Stairways & Ladders Safety

 

Stairways and ladders are essential for accessing different levels on construction sites. However, they can also be significant sources of accidents and injuries if not used properly. This toolbox talk will cover the importance of stairway and ladder safety, relevant OSHA standards, and best practices to ensure a safe working environment.

Importance of Stairway and Ladder Safety

• Prevent Falls: Falls from ladders and stairways are a leading cause of injuries in the construction industry. Proper safety measures can significantly reduce this risk.
• Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to OSHA standards is crucial for legal compliance and worker safety.
• Promote a Safety Culture: Prioritizing stairway and ladder safety fosters a culture of safety on the job site.

Relevant OSHA Standards

The following OSHA standards are critical for stairway and ladder safety in construction:

• 29 CFR 1926.1051: This standard outlines the requirements for stairways and ladders, including design, construction, and maintenance.
• 29 CFR 1926.1052: This section provides specific requirements for ladders, including the types of ladders that can be used and their load capacities.
• 29 CFR 1926.1053: This standard covers the requirements for the use of ladders, including proper setup and maintenance.

Stairway Safety Requirements

1. Design and Construction:
• Stairways must be at least 22 inches wide and have a minimum rise of 4 inches and a maximum rise of 9.5 inches.
• Handrails must be provided on at least one side of stairways with four or more risers.
2. Inspection:
• Inspect stairways regularly for hazards such as loose steps, debris, or inadequate lighting.
• Ensure that handrails are secure and in good condition.
3. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
• Workers should wear appropriate PPE, such as hard hats and non-slip footwear, when using stairways.

Ladder Safety Requirements

1. Selection:
• Use the right type of ladder for the job (e.g., step ladders, extension ladders) and ensure it is rated for the intended load.
• Inspect ladders before use for defects such as cracks, missing rungs, or loose components.
2. Setup:
• Set up ladders on stable, level surfaces. Use ladder levelers if necessary.
• For extension ladders, maintain a 4:1 ratio (for every 4 feet of height, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall). Ladders used for access must be set 3’ above the landing.
3. Climbing and Working:
• Always maintain three points of contact when climbing (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand).
• Do not overreach; keep your body centered on the ladder.
• Do not use ladders in high winds or adverse weather conditions.
4. Storage:
• Store ladders in a dry place to prevent deterioration and ensure they are not placed in high-traffic areas where they can be knocked over.

Best Practices for Stairway and Ladder Safety

• Training: Ensure all workers are trained on stairway and ladder safety, including proper use and hazard recognition.
• Communication: Maintain clear communication among team members when using ladders or stairways.
• Housekeeping: Keep stairways and ladder areas clear of debris and obstacles to prevent tripping hazards.

Stairway and ladder safety is critical in preventing accidents and injuries on construction sites. By understanding and implementing proper safety measures and adhering to OSHA standards, we can create a safer work environment for everyone. Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility. Stay vigilant, follow safety protocols, and look out for one another.

 

Materials Handling Equipment

 

For construction, materials handling equipment covers a wide range of jobsite workhorses. OSHA divides materials handling equipment into two groups: earthmoving, and lifting and hauling equipment. Earthmoving equipment primarily moves dirt around, but some can double as materials haulers. Lifting and hauling equipment moves raw materials around your jobsite.

Earthmoving equipment—includes scrapers, loaders, bulldozers, off-highway trucks, graders, tractors, and similar vehicles. Some OSHA rules for this type of equipment are:

·            Seat belts must be provided on all equipment covered by the OSHA's materials handling rules but are not required on equipment designed for stand up operation only.

·            No construction equipment can be driven on any access roadway or grade unless it is specifically made to safely handle the equipment involved.

·            All earthmoving equipment must have service brakes that can stop and hold the equipment when fully loaded.

·            All bidirectional machines, such as rollers, compacters, front-end loaders, bulldozers, and similar equipment, must be equipped with a horn, distinguishable above the construction noise. The horn must work at all times and operate as needed when the machine is moving in either direction.

·            You cannot use earthmoving or compacting equipment with an obstructed view to the rear in reverse unless it has a reverse signal alarm distinguishable above the construction noise, or another employee signals that it is safe to do so.

·            During normal operation, all hazardous scissor points on front-end loaders must be guarded.

Lifting and hauling equipment—includes industrial trucks (forklifts, telescopic handlers, etc.). They must meet the following OSHA requirements.

Lift trucks, stackers, etc., must have the rated capacity clearly posted on the vehicle so the operator can see it. Ratings must never be exceeded.

No modifications or additions which affect the capacity or safe operation of the equipment can be made without the manufacturer's written approval. If modifications or changes are made, plates, tags, or decals must be changed accordingly. In no case shall the original safety factor of the equipment be reduced.

Unauthorized personnel cannot ride on powered industrial trucks. If a person is authorized to ride a truck, then a safe place to ride must be provided.

The OSHA regulations are the minimum requirements for safely operating vehicles and materials handling equipment. Your equipment operators manual is the best source for information on operating your specific piece of equipment properly and safely.

 

Highway Construction Safety

 

Highway construction means working side by side with 3,000 pounds of metal speeding along two to three feet from you eight hours a day! Consequently, 86 workers died in 1999 from highway, street, bridge, and tunnel construction according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What are the hazards?

Traffic is not the only concern. Almost as many workers are killed by heavy equipment. Also, a number of fatalities occur when heavy equipment rolls over. Remaining hazards involve heavy lifting, falling hazards (i.e., bridge sites), overhead power lines, underground electrical lines, ungrounded electrical equipment, poorly maintained tools and jacks, unguarded moving parts, excavation cave-ins, vibrating tools, carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust, asphalt fumes, extreme heat/cold, rain and fog, and darkness at night.

How can you protect yourself?

While there are many hazards, there are also many ways to protect yourself:

·         Wear highly visible clothing and a light-colored hard hat. During the day, you must wear a vest, shirt, or jacket that is orange, yellow, yellow-green, or a fluorescent version of these colors. At night, the vest, shirt, or jacket must be retroreflective.

·         Work where drivers can see you, but as far as possible from traffic. Drivers may not be able to see you when the sun is low in the sky or when it is rainy, foggy, or dark.

·         Get in and out of traffic spaces and heavy equipment areas quickly and safely.

·         Stay alert and don't wear a radio headset.

·         Do not operate equipment or a vehicle unless you are trained and authorized.

·         Always wear your seat belt when operating equipment or vehicles.

·         Make visual contact with workers on foot near you before moving equipment.

·         Make sure equipment is inspected and corrected daily.

·         Use equipment with rollover protective structures.

·         Chock two wheels when leaving equipment.

·         If you must park your vehicle near traffic, park where drivers can see you (don't park around blind corners).

·         If working on pile driving, know the special hazards of this work.

·         If working on trenching and/or shoring associated with a work zone, be sure all excavations are being properly shored and be aware of cave-in hazards.

·         If working on a bridge over another roadway or over water, use appropriate fall protection.