Hard Hats

 

 

The following information is being provided to serve as a basic guideline in the use of Hard Hats.

GENERAL
Head injuries on a construction job site may result from tools or materials being dropped upon them and striking against an object due to low head-room or projections. A serious blow to the head without hard hat projection may cause permanent brain damage or disable the person for life.

CONSTRUCTION
a. Shell
The outer shell of a hard hat are made of rigid, impact resistant, non-flammable materials such as fiberglass or thermoplastics which may sustain damage due to exposure to solvents, paints or extreme heat.

Do not store a hard hat in the rear window of an automobile.

b. Suspension System
The suspension system is comprised of the cradle, headband and sweatband. The suspension absorbs any blow which may be received and keeps the outer shell away from the skull. In addition, the suspension allows for ventilation between the head and the outer shell.

A faulty or broken suspension system will provide no or little protection to the hard hat user.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
a. Never use a hard hat that is visibly damaged or that you suspect is damaged.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency https://www.assuranceagency.com

Cold Stress

 

The following information is being provided to serve as a basic guideline in the prevention and treatment of frostbite and hypothermia.

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 https://www.assuranceagency.com

Identity Theft Fraud Alert

 

This information is provided by:
Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters

 

Over the past few days, our union attorney has received numerous telephone calls from members stating that someone has wrongfully filed an unemployment claim on their behalf at the Illinois Department of Employment Security. We wanted to make sure you were aware so you can protect yourself. Attorney Nicholas Cortesi advises that any member who runs into this situation should treat it as identity theft and do the following:

File a report at your local police department;

File an online complaint with the Illinois Department of Employment Security: https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/UI_Fraud_by_Individuals.aspx

File an online complaint with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/about/email_ag.jsp

File an online complaint with the Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint-ftc

Sign-up with a credit monitoring service such as Identity-IQ or Life-Lock to monitor their credit reports/scores.

If you have additional questions, please contact Union Legal Services attorney Nicholas J. Cortesi at 877-694-2663.
_________________________________________________________

Fire Prevention Plan

 

 

Overview
A fire is one of the costliest accidents a business can have. Even more costly is the death and injury toll from fires and explosions. In one recent year, fires and explosions caused more than 5,000 injuries requiring time off from work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Fire Prevention Plan
Your company has a written emergency action plan, and as part of that, a fire prevention plan. The reason these plans exist is to help keep workers safe.

You have the right to know about the possible fire hazards in your workplace. The company fire plan should, at a minimum, contain the following:

• A list of the major workplace fire hazards and their proper handling and storage procedures; potential ignition sources and their control procedures; and the type of fire protection equipment or systems which can control a fire involving them.

• Names or job titles of persons responsible for maintenance of equipment and systems installed to prevent or control ignitions or fires.

• Names or job titles of persons responsible for control of fuel source hazards.

• Housekeeping procedures to control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials and residues.

• Procedures for regular maintenance of safeguards installed on heat-producing equipment.

What must my employer do?

The employer is responsible for:
• Controlling accumulations of flammable and combustible materials through proper housekeeping.

• Reviewing the fire plan with each employee, and making a written copy available upon request.

• Reviewing with each employee those parts of the plan which the employee must know to protect the employee in the event of an emergency. This shall take place upon initial assignment.

• Properly maintaining equipment and systems installed on heat producing equipment to prevent fires.

For employers with 10 or more employees, the written fire prevention plan will be in writing and kept in the workplace and made available for employee review.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency  http://www.assuranceagency.com

What is a Competent Person

 

 

The term “competent person” comes up often in the OSHA construction regulations. OSHA defines competent person as “one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”

How does a competent person fit in with a jobsite safety and health program?
Your employer must have a comprehensive safety and health program that provides for frequent and regular inspections, by competent persons designated by the employer, of the:
• jobsite,
• materials, and
• Equipment.

The 29 CFR 1926 construction regulations require that a competent person inspect various work areas such as:
• scaffolding,
• excavations,
• stairways and ladders,
• asbestos abatement operations,
• welding and cutting zones, and
• Steel erection sites.
In addition, some OSHA standards add additional specific requirements that must be met by the competent person

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency http://www.assuranceagency.com

Accidents in Highway Work Zones

 

Each year, more than 100 workers are killed and over 20,000 are injured in the highway and street construction industry. Most of these injuries and fatalities occur in what is known as the “work zone.”

What is the “work zone?”
The work zone is an area where highway construction, maintenance, or utility work activities are taking place. What makes this work area dangerous is that passing motorists, construction vehicles, and equipment are moving through the same space that the construction employees are working in.

Accidents
Accidents that occur in work zones are usually caused by:
   - Poor traffic control procedures,
   - Unsatisfactory construction vehicle and equipment maintenance (such as malfunctioning warning devices),
   - Poorly designed work zones, and
   - Failure to establish and follow policies and procedures for ensuring safety on the job.

Vehicles and equipment operating in and around the work zone are involved in over half of the worker fatalities in the heavy and highway construction industry.

Sometimes passing motorists are at fault for the injuries and fatalities that occur in the work zone. Workers are often injured or killed by moving vehicles entering their work zones. Other times, it is the construction vehicles and equipment operating within the work zone that causes the accidents and injuries.

