Ladders - On the job Tool Box Talks

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

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

a.            Ladders shall be used for access to different levels. 

b.            Climbing backing blocks or bracing shall be prohibited.

c.                 Ladders with broken or missing rungs or step, broken or split side rails, or other defects shall be prohibited from use.

d.                The area around the top and bottom of the ladder shall be kept clear.

e.            Always face the ladder when ascending or descending the ladder.

f.            At least one hand shall be used to grasp the ladder when ascending or  

     descending a ladder.

g.         An object or load which could cause a person to lose their balance and fall shall not be        carried up or down a ladder.

h.                Never use the top step or the top of a step ladder.

i.                  Never straddle the top of a step ladder.

LADDER PLACEMENT

a.                Ladders in use shall be tied off, blocked off or otherwise secured at the top to prevent movement.

b.                Ladders without slip resistant feet shall not be placed onto flat surfaces unless they are cleated or otherwise secured.

c.            Ladder side rails shall extend at least 36 inches above the landing.

d.            Ladders shall be placed at such an angle that the horizontal distance from the  

top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working    length of the ladder.         (4 to 1 pitch)

e.            Ladders shall not be placed in any location where it may become displaced by   

       work activities or pedestrian traffic.

f.            Working from ladders:  It is recommended that ladders be tied off at  the top while 

     working from them to prevent displacement.

    

g.            Ladders placed on roof levels MUST have a toe board at the base to 

               prevent displacement.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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Cold - On the Job Tool Box Talks

Overview

When your body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result. Cold related illnesses can slowly overcome a person who has been chilled by low temperatures, brisk winds, or wet clothing.

Two of the most common cold related illnesses and injuries are frostbite and hypothermia. While frost bite is dangerous and can cause permanent injury, hypothermia is a medical emergency. If not handled properly, hypothermia can kill you.

Frost bite—What happens to your body?

Freezing in deep layers of skin and tissue; pale, waxy-white skin color; skin becomes hard and numb; usually affects the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose.

Hypothermia—a medical emergency—What happens to your body?

Normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to or below 95°F; fatigue or drowsiness; uncontrolled shivering; cool bluish skin; slurred speech; clumsy movements; irritable, irrational or confused behavior.

Things you can do to prevent difficulties from cold related illnesses and injuries

·          Recognize the weather conditions that could cause cold related illnesses and injuries.

·          Know the signs and symptoms of cold related illnesses/injuries and how to help yourself or a fellow worker.

·          Wear proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions. Layer your clothing so you can adjust to changing temperatures. Wear a hat and gloves in addition to underwear that will keep water away from your skin (polypropylene).

·          Avoid exhaustion or fatigue. Energy is needed to keep your muscles warm.

·          Use the buddy system when working in cold conditions.

·          Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks). Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol. Eat warm, high-calorie foods like hot pasta dishes.

·          Take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow your body to warm up; work during the warmest part of the day.

You are at increased risk when you:

·          Have predisposing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

·          Are in poor physical condition, have a poor diet, or are older.

·          Take certain medication (check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacy and ask if any medicines you are taking affect you while working in cold environments).

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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OSHA Quick Card - Protect Yourself - Silicosis

Download the OSHA Quick Card:

http://toolboxtalks.coffeecup.com/assurance/OSHAQuickCardSilicosis.pd

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Back Injuries

In construction, 25% of injuries are back injuries. Construction has the highest rate of back injuries of any industry, except transportation. Every year, a back injury causes 1 in 100 construction workers to miss work — usually missing about 7 workdays, but sometimes more than 30. Most of the back problems are low-back injuries. Repeated injury to your back can cause permanent damage and end your career.

The Hazards

Most back injuries are sprains and strains from lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials. You are at higher risk of low-back injury if you often carry heavy loads, must twist while carrying heavy loads, or work a lot while bent over or in other awkward postures.

Protect Yourself

Injuries can be reduced by planning, changing how work is done, and training workers and supervisors.

Plan

• Cut down on carrying. Have materials delivered close to where they will be used.
• Try to store materials at waist height.
• Raise your work to waist level, if you can. Pipefitters use pipe stands. Masons have adjustable scaffolds to keep the work at waist height.
• Make sure floors and walkways are clear and dry. Slips and trips are a big cause of back injuries.
• Take rest breaks. When you are tired, you can get injured more.

Get Help

• Use carts, dollies, forklifts, and hoists to move materials — not your back.
• Use carrying tools with handles to get a good grip on wallboard or other odd-shaped loads.
• If materials weigh more than about 50 pounds, do not lift them by yourself. Get help from another worker or use a cart.

Move Carefully

• When lifting or carrying materials, keep the load as close to your body as you can.
• Try not to twist, when lifting and lowering materials. Turn your whole body instead.
• Lift and lower materials in a smooth steady way. Try not to jerk the lift.
• When you pick up materials off the ground:

·        Try supporting yourself by leaning on something while lifting.

·        Don’t bend over; instead, kneel on one knee and pull the load up on to your knee before standing. (Wear knee pads when you kneel.)

Apprentices

Apprentices get some of the hardest work to do. Being young and strong, they sometimes carry more weight than they should. Make sure apprentices are protected against back injuries, so they don’t end up with back problems and have to leave the trades.

Work with your employer to decide how the work can be changed to protect you and your co-workers from back injuries. Build back-safety into any training. Fewer injuries mean better productivity and lower costs.

What About Back Belts?

Some contractors have workers wear back belts. If a doctor prescribes a back belt, it may help someone recovering from a back injury. But a recent government study (by NIOSH) found no evidence that back belts can prevent injuries. Don’t depend on a back belt to protect you; instead, try to change the lifting work so it can’t hurt you. 

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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