and a right, to know the hazards and the identities of the chemicals to which they are exposed. The following steps are necessary to ensure the safety of all employees: A list of all hazardous chemicals must be kept in the workplace or at the jobsite and must be kept current; Safety Data Sheets must be obtained for each hazardous chemical. The Safety Data Sheet is a standardized, 16- section, detailed information bulletin prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a chemical which describes the chemical;

Control of Hazardous Chemicals Each chemical must be properly labeled; A written hazard communication program covering the list of chemicals, use of labels, Safety Data Sheets and employee training must be established and implemented; Chemical hazard information must be communicated to all employees; and Equipment and training concerning protective measures to prevent exposure to chemicals and reduce the risk of working with hazardous chemicals must be provided.

Control of Hazardous Chemicals When dealing with chemicals employees should: Take training seriously and pay attention; Read labels and Safety Data Sheets; Know where to find the Safety Data Sheets; Use appropriate PPE; Know correct emergency procedures; and Use safe work habits. For consumer products such as window cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and dishwashing liquid, when used in the same manner and with the same duration and frequency that a normal household consumer would use them at home, employees should follow the safety guidelines printed on the container.

Confined Spaces Confined or enclosed space means any space having limited means of egress and is subject to the accumulation of toxic or flammable contaminants or has an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Storage tanks, bins, sewers, tunnels and excavations are some examples of such spaces. Never enter into a confined or enclosed space unless properly trained and instructed by your employer.

Scaffolds Construct all scaffolds according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Install guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms. Use appropriate fall protection for scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level. Provide safe access to scaffold platforms. Do not climb cross-bracing as a means of access.

Trenching and Shoring Cave-ins are perhaps the most feared trenching hazard. However, other potentially fatal hazards exist, including asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen in a confined space, inhalation of toxic fumes, drowning, etc. Electrocution or explosions can occur when workers contact underground utilities. Trenches and excavations must be inspected daily for evidence of possible cave-ins, hazardous atmospheres, failure of protective systems or other unsafe conditions.

Personal Protective Equipment OSHA requires employers to provide employees with the proper PPE needed at no cost to the employee. It is important that PPE: Fits properly. Provides the correct protection. Is comfortable enough to perform the job. Is worn properly. Is properly maintained. Some examples of common PPE include: hard hats, gloves, safety glasses and steel-toed shoes.

Fire Safety Numerous fire hazards are present at construction sites. Employers must have a fire protection plan that is followed for the duration of the construction or demolition work. Smoking is prohibited at many construction sites or is permitted in designated areas only. Prevention is the best defense against fire hazards.

First Aid First aid is limited care for an illness or injury until trained medical attention can arrive. Be prepared. Know the locations of all first aid kits. Know the location of the nearest eye wash and emergency shower. Know who is certified in first-aid at the worksite. Know who to call in case of an emergency. Report every accident or close call to your employer.

Conclusion This program was a brief introduction to a variety of workplace subjects. Your employer will provide in-depth safety training on these and other significant topics in your workplace as necessary.