Work zone hazards
There are two basic types of work zone hazards:
   - Internal hazards are activities within the workspace such as moving vehicles.
   - External hazards are ones presented by passing cars and trucks and the debris they kick up.

Potential hazards associated with work zones include:
   - Traffic and construction equipment accidents,
   - Working above level,
   - Slippery conditions,
   - Machinery pinch points,
   - Crush zones,
   - Drop-offs,
   - Trenches,
   - Airborne lead and silica particles,
   - Truck tip-overs, and
   - Energized electrical lines and conductors.

There are many internal and external work zone hazards, but you can avoid them if you think safety first, use procedures required or recommended by regulatory agencies and industry experts, and be alert to situations that might result in accidents.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency. https://www.assuranceagency.com

Trench cave-ins can be prevented.

 

 

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 is provided by: Assurance Agency  https://www.assuranceagency.com

Overview for Construction-inspecting ladders and stairways

 

Tragedies like fatal falls can happen even from a ten-foot ladder or a normal staircase. But you can prevent falls that could prevent injuries or death by choosing ladders carefully, inspecting ladders and stairways, using them properly, and keeping them in good shape.

Ladders are fixed (cannot be moved) or portable (movable). When choosing a portable ladder, consider type (step ladder, straight, or extension ladders), length (convenient height without reaching), strength (base your choice on weight and stress the ladder has to bear), and material (wood is nonconductive, heavy, hard to move, and rots; metal is light, weather-resistant, but conducts electricity; and fiberglass is light, long-lasting, nonconductive, and has good traction). In addition, inspect ladders before using them. Also, all ladders should be thoroughly inspected at least once per year. Don’t use damaged ladders. Instead, label the damage, and then repair or destroy the ladder as appropriate. When inspecting, look for loose, broken, or missing rungs, steps, cleats or siderails; missing safety feet, frayed ropes, and other defective parts; oil, grease, or other slippery substances on rungs; skid-resistant features on rungs or steps of metal ladders; operational movable parts; and ample oil on metal bearings. For stairway inspections, look for loose or missing treads/stairs/handrails and clutter.

Do NOT use other means to reach higher places (i.e., chairs, benches, or boxes). If the job calls for a ladder, take the time to find one. Use ladders safely as follows:

• Placement—Don’t place ladder in horizontal position. Place ladder away from
doors.
 

• Footing support—Place ladder on sure footing (not boxes or blocks), securing when possible. Place ladder so that for every four feet up, the ladder’s base is one foot out.
 

• Top support—Top of ladder is placed so rails are fully supported. Extra room is given in case of ladder shifting. Ample strength is provided for load applied to ladder. Top support point is rigid.
 

• Ladder height—Ladder siderails are at least 3 ft above the support point. Do not stand on top 2 steps of stepladder or top 4 rungs of straight ladder.
 

• Ladder extension—Raise extension ladders so upper section overlaps and rests on bottom section.
 

• Electrical hazards—Keep metal ladders away from power lines. Take precautions as you would when using a metal tool.
 

• Climbing—Face ladder. Use both hands. One person at a time on portable ladders. Make sure work shoes are clean. Hoist tools up after reaching the top. When using stairways, don’t carry objects, hold the handrail, and keep a sure footing.

Keep stairs dry and clean, free of protruding nails, splinters, holes, or loose boards.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency  https://www.assuranceagency.com

Flagging Safety

 

A flagger is a person who provides temporary traffic control when permanent traffic controls (signs, signals, and barricades) do not provide the necessary protection for operations on highways or streets. Because flaggers are responsible for public safety and make more public contacts than any other highway worker, they should meet the following minimum qualifications:

- Sense of responsibility for safety of public and workers;
- Adequately trained in safe traffic control practices;
- Average or higher intelligence;
- Good physical condition, including sight and hearing;
- Mental alertness and ability to react in an emergency;
- Courteous but a firm manner; and
- Neat appearance.

29 CFR 1926.201 requires that flaggers conform to the signaling methods found in Part VI of either the 1988 Edition of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), with 1993 revisions (Revision 3) or the Millennium Edition of the FHWA MUTCD (Millennium Edition). This information is found in the information below:

Device
Sign paddle -
    Signal - to stop traffic - The flagger shall face traffic and extend the STOP sign paddle in a stationary position with the arm extended horizontally away from the body. The free arm is raised with the palm of the hand toward approaching traffic.

    Signal - To direct stopped traffic to proceed - The flagger shall face traffic with the SLOW paddle held in a stationary position with the arm extended horizontally away from the body. The flagger motions with the free hand for traffic to proceed.

    Signal - To alert or slow traffic - The flagger shall face traffic with the SLOW sign paddle held in a stationary position with the arm extended horizontally away from the body.

Device
Flag
    Signal - to stop traffic - The flagger shall face traffic and extend the flag staff horizontally across the traffic lane in a stationary position so the full area of the flag is visible hanging below the staff. The free arm is raised with the palm of the hand toward approaching traffic.

    Signal - To direct stopped traffic to proceed - The flagger shall stand parallel to the traffic movement and with flag and arm lowered from view of the driver, motion with the free hand for traffic to proceed. Flags shall not be used to signal traffic to proceed.

