Incident Reporting - TBT

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 supervisor 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 supervisor has all the necessary forms for conducting an investigation. This process is not to place blame on the employee or supervisor. It is to find the “root” cause of the incident.

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

Let’s discuss a few scenarios:
1. While setting up a ladder, a slight pain is felt in your shoulder. You work the rest of the day however it doesn’t hurt too bad. Should you report this or wait until tomorrow to see if it still hurts?
2. You cut your finger on a utility knife and there is some blood that requires a band aid. Should you report this?
3. You trip and hit your elbow on the ground but do not feel any pain. Should you report this?

The following items should always be immediately reported to your supervisor:
1. An injury to any employee or contractor, 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!

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Housekeeping - What is good housekeeping?

Overview
OSHA requires that the workplace be kept clean and orderly in order to reduce the chance of accidents.

An uncluttered workplace is essential to worker safety. Industrial housekeeping must also include proper arrangement and storage of materials and goods.

Housekeeping hazards
Poor housekeeping habits can lead to:
• Poor attitudes toward safety.
• Slips, trips, or falls due to slick, wet, or poorly maintained walking and working surfaces.
• Tripping hazards from improperly stored materials in walkways and work areas.
• Falls from holes in walking and working surfaces, uneven flooring, uncovered pits or drains, or falls from boxes or pallets being used as walking or working surfaces.
• Accidents caused by overhanging or protruding materials, poorly stacked pallets, or improperly stored materials.

Benefits of good housekeeping
Industrial housekeeping is more than sweeping the floor and cleaning up the break room. Industrial housekeeping also refers to keeping tools and equipment in order and in their assigned places. The benefits of good housekeeping include:
• Better morale and improved safety culture.
• Reduced chance of fire and accidents.
• Making working easier for everyone.
• Reduction in the amount of cleanup and janitorial work needed.
• Creates a well organized work space.
• Reflecting an image of a professional, well-run workplace.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency 

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Cold Stress - On the Job, Tool Box Talks

Frostbite
The most common injury caused by exposure to cold temperatures is frostbite. Body parts most susceptible to frostbite include the nose, ears, chin, fingers and toes. Frostbite occurs when the blood flow through a body part is restricted due to extreme cold temperatures and ice crystals then begin to form in the body tissue.
Symptoms
The first symptom of frostbite is a slightly flushed skin color. The color of the skin then changes to white or grayish yellow and finally grayish blue. Pain may be felt during the early stages, however, the pain may cease in later stages. The frostbitten area will also feel very cold, numb and the outer layer of skin may feel "hard".
First Aid Treatment
Move the victim to a warm location. Place the frostbitten part into a warm water bath between 100-105 degrees. Do not use hot water. Handle the part with extreme care. Do not rub or massage the area. Avoid exposing the part to hot air or metal objects. The re-warming process may take between 30-60 minutes. Severe frostbite should be handled by medical personnel.

Hypothermia
Prolonged exposure to cold temperature may also cause the cooling of the body's inner core, more commonly known as hypothermia. This loss of body temperature can be fatal.
Symptoms
Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, dizziness, numbness, confusion, weakness, impaired judgment, impaired vision and drowsiness. Later stages of hypothermia include the loss of consciousness, decreased pulse and breathing rate, coma and possible death.
First Aid Treatment
Professional medical treatment should be obtained. Move the victim to a warm area. If available, have the victim change into a set of dry, warm clothing. If the victim is fully conscious, a warm drink may be given. Do not give the victim a caffeinated or alcohol beverage.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

RHBA Discussion of Challenges Facing the Home Building Industry

Download this flyer: http://rhba.coffeecup.com/mtg/RCEC_seminarflyer_2017_winter.pdf

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OSHA Violations - Stairways and ladders are a major source of injuries and fatalities for construction workers.

Stairways and ladders are a major source of injuries and fatalities for construction workers. OSHA estimates that there are 24,882 injuries and as many as 36 fatalities each year due to falls from stairways and ladders. Nearly half of these injuries are serious enough to require time off the job.

The OSHA rules specify when stairways and ladders must be provided. The rules do not apply to ladders that are specifically manufactured for getting to and from scaffold working platforms, but do apply to job-made and manufactured portable ladders intended for general purpose use and which are then used for scaffold ladders.

