Winter Weather Safety - On the job Tool Box Safety Talks

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During winter weather conditions, extra caution is needed.  Most people are aware of this situation, but there is always a higher level of automobile accidents during the first few snows of the year.  This is because people are notorious for forgetting basic lessons on safety.  Keeping this fact in mind, consider the following reminders that will reduce the potential for injuries:

Footwear

Traction is key.  Work boots need to provide ankle support and traction.  Rubber goulashes are often a good bet to wear over your work boots to maintain the necessary traction and keep your feet dry. 

Slips and Falls

Keep work areas clear.  Access paths to buildings should be maintained at least three feet wide and should not have accumulations of ice or other slippery conditions.  Clean up every day to avoid hidden trip hazards underneath snow.  Remember that stairs must remain clean and clear of snow and ice if they are to be used. 

CAZ Work

·        Top plate must be clean and clear before walked on.

·        No roof level work if the sheathing is snow or ice covered.

·        Snow removal from roof level requires use of fall protection in the form of full body harness.

·        New roof sheathing must be nailed off the same day it is installed to avoid the need to return to that surface the next day.

Ladders

·        Securing the bottom of ladders is key to avoid kick-out due to slippery conditions.

·        No leaning of step ladders on flat slippery surfaces.

·        Secure top of ladder while against Tyvek for setting windows, exterior trim, etc.  This material is extremely slippery especially in cold wet conditions.

Driving

·        Apply safe driving principles to your workday.

·        Snowy weather requires additional awareness & caution Look ahead further, and anticipate possible accidents.

·        When driving, move deliberately and steadily. 

·        Stopping distances should be quadrupled when snow is on the ground. Other

·        Wearing additional bulky clothing greatly reduces how agile you can be.  This is an important fact to keep in mind when you are climbing ladders, through trusses, etc. 

This information is provided by Assurance Agency

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Scaffolding - On the job tool box talks

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You should know that over one-third of the serious injuries to workers in the building trades are caused by falls from one level to another. These accidents usually occur because someone is working or standing on an unsafe surface (a makeshift scaffold) or using a scaffold incorrectly or working on one that hasn’t been put up properly. They may seem safe but they can be very dangerous. Makeshift scaffolds should not be used and are made of such things as:

• concrete blocks
• boxes
• buckets
• piles of scrap material
• poorly supported wooden planks
• machinery

Take the time to build a safe scaffold. We are not in such a hurry that we are willing to sacrifice safety. There are a couple kinds of scaffolds that are acceptable if built right. Some examples of scaffolds and things to remember when erecting them are:

Rolling Scaffold

• They should only be used on a level surface.
• The height should not exceed 4 times the minimum base dimension, unless guyed or equipped with outriggers.
• Decking should be full width and secured against displacement.
• They should have guardrails, midrails and toe boards.
• All casters should be locked except when the scaffold is being moved.
• No one should be on it while it is being moved.

Tubular Metal Scaffold

• Should be tied to and braced against the structure at intervals not to exceed 30 feet horizontally and 26 feet vertically.
• They should have guardrails, midrails and toe boards.
• Screwjacks should be adjusted to plumb and level the scaffold.
• All crossbracing should be installed.
• Mudsills should be used on soft ground.
• Planks should be lapped not less than 12” nor more than 18”.
• Ice or snow should be cleaned off before it is used.
• Safe means of access should be provided – Climbing crossbracing is prohibited.   
• This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Back Injury Prevention - On the Job Tool Box Talks

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Who has not heard the basics of back injury prevention?  At the same time, who has applied these principles to every day work?  Many people understand the basics of safe lifting, but fail to perform these basic practices on a regular and consistent basis.  The following is a summary of the basics:

·       Bend your knees and keep a straight back when you lift.

·       When you bend down to pick up a tool, bend your knees.

·       You should NEVER bend at the waist to pick up anything (or even to tie your shoes.).

·       Keep your stomach muscles in shape.  This will help maintain proper posture while lifting, and ultimately reduce your chance for a back injury.

·       When lifting and moving a load, shift your feet, rather than twisting your back.

·       Remember the 10:1 ratio for lifting improperly –

A straight-legged lift of 20 pounds will apply over 200 pounds of force on your vertebrae and disks in your lower back. (This is why you must bend your knees to lift.)

·       Know what items are two men lifts: 

            -        Large sections of forms

-        Large core sections

-        Large cut outs

-        Etc.

Prevention –

·       Stretch you legs and back before you start to work.

·       Think of proper lifting technique before you begin a lift.

·       Establish a clear travel path before you begin your lift.

·       Remind your co-workers of proper technique of lifting.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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