    Signal - To alert or slow traffic - The flagger shall face traffic and slowly wave the flag in a sweeping motion of the extended arm from shoulder level to straight down without raising the arm above a horizontal position.

Employee training
Sections 1926.200-.202 do not contain training requirements. However, §1926.21 requires employers to instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his/her work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.

This may include training flaggers in hand-signaling, warning clothing and other life-saving equipment, the flagger’s role and location, traffic patterns, heavy equipment operations, communication methods and alarms, signs, channelizing devices (i.e., cones and barricades), working next to traffic and equipment, escape routes, hazards (i.e., vehicles, equipment, carbon monoxide, asphalt fumes, extreme heat/cold, rain and fog, darkness), and being as visible as possible.

Training tips
Dress as a flagger. You may want to add white trousers or coveralls, a reflectorized hard hat, clothing for weather conditions, yellow rain gear, special equipment (i.e., radio, hard hat mounted mirror, and motion detectors), and/or the sign paddle, flag, and/or light normally used by your flaggers.

Demonstrate the hand signals and the proper use of sign paddles, flags, and lights. Have trainees practice. Obtain a copy of Part VI of the MUTCD to train employees on proper flagging. Remind them of the danger of vehicles approaching from behind and the need for a spotter, a motion detector, alarm, or hard hat mounted mirror. Demonstrate these devices. Use the jobsite as a training ground, if possible.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency http://www.assuranceagency.com

Spill Prevention, Control, & Countermeasure

Overview
Required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for facilities with high quantities of certain materials such as oil and fuel on-site.

Definitions
Discharge- Including, but not limited to, any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emptying, or dumping of oil.

Harmful Quantities- Any amount of oil or fuel that causes a film, sheen or discoloration of water or causes sludge beneath the surface of the water.

Spill Prevention
• Properly constructed storage tanks
   o Compatible with materials
   o Double-walled, steel
• Inspection and maintenance of tanks
   o Conducted monthly
   o Minor leaks repaired early
• Storage away from storm drains

Spill Control Equipment
• Absorbent Booms/ Berms
   o Floats to confine / absorb water oil on water
   o Hugs ground for land-based spill containment
   o Rope runs length of boom for easy retrieval
   o Clips and rings allow you to link booms together
• Empty Drums, Shovels, Brooms
• Granular Absorbent
   o Grains of absorbent material (clay)
   o Placed onto the spill to absorb the spilled material

Spill Control Procedures
1. Notify your Supervisor
2. Use the boom / berm to contain the spill
3. Place the granular absorbent on the spill
4. Use broom to spread the granular absorbent if needed
5. Use shovel to pick up the used granular absorbent
6. Place in empty drum to dispose

Once a spill has occurred, it must be contained as quickly as possible!

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency http://www.assuranceagency.com
 

Respiratory Protection

 

OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard was effective April 8, 1998.

It is estimated that the new rule will prevent more than 4,000 injuries and illnesses annually. With the new rule, in addition to saving lives and preventing injuries and illnesses, employers will realize up to $94 million a year in savings on injury and illness-related costs. The new standard reflects current respirator technology and better ways to ensure they fit.

The revised standard requires:
- A written plan with worksite-specific procedures to tailor your employers program to each worksite.
- A hazard evaluation to characterize respiratory hazards and conditions of work to assist employers in selecting appropriate respirators.
- A medical evaluation to determine ability of workers to wear the respirator selected.
- Fit testing of tight-fitting respirators to reduce faceseal leakage and ensure that the respirators provide adequate protection.
- A training program to ensure that your employees use respirators safely.
- A periodic program evaluation to ensure that respirator use continues to be effective.

Why use respirators?
Respirators protect you against hazardous atmospheres containing:
- Particulates/dusts (silica).
- Vapors and gases (carbon monoxide).
- Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmospheres (oxygen deficiency).
- Physical agents (radioactive particles).
- Biological agents (mold spores).

When are respirators required?
Exposure to any material or substance at a concentration above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) specified in Appendix A to 1926.55 must be avoided. Compliance must be achieved by using administrative (i.e., employee shift changes) or engineering (i.e., ventilation) controls first. When these controls are not feasible to achieve full compliance, protective equipment must be used to keep the exposure within the PELs prescribed.

Whenever respirators are used, their use must comply with 1926.103—Respiratory protection. Various airborne contaminants in Appendix A of 1926.55 do not list PELs but instead send you to another portion of the construction regulations. These contaminants are called OSHA specific contaminants. Examples are: Asbestos (1926.1101), alpha-Naphthylamine (1926.1104), and lead (1926.62). There are approximately 27 of these substances. These OSHA specific contaminants have their own PELs and specific requirements. When you are required to use respirators, then all requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134 apply.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency http://www.assuranceagency.com

Mechanical Hazards

 

Overview
Each piece of machinery has its own unique mechanical and non-mechanical hazards. Machines can cause severe injuries: amputations, fractures, lacerations, or crushing injuries. Machines can also cause minor injuries such as bruises, abrasions, sprains or strains, burns, or cuts.

Mechanical hazards
Examples of mechanical hazards that can hit, grab, or trap an operator are:
• hazardous motions.
• points of operation.
• pinch points and shear points.
• There are different types of hazardous mechanical motions and actions:
• hazardous motions such as rotating parts, reciprocating parts, or traversing parts.
• hazardous actions such as cutting, punching, shearing, or bending.