#1 Ladder use—When portable ladders are used to get to an upper surface, the ladder side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface. If this is not possible because of the ladder’s length, it must be secured at the top to a rigid support and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, must be provided to assist in getting on and off the ladder. The extension must never be so short that ladder deflection under a load will cause it to slip off its support.

#2 Stairrails and handrails—Stairways having 4 or more risers or rising more than 30 inches, whichever is less, must be equipped with: (1) at least one handrail, and (2) one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, the top edge must not be more than 37 inches nor less than 36 inches from the upper surface of the stairrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

#3 Ladders must only be used for the purpose for which they were designed—§1926.1053(b)(4)

#4 Access points—A stairway or ladder must be provided at all employee points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches or more and no ramp, runway, sloped embankment, or personnel hoist is provided.

#5 Training—As necessary, your employer must provide a training program for employees that use ladders and stairways. The program must enable you to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways and must train you in the procedures to be followed to minimize those hazards.

You must be trained by your company’s competent person.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Use caution with solvents

Use caution with solvents
Industrial solvents are powerful substances. No matter what kind of solvent you use, whether on a daily or infrequent basis, be sure you know the chemical properties, understand the health hazards, and follow the correct handling procedures before you use it.
There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your coworkers from the harmful effects of solvents. Be an informed user of solvents. Use appropriate ventilation equipment. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Handle solvents with care. And, always clean up and dispose of solvents and solvent residue in a safe and responsible manner.

What is a solvent?
A solvent is any substance that dissolves something else. A very simple example of a solvent is water. Many common household products contain solvents: charcoal lighter fluid, windshield washer fluid, paint, or household cleaners.
Industrial solvents are used for:
• Cleaning.
• Degreasing.
• Removing paint, ink, or other coatings.
• Producing adhesives, paints, inks, coatings, varnishes, and other sealers.

Recognize the health hazards
Use the product's material safety data sheet (MSDS) to help you understand a solvent's health hazards. There may be serious health hazards associated with overexposure to some solvents.
Typical routes of entry for solvent overexposures include breathing the solvent’s vapors or direct contact with the solvent.

Most solvents are irritants and many are central nervous system depressants. Short-term, acute, effects can include dizziness and nausea. Skin contact can cause irritation, dryness, itching, or dermatitis. Long-term overexposure to some solvents can lead to chronic diseases, even cancer.

Know the physical hazards
The physical hazards of the solvents used in your workplace are explained in the product’s MSDS. Many solvents are combustible or flammable liquids. This means that they can easily ignite and burn. Acetone and methanol are examples of flammable solvents. Many types of petroleum distillates have a higher flash point and are considered to be combustible liquids.

Use solvents safely

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency 

Happy Thanksgiving 2017

From all of us at the RCEC.

Cathy Kirin

 

Muddy Conditions - On the job tool box talks

With the change from summer to fall usually means the change from dry ground to muddy conditions. Slip and fall accidents are much more likely to happen during these times. Unfortunately we are unable to control the weather, so we must adapt to conditions daily. Simple steps taken can be the difference in preventing an accident.

1. Keep boots free of mud. Employee should clean boots of mud once they reach the house or unit they are to work in. This may have to be done every time you leave and return. No employee should access top plates or roofs if their boots are muddy.

2. Keep ladders free of mud. If you are using a ladder in mud, tracking mud up the rungs of the ladders creates a very slippery and dangerous condition. Employees should use the bottom rung to scrap mud from there boots. If mud does accumulate, you may need to take a rag or towel and clean the rungs.

3. Walk in areas were stone driveways/paths have been provided. If a stone path is not provided, you may want to use some plywood or planks to create a walkway to the work area.

4. Store material/lumber close to the house to minimize having to walk in the mud to reach piles or stacks.

5. Move slowly – don’t be in a rush. Carrying material or equipment through mud could cause you to slip. Several strains and sprains have been cause as the result of a slip.

This information provided by: Assurance Agency 

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HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Overview Handout-Trench Cave-Ins-Tool Box Talks

Trench cave-ins can be prevented. Yet every year there are an estimated 75 to 200 deaths and more than 1,000 lost work days per year from trenching accidents.

