Nail Guns - On the job Tool Box Talks

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

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

OSHA regulations for nail guns

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


From Assurance Agency
 

Workers' Compensation Seminar

Understanding Senate Bill 3287

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

Guest Speaker
Jonathon Mincieli
Cassiday Shade

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

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

RCEC & HBAGC Members $20
Non Member $30

Register Online for this Event

Download the USPS Registration Form

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

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

OSHA 10-HOUR CONSTRUCTION TRAINING

OSHA 10-HOUR CONSTRUCTION TRAINING

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

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

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

SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS

» Fall Protection

» Hazard Communication

» Scaffolding Safety

» Ladder Safety

» Electrical Safety

» Personal Protective Equipment

·        WHEN

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

·        WHERE

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

·        COST

Assurance clients - $0
All others - $250 

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

###

Incident Reporting - On the jon Tool Box Safety Talks

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

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

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

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

From: Assurance Agency

Ladder Safety for Construction

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Ladders are indispensable additions to jobsites. While they are uncomplicated and simple to use, you shouldn’t take ladder safety for granted. Ladder problems are easy for OSHA inspectors to spot and therefore companies receive numerous citations every year.  OSHA finds the most violations of the following OSHA rules at jobsites:
•    When portable ladders are used to get to an upper landing surface, the side rails must extend three feet above the upper landing. If that is not possible because of the ladders length, then it must be tied-off at the top to a non-moveable support, and a grab rail must be provided for getting off and on. The extension can never be so short that ladder deflection under a load would cause the ladder to slip off its support. 
•    A stairway or ladder must be provided at all worker access points where there is a break in  elevation of 19 inches or more, and no ramp, runway, sloped embankment, or personnel hoist is provided. 
•   Your employer must provide a ladder training program. The program must ensure you can recognize hazards related to ladders, and know how to minimize these hazards. 
•    A portable ladder with defects such as, but not limited to broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps; broken or split rails; corroded or other faulty or defective components, must either be immediately marked to easily identify it as defective, or be tagged with “Do Not Use” or similar language, and be withdrawn from use until repaired. 
•    The top or top step of a stepladder must not be used as a step. 
•    The OSHA regulations concentrate on two areas when using ladders—their condition and their use.

The following examples of the many rules for ladders point out these two areas.

Ladder Condition
To help prevent slipping, rungs and steps of metal ladders must be treated. Treatment can include being corrugated, knurled, dimpled, or coated with skid-resistant material.Ladders must be free of oil, grease, and other slip hazards. Ladders must be inspected by a competent person for visible defects periodically, and after any occurrence affecting their safe use.

Ladder Use
Ladders must be placed on stable and level surfaces unless tied off to prevent accidental movement. Unless designed to do so, ladders must never be tied or fastened together to make them longer. A ladder must not be moved, shifted, or extended while being used.
When going up or down a ladder, you must:
•    face the ladder. 
•    use at least one hand to grasp the ladder. 
•    never carry objects/loads that could cause you to lose your balance and fall.

From: Assurance Agency

Head Protection

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Overview
You may be exposed to the hazards of falling objects at work and need to protect yourself from the risk of head injuries. Construction workers, loggers, tree trimmers, shipbuilders, miners, and electrical utility workers all are required to wear protective headgear.

Types and classes of protective headgear
There are two types of headgear:
•   Type 1 — full brim at least 1.25 inches wide. 
•   Type 2 — no brim but may include a peak extending forward from the crown. 

There are three classes of headgear:
•   Class A — general service with limited voltage protection. 
•   Class B — utility service with high voltage protection. 
•   Class C — special service with no voltage protection. 
When choosing hard hats, look for ones that meet ANSI Z89.1-Safety
Requirements for Industrial Workers

What must my employer do?
Your employer must train you on the need for and use of head protection. Training should include:
•   Information on when PPE is needed. 
•   An explanation on what protective headgear is required, and where to obtain it. 
•   How to put on, take off, adjust, and wear protective headgear. 
•   The limitations of the PPE. 
•   The proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE. 

What must I do?
Keep your hard hat in good condition.
Inspect your hard hat every day for:
•   Cracks, dents, and wear — discard hats that are damaged or chalky looking. 
•   The condition of the suspension system — look for torn straps, broken sewing lines, loose rivets, defective lugs, and other defects. 
•   Wash your hard hat monthly in warm, soapy water, and rinse thoroughly. 
•   Never paint your helmet or get solvents on it — this can weaken it.

This information provided by: Assurance Agency
###

Heat Stress - On the Job Tool Box Talks

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Heat
The combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during the summer months. So, take precautions. Here’s how:
•  Drink plenty of water before you get thirsty. 
•  Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing— cotton is good.
•  Take frequent short breaks in cool shade.
•  Eat smaller meals before work activity.
•  Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
•  Find out from your health-care provider if your medications and heat don’t mix.
•  Know that equipment such as respirators or work suits can increase heat stress.

Sun
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans. Be especially careful in the sun if you burn easily, spend a lot of time outdoors, or have any of the following physical features: numerous, irregular, or large moles; freckles; fair skin; or blond, red, or light brown hair. Here’s how to block those harmful rays:
•  Cover up. Wear tightly woven clothing that you can’t see through.
•  Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle or tube.
•  Wear UV-absorbent shades. Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100
percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Before you buy, read the product tag or label. 

Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Recognizing the symptoms of heat stress is very important, particularly since the victim may not realize what is happening.  If you work alone in a hot environment, develop a "buddy system" so someone will check in on you periodically to look for signs of heat stress.





From: Assurance Agency