Non-mechanical hazards
There are also non-mechanical hazards that can injure operators, including flying chips, splashes, sparks, or sprays that are created when the machine is running.

Operating instructions
Follow the machine’s operating instructions to ensure that the machine is being run correctly and safely. Understand how the machine works, and you will reduce your risk of injury.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency http://www.assuranceagency.com

Employee and Visitor identification

 

One security area that is often overlooked is proper identification of employees. Some companies require employees to wear identification badges or carry identification cards. The most effective IDs have the employee's picture, along with his or her name and department, on the badge. This is the most effective way to determine if the person belongs in the building. It also is good deterrent to the theft of the ID.

Never allow just anyone into your workplace. It is good company policy to require each employee to use his or her own ID to enter the building. If you are using a scanning device to open the entry door and there are other people behind you who want to enter, make sure you know that they actually are current employees if you hold the door open. To ensure better security, insist that they use their own employee IDs to scan and enter the building.

Visitor identification

Visitors to your company should be required to register at an entrance location before they move about your company. They should be met at this secure location by the employee they have come to visit.
After verification that they are to be allowed into your workplace, require that they wear some form of identification. These visitors should be restricted to traveling with the employee they have come to see and should not be allowed to wander off alone.
Outside maintenance or construction personnel working at your company should also be screened, registered, and required to wear an identification badge.

After the meeting has taken place or the work completed, make sure these visitors return the ID badges and indicate on the record that they have left the building.
If the public has access to your workplace, limit the areas they can enter. Provide employees with ID cards or keys that will allow them to enter secured areas that are locked to the public.

Keep alert for suspicious activities

Watch for people or other employees:
• Attempting to access something that is normally denied them, such as: classified materials, chemicals, hazardous materials, or admission to prohibited or secure areas.
• Carrying a weapon (unless they are authorized to do so).
• Making unusual requests or demands.

Report suspicious activities to the company's security office.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency http://www.assuranceagency.com

Safe Lifting

Do you realize you may be risking serious injury. It's true if you don't lift correctly. Improper lifting causes back injuries that can take months and even years to heal. Many times these injuries are permanent and disabling. A little know-how can help you to lift safely.

When you are preparing to lift, check the load. If it looks too heavy, don't be afraid to ask for help. If the object has rough or sharp edges wear suitable work gloves. They'll give you a good grip and protect your hands. Also wear proper footwear. There is always a chance of dropping something on your toes, or losing your footing.

Know that you can lift the load. Is it too heavy or too awkward? If so, get some help. Check your path and make sure it is clear. Check to see if you have enough room, that there are no obstructions in the way and that there is nothing overhead. Be aware of uneven surfaces.

When you make the lift, squat down and get a good grip on the object. As you rise, lift with your legs, keeping the load as close to your body as possible. Remember that your legs are much stronger than your arms. If you have to place the load to your left or to your right, don't twist your body. Move your feet instead. When you have to lower the load, simply reverse the procedure.

Remember these points when you lift.
• When lifting, get a firm footing, feet apart, one slightly behind the other for good balance.
• Stand close to the load.
• Always remember to lift with your legs and not your back.
• Carry the load close to your body.
• Never try to carry a load that is too heavy. Ask for help or get a machine such as a forklift to do the heavy lift.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency  https://www.assuranceagency.com

Fall Protection

  Fall hazards account for a high percentage of the injuries and deaths for scaffold users. When you are on a scaffold platform more than 10 feet above a lower level you must be protected from falling by some type of fall protection. The type of fall protection required depends on the type of scaffold you are using. The choices you may have on your construction site include:

- Personal fall arrest system — boatswains’ chair, catenary scaffold, float scaffold, needle beam scaffold, or ladder jack scaffold.

- Personal fall arrest and guardrail system — single-point or two-point adjustable suspension scaffold, and selfcontained adjustable scaffold when the platform is supported by ropes.

- Personal fall arrest, guardrail, or grabline — chicken ladder.

- Guardrail system — Self-contained adjustable scaffold when the platform is supported by the frame, and walkways within scaffolds.
 

- Personal fall arrest or guardrail system — overhand bricklaying from a supported scaffold, and all other scaffolds not specified above.

Each personal fall arrest and guardrail system must meet certain requirements. You need to be familiar with and understand the requirements of each. Only then can you detect problems in the equipment or system as they arise.

Personal fall arrest systems
All personal fall arrest systems used on scaffolds must meet the requirements of Section 1926.502(d). This is the fall protection rule. Paragraph (d) specifies the requirements of the fall protection equipment such as connectors, deerings, snaphooks, and webbing and lanyards. It also discusses horizontal and vertical lifelines.

Another important aspect is what happens to the equipment when it is used to arrest a fall. The maximum arresting force on an employee cannot be more than 900 pounds when used with a body belt, and 1,800 pounds when used with a body harness. These forces are important and are set to minimize the impact on a falling employee.

Guardrails
Guardrails have certain requirements. Only if those requirements are met can the system be considered safe. I’m sure all of us have been in positions where the guardrails looked less than safe and would not want to even accidentally lean on them.