What does the competent person look for?
According to OSHA, your company competent person must inspect all excavations each day for evidence of a situation that could result in:
• possible cave-ins.
• indications of failure of protective systems.
• hazardous atmospheres.
• other hazardous conditions.
However, if you work in trenches/excavations you should know much of the same information your competent person does. Why a sudden change could mean disaster for you and fellow workers.

What are unsafe conditions?
Some of the things that could cause an immediate change at an excavation site are:
• A bulldozer or excavator coming too close to your trench could cause a surcharge (overloading) and stress cracks at or near the edge of the trench.
• A sudden downpour could fill the trench or cause rain-soaked soil to give way.
• Accidently striking an underground utility line with a tool could present an immediate electrocution or hazardous atmosphere hazard.
These are just a few of the sudden incidents that need immediate attention and decision-making. That’s why the OSHA rules require your company to train you in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions, the regulations applicable to your work environment, and to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.

What does OSHA's regulation cover?
OSHA’s excavation rules apply to all open excavations made in the earth’s surface including trenches. The regulation is in the construction standards at §1926.650-.652 and covers:

Scope and application—The rule applies to all open excavations made in the earth’s surface. Excavations are defined to include trenches.

Specific excavation requirements—to include surface hazards, underground utilities, getting in and out of the excavation, traffic hazards, hazardous atmospheres, emergency rescue, inspections, and fall protection.

Requirements for protective systems—The rule says each employee in an excavation must be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with the OSHA regulations for:
• sloping and benching systems, or
• support, shield, and other protective systems.

Exceptions would be when:
• Excavations are made entirely in stable rock; or
• Excavations are less than five feet deep and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in.
• Excavations are one of the most dangerous places in construction work. Your knowledge of the hazards and a constant vigil could make a life or death difference.

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency


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How to Handle an OSHA Inspection

Workplace Inspections
OSHA is authorized under the OSH Act to conduct workplace inspections without delay and at reasonable times where work is performed by an employee or employer. Most inspections are a result of the following:

• Imminent   Danger - there is reasonable certainty that danger exists and can be expected to cause death or serious physical harm.  

• Catastrophes  and  Fatal  Accidents - investigation of a fatality or a single event that results in the hospitalization of 3 or more employees. These types of accidents must be reported to OSHA within 8 hours.

• Employee   Complaints - the act gives each employee the right to request an OSHA inspection where they feel hazard exists on the job. (This is a common cause of OSHA inspections on construction projects.) 
   
• Local and National Emphasis Programs - in our region these operations include high-rises, trenching and excavations, falls, silica, high hazard workplaces and interior renovation projects in Chicago. 
   
• Focused  Inspections - these are centered on the Focus 4 hazards: Falls, electrical, caught-in/between and struck-by hazards.

READ MORE

ThIs information is provided by Assurance Agency.


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Emergency Response Procedures

Respond to spills immediately 

  

* Identify  the spill –  Do not rush into unknown situations  

* Notify-  Supervisor and appropriate personnel  

* Limit access to the area  

* Stop the source/spill  

* Contain the spill as fast as possible (use your spill kit)  

* Protect drains and waterways first  

* Clean up  

  This information was provided by: Assurance Agency

Confined Space Overview

Overview

A  permit-required  confined  space  is  a  confined  space  that  has  one  or  more  of  the  following  characteristics: 

•  contains  or  has  the  potential  to  contain  a  hazardous  atmosphere; 

•  contains  a  material  that  has  the  potential  for  engulfing  an  entrant; has  an  internal  configuration  such  that  an  entrant  could  be  trapped or  asphyxiated  by  inwardly  converging  walls  or  by  a  floor  which  slopes downward  and  tapers  to  a  smaller  crossection;  or 

•  contains  any  other  recognized  serious  safety  or  health  hazard. 

The Confined Space Program

Your  employer  has  a  permit-required  confined  space  program  which  is designed  to  prevent  accidents.  Each  permit-required  confined  space  is marked  with  signs  or  other  warnings. 

What must I do?

