GFCIs On the Job Tool Box Talks

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When working with electricity, accidents and injuries are caused by one or a combination of the following factors:
•     Unsafe equipment and/or installation.
•     Unsafe workplaces caused by environmental factors.
•     Unsafe work practices.

Preventing electrical accidents 
Protection from electrical hazards is one way to prevent accidents caused by electric current. Protective methods to control electrical hazards include insulation, electrical protective devices, guarding, grounding, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe work practices. 

At construction sites, the most common electrical hazard is the ground fault electrical shock. 

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) or an assured equipment grounding conductor program can eliminate the hazards associated with ground fault electric shock. 

The OSHA electrical standard requires your employer to provide either:
•     GFCIs for receptacle outlets in use and not part of the permanent wiring of the structure; or
•     an assured equipment grounding conductor program covering all cord sets, receptacles that are not part of the permanent wiring of the structure, and equipment connected by cord and plug that are for use by employees.

Ground fault circuit interrupters
Although most portable electric tools have an equipment grounding conductor and many are double insulated, these methods are  not foolproof. A grounding wire could break or a cord could become defective. Using a GFCI overcomes these insulation problems.

A GFCI is a fast-acting circuit breaker that senses small imbalances in a circuit caused by current leakage to ground. In a fraction of  a second the GFCI shuts off the electricity.

Assured equipment grounding conductor program
The assured equipment grounding conductor program is an inspection program covering: (1) all cord sets (extension cords), (2) receptacles that are not a part of the permanent wiring of the structure, and (3) equipment connected by cord and plug that is available for use or is used by employees.

This inspection program includes electrical equipment that must be visually inspected for damage or defects before each day’s use. Any damaged or defective equipment must not be used until repaired.

Under this program, OSHA requires the following two tests to be performed before the first use of new equipment, after suspected damage to equipment, and at three month intervals:
•     A continuity test to ensure that the equipment grounding conductor is electrically
continuous.
•     A test to ensure that the equipment grounding conductor is connected to its proper
terminal.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Nail Guns - On the job Tool Box Talks

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Two employees were doing remodeling construction and were building a wall. One of the workers was killed when he was struck by a nail fired from a powder-actuated tool. The tool operator, while attempting to anchor plywood to a 2" X 4" stud, fired the tool. The nail penetrated the stud and the plywood partition prior to striking the victim. As a result of an OSHA investigation, citations for three serious violations were issued. Had employees been trained in the use of powder-actuated tools and had precautions been taken to prevent the nail from passing through the wall, the accident probably would not have occurred. Citations that were issued. 

Employees using powder-actuated tools must be trained in the operation of the particular tool. Driving into materials easily penetrated must be avoided unless materials are backed by a substance that will prevent the nail from passing completely through and creating a flying missile hazard on the other side.Operators and assistants using powder-actuated tools must be safeguarded with eye protection.

OSHA regulations for nail guns

The nail gun must be tested each day before loading to ensure the safety devices are working properly.
Use the manufacturer's recommended procedure for testing.
 
Any tool not working properly during the daily test or while using must be immediately removed from
service, tagged, and not used until repair.
You must use the proper personal protective equipment in accordance with Subpart E of the construction
regulations.
 
Tools must not be loaded until just prior to the intended firing time.
 
Never:
•  point a nail gun, loaded or unloaded, at another person, 
•  leave loaded tools unattended, 
•  drive fasteners into very hard or brittle material such as: cast iron, glazed tile, surface hardened steel, glass block, live rock, face brick, or hollow tile, 
•  Drive a fastener into a spalled area caused by an unsatisfactory fastening. 
 
Do not use nail guns in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.
 
All tools must be used with the correct shield, guard, or attachment recommended by the manufacturer.
 
Nail guns save time and energy at construction sites. They can also be deadly when handled incorrectly. Before you pull the trigger, think about where the fastener is going.


From Assurance Agency
 

Workers' Compensation Seminar

Understanding Senate Bill 3287

Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Hosted by
Jay Shelton
Senior Vice President
Risk Management Services
Assurance

Guest Speaker
Jonathon Mincieli
Cassiday Shade

Time
8 – 8:30 AM CT registration
830 – 10 AM CT program

Location
Assurance
1750 East Golf Rd., floor 2
Schaumburg, IL 60173

RCEC & HBAGC Members $20
Non Member $30

Register Online for this Event

Download the USPS Registration Form

Join us for a discussion on the recent passage of SB 3287. This bill amends the Illinois Worker's Compensation act by including safety service providers in liability suits. Previously, if a worker's sustained and injury at work, they were unable to bring suit against the companies that provided safety services. However, this passage amends much of that provision.

Key learning objectives:
*Learn who will be affected by SP 3287
*Review the changes this will bring to employers
*Understand the history and case law that brought Illinois to this position

OSHA 10-HOUR CONSTRUCTION TRAINING

OSHA 10-HOUR CONSTRUCTION TRAINING

The OSHA 10-hour has become a necessary seminar for every foreman or superintendent working in the construction field. This training will provide an overview of key issues related to construction safety and OSHA compliance. Upon completion, attendees will have a better understanding of OSHA requirements, employer safety responsibilities and increased hazard identification skills.

Participants must be present at both training sessions to receive an OSHA 10-hour card. 

We have a limited number of seats.   Please call Cathy Kirin at 630-512-0552 to register.

SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS

» Fall Protection

» Hazard Communication

» Scaffolding Safety

» Ladder Safety

» Electrical Safety

» Personal Protective Equipment

·        WHEN

Thursday, August 21, 2014 &
Friday, August 22, 2014
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Central Time Zone

·        WHERE

Assurance
1750 E. Golf Road
2nd Floor Seminar Center
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173

·        COST

Assurance clients - $0
All others - $250 

We have a limited number of seats.   Please call Cathy Kirin at 630-512-0552 to register.

###

Incident Reporting - On the jon Tool Box Safety Talks

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The health and safety of our  employees is a top priority.  It is everyone’s responsibility to help prevent injuries and report all incidents immediately so that the same thing does not happen again.

When an incident does occur, you must report it to your foreman immediately and no later than the end of the work day.  An employee statement form must be filled out so that the details of the incident can be investigated. It is important to learn what actions must be taken to prevent the accident from happening again.  Your foreman has all the necessary forms for conducting an investigation.  This process is not to place blame on the employee or foreman.  It is to find the “root” cause of the incident.

No matter how small the incident may seem, it should be reported to your foreman.  Your foreman will decide what to do next.

The following items should always be immediately reported to your foreman:
1.   An injury to any employee, subcontractor, client representative, or private citizen, even if the injury does not require medical attention.
2.   An injury to a member of the public occurring on a work site possibly resulting from our activity or involving property, equipment, or resource
3.   Illness resulting from suspected chemical exposure
4.   Chronic or re-occurring conditions such as back pain or cumulative trauma disorders
5.   Fire or explosion
6.   Any  vehicle accidents occurring on site, while traveling to or from client locations, or with any company-owned or leased vehicle
7.   Property damage resulting from any activity
8.   Structural collapse or potential structural hazards
9.   Unexpected release or imminent release of a hazardous material
10.  Unexpected chemical exposures to workers or the public
11.  A safety related complaint from the public regarding our activities
12.  Any other significant occurrence that could impact safety - WHEN IN DOUBT, REPORT IT!

From: Assurance Agency