The requirements for guardrails are found in 1926.451(g)(4). Appendix A of the scaffold rule gives you direction in how to build guardrails including ideas for materials. For instance, Appendix A says toprails shall be equivalent in strength to 2 inch by 4 inch lumber; or 1 1/4 inch x 1/8 inch structural angle iron; or 1 inch x 0.70 inch wall steel tubing; or 1.990 inch wall aluminum tubing. If you are required to build, use and/or inspect guardrails, Appendix A can be a valuable resource.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency  https://www.assuranceagency.com

Be Aware of Lockout / Tagout

Overview

OSHA statistics show that six percent of all deaths in the workplace result from the unexpected activation of a machine or other piece of equipment during maintenance or other servicing. In addition, more than 25,000 work days are lost each year because of injuries in similar situations.

OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout regulation, 29 CFR 1910.147, requires employers to develop procedures for isolating energy sources when servicing or maintaining their equipment and machinery. The purpose of the standard is to prevent injuries from the unexpected release of energy.

Understanding Lockout/Tagout
Lockout/tagout is a warning and prevention system for unexpected start-up and release of stored energy.
Two terms which directly relate to this system are:
• Lockout - The placement of a device that blocks the flow of energy from a power source to a piece of equipment.
• Tagout - The process of attaching a tag to a disconnect switch or other energy isolating device to warn others not to restore energy to the tagged equipment.

When performing lockout/tagout on equipment and machines, the operators and the people working in the area need to be informed that lockout/tagout is being applied and servicing is being done on the equipment and machines.

When locking out the energy source is impossible, tagging the equipment may be the best procedure you can do.

Who is involved?
Lockout/tagout involves three types of employees with different levels of responsibility - authorized, affected, and other.
• Authorized - Employees who perform the servicing, maintenance, and set-up of equipment or machinery and apply the locks and tags to this equipment.
• Affected - Employees who operate or use the equipment or machines which are locked/tagged out when serviced, maintained, or set-up.
• Other - Employees whose work operations are or may be in an area where energy control procedures may be utilized (they are neither affected nor authorized employees).

Lockout/Tagout Procedures
Each piece of equipment or machine needs its own lockout/tagout procedure. The procedure must include:
• Preparing for shutdown.
• Shutting down the machine or equipment.
• Isolating the machine or equipment from the energy source.
• Applying the lockout/tagout device to the energy-isolating equipment.
• Verifying the isolation of the machines or equipment prior to starting work.
• Releasing all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy.

The procedure should include the steps for placement, removal, and transfer of lockout/tagout devices.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency https://assuranceagency.com

Medical Services and First Aid

In emergency situations, prompt, properly-administered first aid can mean the difference between life and death, rapid versus prolonged recovery, or temporary versus permanent disability. Safety comes first, but when accidents do happen, it is important to have someone who knows how to handle the situation effectively. You may be that person. In that case, knowing what to do, and not to is important. If you aren’t qualified, quickly get someone who is. Also, know where the first aid kits and emergency eyewash stations are before an incident occurs. And, understand and follow the universal precautions when dealing with blood.

The following lays out some basic first aid information:

Call for Help
If you are not alone, have someone go for help immediately. If you are alone, immediate care is a priority. However, that immediate care may be going for help.

Analyze the situation
Don’t become a victim yourself. If you can be safe while doing it, get the victim away from any danger source such as water, fire, or downed power lines. Be sure to turn off all power sources before touching an electrocuted victim.

Don’t move the victim
If there is any chance of spine or neck injury do not move the victim unless he or she is in a life threatening situation.

Look for signs of life
Look for signs of life and give artificial respiration or CPR if necessary but only if you have been trained. Be sure help is on the way before starting CPR. Do not tilt the victims head back if you suspect a neck injury.

Control heavy bleeding
Stop the flow of blood by direct pressure, elevating the injury above the heart or pressure points. Do not use a tourniquet unless the person is in danger of bleeding to death and you’ve been trained to apply one.

Treat for shock
Signs of shock include cold, pale skin; a rapid, faint pulse; nausea; rapid breathing; and weakness. To treat for shock, keep the victim lying down; cover him/her only enough to maintain body heat; don’t move the victim unless absolutely necessary; and get medical help immediately.

Treat for choking
A person can choke to death in a few minutes. You can tell if a person is choking if he/she can’t speak, cough, or breathe. If the person is choking, use the Heimlich Maneuver.

Treat for burns
For small burns, gently soak burn in cold water or pour cold water on burn. Do not treat large burns with water unless they are chemical burns. Cover burn with a dry, sterile bandage. Provide artificial respiration as needed. Seek medical attention. Some chemicals should not be flushed with water, but neutralized by other means—see chemical label.

Treat for chemical burn in eye
Quickly flush the eyes with lots of water for at least 15 minutes (for best results, do so at an eyewash station, emergency shower, or hose). Try to force the eyes open to wash chemical out. Do not bandage eyes. Seek medical attention.