Before  entering  into  a  permit  space,  you  must  obtain  an  entry  permit from  the  entry  supervisor.  The  entry  supervisor  will  determine  if acceptable  entry  conditions  are  present. 

Before  entering  into  a  permit-required  confined  space: 

•  you  must  have  been  trained  by  your  employer,  and  informed  of  the  potential  hazards  that  exist  in  the  permit space,  and  be  aware  of  the  mode,  signs  and  symptoms,  and  consequences  of  being  exposed. 

•  you  should  know  what  personal  protective  equipment  is  needed,  and  how  to  properly  use  it. 

•  you  should  know  how  to  summon  rescue  and  emergency  services. 

•  you  must  understand  the  duties  of  the  attendant  and  how  to  communicate  with  the  attendant. 

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency

Flammable Liquids - On the job Tool Box Talks

There are many thousands of chemicals in use in the American workplace. One of the most common hazards of these chemicals is flammability. To protect you and your co-workers, OSHA has developed some very detailed regulations covering the storage and use of flammable liquids.

Not all employees require special training in handling of flammable liquids, but any employee involved in the storage, transfer, use, or disposal of flammable liquids does require special training.

Improper handling of flammables brings a great risk of fire. When a flammable liquid is spilled, vapors begin to form immediately. It is the vapors that will ignite, and which pose the greater danger.

Flammable liquid spill cleanup should begin promptly. Vapors will continue to build until the liquid is removed, and they can be ignited by a variety of sources in the average workplace.

Categories of flammable liquids

There are four categories of flammable liquids:

• Category 1 – having flash points below 73.4ºF and having boiling points at or below 95ºF.

• Category 2 – having flash points below 73.4ºF and having boiling points above 95ºF.

• Category 3 – having flash points at or above 73.4ºF and at or below 140ºF. When a Category 3 liquid with a flash point at or above 100ºF is heated for use to within 30ºF of its flashpoint, it shall be handled in accordance with the requirements for a Category 3 liquid with a flashpoint below 100ºF

• Category 4 – having flash points at or above 140ºF and at or below 199.4ºF. When a Category 4 flammable liquid is heated for use to within 30ºF of its flashpoint, it shall be handled in accordance with the requirements for a Category 3 liquid with a flashpoint at or above 100ºF.

When a liquid with a flashpoint greater than 199.4ºF is heated for use to within 30ºF of its flashpoint, it shall be handled in accordance with the requirements for a Category 4 flammable liquid.

Safety data sheets
An easy way to identify flammable or combustible liquids is through the safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS will have information on fire and explosive hazards, and will list any special handling and storage precautions.

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency

Company Vehicle Safety Programs- On the Job TBT

Driving a company vehicle is a privilege. Make sure you follow you company vehicle safety program.
What’s in a company vehicle safety program?
A company vehicle safety program should include 10 steps:
1. Management commitment and employee involvement.
2. Written policies and procedures.
3. Driver agreements.
4. Motor vehicle record checks for each driver.
5. Crash reporting and investigation procedures.
6. Vehicle selection, maintenance, and inspection procedures.
7. Disciplinary action system for violations of the program’s provisions.
8. Reward/incentive programs to promote safe driving.
9. Driver training and communication programs.
10. Regulatory compliance.

How can employees help the program?

Employees should be part of the program. Provide input as the program is developed and offer suggestions when it is reviewed.

The program will have many policies and procedures. Understand the program’s policies for seat belt use, reporting collisions and moving violations, restricting alcohol and drug use, driver eligibility requirements, vehicle inspections, collision investigations, disciplinary action, incentive programs, employee performance reviews, training program participation, etc. You may be asked to sign an agreement that you are aware of, understand, and will follow the vehicle safety policies and procedures.

Your employer may periodically review your motor vehicle record to make sure you are eligible to drive a company vehicle based on driver’s license restrictions, moving violations, accidents, etc. You must have a valid driver’s license.

You will be expected to inspect the company vehicle before each trip, and you must know how to report defects you notice while driving.

If you have moving violations, are involved in collisions, or if you violate the program’s policies, you may face disciplinary/corrective action. You could lose your driving privileges for certain violations of the program.