Treat for Fracture
Do not move the victim unless you absolutely have to. This is especially important if you suspect a neck or back injury. Get medical help.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency http://www.assuranceagency.com

Stairway Safety for Construction

Stairways, like ladders, are a source of accidents at construction sites. They are also a source for numerous OSHA citations. In September 2003, the following stairway violations were in the top 75 OSHA rules to receive citations:
- Stairways with four or more risers or rising more than 30", whichever is less, must have at least one handrail and one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge.
- A stairway or ladder must be provided at all employee access points where there is a break in elevation of 19" or more, and no ramp, runway, sloped embankment, or personnel hoist is provided.
- Your employer must provide a training program, as necessary, for stairway use. The program must enable you to recognize hazards related to stairways, and must train you in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards.
- Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings must be provided with guardrails.

OSHA has many rules that address design, stairrails, handrails, and maintenance. The following examples (of the many rules for stairways) point out some of these areas.

General
- Temporary stairways must have landings of not less than 30" in the direction of travel, and extend at least 22" wide at every 12' or less of vertical rise.
- Where doors or gates open directly on a stairway, a platform must be provided. The door swing must leave 20" of effective width.
- Proper housekeeping procedures eliminate stairway slip, trip, and fall hazards. Keep stairs free from debris and clutter.

Good lighting will help avoid stairway hazards. Like any other walking/working surface, it is difficult to avoid what you cannot see.

Stairrails and handrails
- Stairrails must not be less than 36 inches high from the tread to the top of the stairrail.
- Handrails must be between 30 and 37 inches high measured from the tread surface.
- Handrails must provide an adequate handhold to avoid falling. If the handrails are not permanent, there must be at least a three inch clearance between the handrail and wall.

Temporary stairs have their own issues
- Treads for temporary service must be made of wood or other solid material, and must be installed the full width and depth of the stair.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency  http://www.assuranceagency.com

Housekeeping

HOUSEKEEPING – WHAT IS GOOD HOUSEKEEPING?

WALKING AREAS:

• Three-foot-wide access paths to work area
• Cut-offs and scrap material out of work area – toss them into a corner or box
• Building material stored in a way that does not require climbing over piles of
lumber or other material to gain access
• Keeping hoses/cords off the middle of the stairway
• Keeping hoses/cords out of the work area and avoiding snarls
• Keeping mud off stairs, ramps and ladder rungs
• Keeping accumulation of snow and ice and mud of off stairways and landings
• PULL nails from reusable lumber, do not bend them over
• Pull brace blocks from floor when you remove wall bracing

METAL BANDS:

- Cut at bottom of lumber pile with snips and remove. If you cannot remove the band, bend over the sharp edge
- Treat plastic bands as trip hazards- remove them from the lumber pile immediately.

GUSSET PLATES:
- Roof crew- note if any gusset plates stick above the top chord- if they do, make other crew members are aware. First man close to the stick up needs to pound it down.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency http://www.assuranceagency.com

Handle the Heat

Overview
Working in the heat puts an extra strain on your body. With some understanding of how the body reacts to heat, you can prevent heat-related disorders.

What are the risk factors?
Personal:
Age, weight, degree of physical fitness, metabolism, medications, use of alcohol or drugs, water consumption, caffeine consumption, and a variety of medical conditions, such as hypertension, all affect a person's sensitivity to heat. It is difficult to predict who will be affected by the heat, or when someone will be affected.

Environmental:
Air temperature; humidity; radiant heat from the sun and other sources; conductive heat sources, such as the ground, air movement, workload severity and duration; protective clothing; and PPE are all other factors to consider.

Another factor is whether or not you are accustomed to the heat. By gradually being exposed to working in hot conditions, your body develops a greater tolerance for the heat.

Can personal protective equipment add to the hazard?
Yes, sometimes heavy or impermeable chemical protective clothing can contribute to a worker's exposure to the heat. However, there are specialized types of PPE that can be worn under other types of protective clothing to cool workers, such as Ice vests, water-cooled garments, and air supply systems.

Work practices can help control heat hazards
A more common technique that might be considered PPE is to wear wet clothing, headbands, or bandanas. This could also be considered a type of work practice control. Other work practices that help control exposure to the heat include:
- Using intermittent rest periods to recover from the heat.
- Drinking about 5 to 7 ounces of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes to replenish body fluids.
- Using relief workers.
- Using the buddy system (work in pairs) when working in hot conditions.
- Pacing the work, or reducing the physical demands of the work.
- Providing cool recovery or shaded rest areas.
- Scheduling work for cooler times of the day or when heat producing equipment isn't being operated.
- Wearing light, loose-fitting, breathable (like cotton) clothing.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency http://www.assuranceagency.com

Happy Fourth of July

Share the love and spread the joy on this Independence Day.

Happy Fourth of July!

Cathy Kirin
RCEC / RHBA

Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP)

Individuals who are infected with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) may not show symptoms and may not know they are infectious. For this reason, all human blood and body fluids should be considered as if infectious, and all precautions should be taken to avoid contact. This simple rule is known as "universal precautions."

In the workplace, bloodborne pathogens (BBP) may be transmitted when blood or other infectious body fluids come in contact with mucous membranes (your eyes, nose, mouth); non-intact skin (due to cuts, abrasions, burns, rashes, paper cuts); or by handling or touching contaminated materials or surfaces. Bloodborne pathogens are also transmitted by "injection" under the skin via an contaminated sharp object puncturing or cutting the skin causing a wound.

Hepatitis B Virus versus Human Immunodeficiency Virus:
- Hepatitis B Virus is more persistent than HIV and is able to survive for at least one week in dried blood on environmental surfaces. However, HIV will not survive for more than a few minutes when exposed to room temperature air, and will usually die within seconds.
- A teaspoon of infected blood may contain over one billion HBV particles, while a teaspoon of infected HIV blood contains about 15 HIV particles.
- Hepatitis B Virus usually has mild symptoms which makes diagnosis difficult. HIV infections usually are not diagnosed for years and symptoms may not appear for many months or years.
- Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine. At the present time there is no preventive vaccine for HIV.
- No cure is presently available for HBV or HIV.

If you administer first aid to an injured person in the workplace and there is a potential for contacting any body fluids, you should adhere to the following "universal precaution" guidelines:
- Wear impervious gloves when there is a chance of exposure to blood or body fluids.
- Wear a face shield to protect your entire face, and safety goggles to provide the most complete eye protection.
- Use resuscitation devices when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Report all BBP exposures, or potential exposures to your supervisor immediately.
- Immediately wash your hands and affected areas with soap and warm water.
- Flush your eyes, nose or other mucous membrane areas with water, if exposed.
- Wash down areas which body fluids may have been contacted with the use of a mild solution of household water and bleach (10:1).

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency  http://www.assuranceagency.com

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Overview
Nearly 350,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest each year. Currently, the chances of surviving sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) without the aid of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) are one in twenty.

However, with an AED, chances of survival improve to one in three. The use of AEDs could save 100,000 lives per year!

What is SCA?
The heart normally has a rhythmic beat which causes the blood to move in a consistent, predictable way. When someone has an SCA event, the heart begins to pump irregularly and ineffectively. This is called ventricular fibrillation (VF). VF is not to be confused with the heart attack where blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. With VF, the blood stops circulating adequately, breathing stops, and eventually the victim will die.

Another SCA event is ventricular tachycardia (VT), when the heart muscles start to “quiver” instead of working together to push blood through the system.

CPR alone does not replace defibrillation in an SCA incident. CPR can only assist the victim for a short time until medical help arrives. However, medical assistance can be many minutes away. According to the American Heart Association, the chances of survival decrease 10 percent with each passing minute that the heart beat is not returned to normal. Very few people have survived SCA after 10 minutes with no medical treatment.

Unfortunately, we don’t know why SCAs occur, nor how to prevent them. We do know, however, how to fix them if they occur—AEDs.

What is an AED?
You’ve seen full-sized defibrillators on television. When the doctor shouts “Clear” and shocks the victim, they are using a defibrillator. The AED works the same—it shocks the heart back into a normal rhythm to restore a pulse.

Manufacturers have developed lighter, smaller, battery-operated, computer-controlled models which nearly anyone can use.

Signs and symptoms of SCA
Symptoms of SCA are very sudden and dramatic. Typically, the victim will collapse, and show no sign of a pulse. At this point, emergency medical help must be summoned, and the AED used.

The victim’s chest is bared, all visible jewelry or medicine patches are removed, and the electrode pads are attached. Once the electrical pads are attached, the AED is turned on. Many AEDs will prompt the operator through the necessary steps to use it. If the AED does not sense a shockable event, no shock is given. Others will function automatically, applying a shock to the victim after sounding a warning alarm.

Laws and liability
In May 2000, Congress passed the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act to establish a national standard that provides Good Samaritan immunity for cardiac arrest care providers, trainers, and owners of property where AEDs are kept.

A legal trend is starting to appear which suggests that failing to provide AEDs to respond to an SCA incident may be deemed as negligent.

Training Tips
Review the employee handout, and the user’s guide which comes with the AED. Point out the location of AEDs in your facility.

Review with the employees the signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest and heart attack. Explain that in either case, early contact with emergency medical personnel is critical.

Explain how to summon emergency medical help, and the identities of the emergency medical responders at your facility. Explain to the participants how the company trains first aid responders to use the AEDs.

Where To Go For More Information
29 CFR 1910.151—First Aid.
OSHA CPL 2-2.53—Guidelines for first aid programs.
AED User’s Guide
Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA)
Airline Passenger Safety Act
Applicable state regulations

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency  http://www.assuranceagency.com

Effects of Alcohol

This information briefly summarizes some of the some of the effects of a person that is hung over. Direct effects of alcohol vary with the individuals. In general, a person will excrete approximately one alcohol drink per hour. Consider the following:
An employee is out until 1:00 a.m. and has consumed 12 or more beers. They show up to work at 7:00 a.m. This employee is likely to have at least six alcohol drinks in his system at the time of starting the work. At this rate, the employee will start work intoxicated and eventually drift into a hangover and will probably be working in a very dangerous state during most of the workday.

ISSUES OF A HANGOVER
The following are some points to consider:
• A person with a hangover may have lower levels of alcohol in their system and may be “legally sober”.
• Any levels of alcohol in the system can affect the central nervous system, which will affect JUDGMENT and MOTOR SKILLS.
(Judgment and Motor Skills are critical components of working safely on a construction site.)

HANGOVER EFFECTS

A- Employees that are hung over are impaired from low sugar levels, dehydration and may still be legally intoxicated.
• Symptoms / Effects:
• Impaired judgment
• Decreased motor skills
• Potential for dizzy spells, etc.

B – Employees no longer under the influence of alcohol but still feeling hung over still have an effect:
• Symptoms / Effects:
• Impaired judgment
• Decreased motor skills
• Dizziness
• Increased potential to lose consciousness

This information is provided by Assurance Agency  http://www.assuranceagency.com

Air Contaminants

Overview
An air contaminant is any substance that is accidentally or unintentionally introduced into the air, having the effect of rendering the air toxic or harmful to some degree.

Who is covered?
29 CFR 1910.1000 Air contaminants protects employees from occupational exposure to air contaminants. The regulation applies to all workers who may be subjected to workplace air contaminants.

§1910.1000 lists various substances along with permissible exposure limits (PELs) for an eight-hour period. Your employer has a responsibility to notify you of potential hazards in the workplace, including air contaminants.

What must my employer do?
Your employer:
• Is responsible for controlling sources of air contamination by using engineering controls, or, if necessary, by using personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Must let you know what air contaminants are in the workplace and how you can protect yourself from them.

• Will discuss any necessary PPE with you and demonstrate proper use, cleaning, and storage of the equipment.

Must periodically test the air in the facility for the presence of air contaminants. You, or your representative, have a right to see the results of those tests.

If your employer chooses to use PPE in addition to engineering and work practice controls, the PPE must be provided free of charge.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency  http://www.assuranceagency.com

Welding & Cutting Safety

Everyone involved in welding operations must take necessary precautions to prevent fires, explosions, or personal injuries. Even for small or routine jobs, you should always follow established safety procedures and resist the temptation to take shortcuts.

As with any job activity, you will have hazards involved. Some common welding dangers you should be aware of include fumes, gases, radiation, electric shock, fire and explosion, lead poisoning, metal splatter and sparks, noise, and slips, trips and falls. While these are a lot of hazards, OSHA allows a lot of ways to control or eliminate them in order to protect you:

• Ventilation—Exhaust hoods at the arc, fans, and open spaces all help to reduce the concentration of hazardous fumes, gases, and dusts, and prevent the accumulation of flammable gases, vapors, and dusts that could cause fire. Know the symptoms of fumes and gases and get out of the area if they develop. Perform atmospheric tests.

• Respirators—When ventilation and plume avoidance don't give enough protection or when welding creates an oxygen-deficient area, wear a respirator.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)—This includes flame-resistant aprons; leggings and high boots; ankle-length safety shoes worn under your pant legs; shoulder cape and skull cap; ear plugs or ear muffs; insulated gloves; safety helmets; goggles; helmets; and shields. Use ANSI-approved filter lenses and plates. Protect those nearby by putting up shields.

• Electrical precautions—Do not arc weld while standing on damp surfaces or in damp clothing. Properly ground, install, and operate equipment. Do not use defective equipment. Use well-insulated electrode holders and cables. Insulate yourself from both the work and the metal electrode and holder. Don't wrap a welding cable around your body. Wear dry gloves and rubber-soled shoes. Do not use damaged or bare cables and connectors.

• Fire protection—Wear flame-resistant clothing. Have someone be your fire watcher when you weld. Move all combustible material at least 35 feet from the work area and try to move away from combustible materials, or cover them with fire resistant material. Don't weld in atmospheres containing dangerously reactive or flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dust. Clean and purge containers which may have held combustible material before applying heat. Get a hot work permit and follow its safety precautions.

• Confined space precautions—Assess limited work spaces and slipping hazards, and evaluate hazardous atmospheres and interior surfaces for flammability, combustibility, or toxic fumes that could result from welding processes.

• Clothing—Wear wool, leather, or cotton treated clothing to reduce flammability for gas shielded arc welding. Long sleeves and pants without cuffs/front pockets are recommended to avoid catching sparks.

• Don't get too close to the fume or plume or weld on lead-painted surfaces.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency  http://www.assuranceagency.com

Hand Protection

Overview
We all use our hands a great deal without really thinking about it. Because we use our hands so much at work, for a variety of tasks, they can become injured.
To demonstrate the need for effective hand protection, look at the following statistics.
• There are about 500,000 work-related injuries occurring to hands, fingers, and arms each year.
• About one-quarter of all work-related injuries are to the fingers and hands.
• Injuries to fingers and thumbs are second on the list of most injured parts of the body.

Types of hazards
A few of the types of injuries our hands are prone to suffer include:
• Mechanical hazards which cause cuts, punctures, scrapes, or crushing.
• Extreme heat or cold.
• Electrical shock or burns.
• Skin irritation from chemicals or germs.

What must my employer do?
Your employer must assess the workplace to determine what hazards can be eliminated through engineering controls such as machine guards and improved workstation design. If hazards remain after attempting to eliminate hand hazards, then your employer will provide hand protection.
Your employer must train you on the need for and use of PPE for your hands. Training should include:
• Information on when PPE is needed.
• An explanation on what protective hand wear is required, and where to obtain it.
• How to put on, take off, adjust, and wear PPE.
• The limitations of the PPE.
• The proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE.

What must I do?
For your safety, it is crucial that you understand and follow your company’s procedures for hand protection. If you have any questions regarding how to protect your hands from injury on the job, ask your supervisor.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency  http://www.assuranceagency.com

Muddy Conditions

With the change from winter to spring 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.

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