You should be rewarded for always driving safely or for otherwise helping the program be successful. Your driving performance might be part of your overall job performance evaluations.

When periodic driver safety training programs are offered, join in.

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency

Using Compressed Gases Safely - On the job tool box talks

Overview
Compressed gases are hazardous because of the high pressure at which they are stored in cylinders and pressure tanks. The compressed gases can be flammable, poisonous, corrosive, or any combination of these.

How can they hurt me?
Mishandling of compressed gases has been responsible for fatalities, serious injuries, and property damage that has amounted to millions of dollars.
Flammable compressed gases:
• Explode if handled roughly or exposed to heat.
• Ignite by heat, sparks, or flames.
• Flash back if vapors travel to a source of ignition.
• Produce irritating or poisonous gas when burning.

Non-flammable compressed gases:
• Explode when in a mixture with fuels.

Health Effects of Compressed Gases
Compressed gases:
• Are harmful if inhaled.
• Have extremely irritating vapors.
• Can cause cryogenic burns to skin and eyes.
• Produces irritating or poisonous gas when burning.
• Causes dizziness, unconsciousness, or suffocation.

Handling compressed gas cylinders
Compressed gas cylinders require careful handling to prevent damage. When handling cylinders:
• Move cylinders (securely fastened, in as near an upright position as possible) on special hand trucks.
• Don’t drop or bang cylinders together.
• Don’t roll, drag, or slide cylinders and never use cylinders as rollers or supports.
• Don’t lift cylinders by their caps.
• Don’t use magnets to lift cylinders.
• Cradles or platforms can be used to lift cylinders only if the cylinder was manufactured with lifting attachments.

Compressed Gas Storage
Some general guidelines in storing compressed gas cylinders include:
• Store cylinders in an upright position.
• Storing the cylinders in a safe, dry, well-ventilated place that is clean and free of combustible material.
• Avoiding areas where cylinders can be knocked down or damaged.
• Storing the cylinders in a position that ensures that the safety relief device is always in direct contact with the cylinder’s vapor space.
• Store oxygen CGCs at least 20 feet from flammables or combustibles, or separate them by a 5 foot, fire-resistant barrier.

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency

Emergency Action Plans - On the job tool box talks

Overview
There is always the potential for emergencies to occur at your facility. To reduce your exposure to potential emergencies, your
employer has developed an emergency action plan. Emergency actions plans are developed to provide guidelines on what actions to take if an emergency should occur at your facility.

What is an emergency action plan?
In 29 CFR 1910.38(c), OSHA lists the minimum elements which should be included in an emergency action plan. These elements
include:
1. Evacuation procedures and exit route assignments. Your employer will also point out the location of internal shelter areas, and exterior safe areas for evacuation.
2. Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate. Some critical plant operations include gas, electrical, power, and water. Chemical manufacturing processes could also be included.
3. Headcount procedures to account for you and your coworkers after emergency evacuation has been completed.
4. Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them.
5. Procedures for reporting fires and other emergencies.
6. Names or regular job titles of persons or departments who can be contacted for further information or an explanation of duties under the plan.

Additional information
Your employer will also explain:
- How to report fires, hazardous chemical spills, and other emergencies.
- Procedures for sounding emergency alarms on-site.
- Who to notify in the event of an emergency.
- What phones to use and numbers to call.
- Location and use of emergency fire alarms.
- Critical plant operations and those responsible for their operation/shut down.
- Accounting for all employees after emergency evacuation.
- Personnel designated to perform rescue and medical duties.
- Alarm system.
- Recognition of different alarms, such as audio and visual.
- Who is to be contacted for more information on the emergency action plan.
- Where a written copy of the plan can be obtained.

This information was provided by Assurance Agency

Disaster Recovery - On the Job Tool Box Talks

After a disaster, employees may be injured, buildings may be damaged, records and equipment may be lost, and normal business operations are interrupted or stopped altogether.
Successful disaster recovery requires good planning. The company takes a close look at how possible disaster situations could affect operations and prepares a disaster recovery plan with the goal of safely resuming normal operations as quickly as possible.
The company will probably need to hire outside contractors to help with recovery efforts, but it may be necessary for a team of employees to reenter the facility during recovery operations.

This team may be involved in:
• Escorting incident investigators (fire department, police, insurance agents, OSHA compliance officers, etc.).
• Salvaging records, files, personal property, etc.
• Directing the activities of contractors.

Recovery hazards
The recovery team needs to be aware of the unique hazards that may be present in a facility that has been damaged in a disaster.

Fire and explosion hazards - The facility's smoke detector, fire alarm, and fire suppression systems may be inoperable.

Flooding - Workers should be aware of the risks for disease or poisoning from contact with contaminated flood waters.

Chemical hazards - Recovery workers need to be observant for chemical spills. Only specially trained personnel can be authorized to clean up hazardous chemical spills.

Electrical hazards - Recovery workers must inspect all electric appliances carefully before use.

Damaged equipment must be removed from use for repair or replacement.

Natural or LP-gas supplies - Recovery workers who discover any gas leaks should immediately evacuate the facility, warn others to evacuate, leave doors open, and call for emergency assistance.

Using portable generators and temporary heaters - Recovery workers must follow all manufacturer's operating instructions for using this equipment.

Employee training
Because your employer may need to change safety plans so they address the hazards during recovery operations, recovery workers may need additional training in topics such as:
• Emergency action plan.
• Fire prevention plan.
• First aid procedures and exposure control plan.
• Hazard communication.
• HAZWOPER (emergency response plan).
• Personal protective equipment hazard assessment.
• Process safety management program.
• Respiratory protection program.
• Risk management plan.

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency

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Ladder Accident Causes, on the job tool box talks

Accidents involving ladders are very common.  Most of these accidents could have been avoided with proper ladder use.  While a ladder is a very basic necessity and seems easy to use, it is often one of the most misused and abused pieces of equipment we see during site inspections.

An accident involving a ladder can result in a very serious injury or possibly even death.  Here are the 10 most common causes of ladder accidents and simple solutions to prevent such accidents from happening:

1. Failure to secure a straight ladder.  Always secure a straight ladder at the top so that it won’t be able to move in ANY direction.  Also ensure that the bottom of the ladder is equipped with the proper slip resistant feet.

2. Standing on the top 2 steps of a stepladder.  If employees are standing on the top 2 steps of a stepladder, a taller stepladder should be used.  Supply the appropriate sized ladders for the job.
3. Over-reaching while working from a ladder.  Employees working from a ladder should not over reach or lean too far while working from a ladder but rather reposition the ladder.  Employees should keep their belt buckle between the side rails of the ladders.  (see #9 regarding repositioning ladders)
4. Carrying items up or down a ladder.  Employees should always maintain 3 points of contact when climbing up or down ladders -- 2 hands- 1 foot, 1 hand – 2 feet.  Using a rope to lift hoist items instead of carrying them. 
5. Metal ladders coming into contact with overhead electrical lines.  Metal ladders need to be kept a minimum of 10ft. from energized overhead lines that are rated 50kV or less.  Add 4” for every 10kV above 50kV.  Unless your 100% certain the voltage of the lines, a rule of thumb would be to maintain a minimum of 20ft clearances.
6. Access ladders not extended to proper height.  All access ladders need to be set up so that the ladder extends a minimum 3ft above the landing area.  This allows for a handhold getting on or off the ladder.  Again, supply the appropriate sized ladder for the job.
7. Setting up a ladder at an improper pitch.  Straight ladders need to be placed at a 4-1 pitch.  For every 4ft up a ladder goes, the bottom of the ladder needs to come out 1ft. from the base.  So if a ladder is set up 20ft, the bottom of the ladder should be 5ft. out from the base.
8. Using damaged or defective ladders.  Any damaged or defective ladders should be tagged and removed from service immediately.  If a ladder will be disposed of, be certain that it is cut up so that other employees or another trade can’t use it.
9. Repositioning ladders while still on them.  Employees should not “jump” a ladder to reposition it but rather climb down and reposition it.

10.  Working from a closed stepladder that is leaned against a surface.  Stepladders should only be used in the full open position and ensure that the spreader bars are locked into position.  A leaned stepladder can slip out from under you.

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency