Thursday, April 7, 2016
Blueprint reading class
Blueprint for Success - Class
Don’t let your lack of knowledge interpreting blueprints prevent you from getting ahead in your job! The Residential Home Builders Alliance is pleased to offer blueprint reading classes for anyone who needs to understand blueprints in their daily work. This course is ideal for contractors and sales personnel. [READ MORE]
Thursday, May 5 and May 12, 5 - 8 pm
Assurance Agency1750 E. Golf Road
Floor 2
Schaumburg
RCEC/RHBA Members $60
Non Member $75
Call today and reserve your spot
630-512-0552
Monday, April 4, 2016
Hard Hats - tool box talks
Every year, thousand of construction workers suffer head injuries ranging from minor cuts to concussions to even death. Most of these types of injures would have been prevented had employees worn the proper head protection consisting of a hard hat. The following are safety rules to follow for hard hat usage:
• Hard hats are required to be worn AT ALL TIMES.
• Head injuries on a construction site may result from several areas
• Tools or material being dropped from above
• Low overhead clearance
• Hard Hats should not be altered or have any holes drilled or cut into them for ventilation
• Hard hats should be fitted tightly on your head. Wearing a baseball cap underneath a hard hat will cause the hard hat not to fit snug on your head, thus reducing it’s effectiveness
• The suspension system of the hard hat absorbs the impact of a falling object.
Inspect your hard hat for any damage. Never use a hard hat that has visible damage to the outer shell or to the suspension.
The following excuses are not acceptable reasons for not wearing your HARD HAT:
“It keep’s falling off” - adjust the suspension to fit snuggly and this wont happen.
“I get a headache from wearing it” - You’ll have a REAL BIG HEADACHE that may last for days if a falling object lands on your head!!!
“There’s nothing above be but the sky” – True, but at some point you may have to be in an area in which there is overhead work. Having it on your head at all times will eliminate your forgetting to go and grab your Hard Hat.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
• Hard hats are required to be worn AT ALL TIMES.
• Head injuries on a construction site may result from several areas
• Tools or material being dropped from above
• Low overhead clearance
• Hard Hats should not be altered or have any holes drilled or cut into them for ventilation
• Hard hats should be fitted tightly on your head. Wearing a baseball cap underneath a hard hat will cause the hard hat not to fit snug on your head, thus reducing it’s effectiveness
• The suspension system of the hard hat absorbs the impact of a falling object.
Inspect your hard hat for any damage. Never use a hard hat that has visible damage to the outer shell or to the suspension.
The following excuses are not acceptable reasons for not wearing your HARD HAT:
“It keep’s falling off” - adjust the suspension to fit snuggly and this wont happen.
“I get a headache from wearing it” - You’ll have a REAL BIG HEADACHE that may last for days if a falling object lands on your head!!!
“There’s nothing above be but the sky” – True, but at some point you may have to be in an area in which there is overhead work. Having it on your head at all times will eliminate your forgetting to go and grab your Hard Hat.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
New Employees
IMPROVING WORKPLACE PROTECTION FOR NEW WORKERS
(NEW WORKER = HIGH RISK!)
If you are new at your job, your risk of injury is much greater than for more experienced co-workers. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that 40% of workers injured have been on the job less than one year.
Why are new workers more likely to be hurt? BLS studies show that employees injured at work often lack one vital tool to protect themselves: information. Take a look at the following data gathered by BLS in various surveys:
• of 724 workers hurt while using scaffolds, 27% said they received no information on safety requirements for installing the kind of scaffold on which they were injured.
• of 868 workers who suffered head injuries, 71% said they had no instruction concerning hard hats.
• of 554 workers hurt while servicing equipment, 61% said they were not informed about lockout procedures.
In nearly every type of injury BLS researchers have studied, the same story is repeated over and over. Workers often do not receive the safety information they need--even on jobs involving dangerous equipment where training is clearly essential. In one BLS study of workers injured while operating power saws, nearly one of every five said no safety training on the equipment had been provided.
WHAT WORKERS CAN DO
• Be sure you understand all necessary safety measures before you start to work. If the explanation is unclear, ask again.
• Use what you learn -- all the time.
• If personal protective equipment is required, wear them consistently and maintain them properly. If guards are required on equipment make sure they are in place.
• Don't take short-cuts; follow safety and health instructions to the letter.
• Follow the hazard warnings on chemicals you use. Obtain further information from the material safety data sheet on hazardous chemicals.
• Ask your employer about emergency procedures and be prepared to follow them in the event of chemical spill or fire.
WHAT EMPLOYERS CAN DO
• Make safety training an essential part of plant routine. OSHA standards require safety training for workers in many types of hazardous work. A comprehensive safety training program will assure compliance and can also pay off in reduced absenteeism, lower compensation costs, and increased efficiency.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
###
(NEW WORKER = HIGH RISK!)
If you are new at your job, your risk of injury is much greater than for more experienced co-workers. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that 40% of workers injured have been on the job less than one year.
Why are new workers more likely to be hurt? BLS studies show that employees injured at work often lack one vital tool to protect themselves: information. Take a look at the following data gathered by BLS in various surveys:
• of 724 workers hurt while using scaffolds, 27% said they received no information on safety requirements for installing the kind of scaffold on which they were injured.
• of 868 workers who suffered head injuries, 71% said they had no instruction concerning hard hats.
• of 554 workers hurt while servicing equipment, 61% said they were not informed about lockout procedures.
In nearly every type of injury BLS researchers have studied, the same story is repeated over and over. Workers often do not receive the safety information they need--even on jobs involving dangerous equipment where training is clearly essential. In one BLS study of workers injured while operating power saws, nearly one of every five said no safety training on the equipment had been provided.
WHAT WORKERS CAN DO
• Be sure you understand all necessary safety measures before you start to work. If the explanation is unclear, ask again.
• Use what you learn -- all the time.
• If personal protective equipment is required, wear them consistently and maintain them properly. If guards are required on equipment make sure they are in place.
• Don't take short-cuts; follow safety and health instructions to the letter.
• Follow the hazard warnings on chemicals you use. Obtain further information from the material safety data sheet on hazardous chemicals.
• Ask your employer about emergency procedures and be prepared to follow them in the event of chemical spill or fire.
WHAT EMPLOYERS CAN DO
• Make safety training an essential part of plant routine. OSHA standards require safety training for workers in many types of hazardous work. A comprehensive safety training program will assure compliance and can also pay off in reduced absenteeism, lower compensation costs, and increased efficiency.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
###
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Equipment and Systems, on the job tool box talks
Download the full article
Before you begin work on a project that requires fall protection (whenever you are working six feet or more above a lower level), your employer must provide all required fall protection equipment, and install all required fall and falling object protection systems.
The equipment and systems must comply with the OSHA fall protection rules at 29 CFR 1926.502.
The three most common methods of providing fall protection are guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. These are referred to as primary systems.
Guardrails
Guardrails are barriers put up to prevent falls to a lower level. They can be used to protect you from falls: from unprotected sides and edges; during leading edge work; through holes—including skylights; from ramps, runways, or other walkways; and into or onto dangerous equipment.
Safety nets
Safety nets are used as protection at unprotected sides, leading edges, working on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel, overhead or below surface bricklaying, work on roofs, precast concrete work, residential construction, and wall openings.
Personal fall arrest equipment
Body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system. Body belts are o.k. when used as positioning devices.
Only locking type snaphooks can be used.
Personal fall arrest equipment protects you from falling when working around unprotected sides and edges, leading edge work, in hoist areas when loading or unloading materials, form and reinforcing steel work, overhead or below surface bricklaying, work on low-sloped or steep roofs, precast concrete work, residential construction, and wall openings.
Other fall protection systems
The fall protection rule lists other systems and equipment you can use in certain situations. Some of them are safety monitoring systems, warning lines, and positioning devices.
In order to use any of the systems and equipment described above, you must be trained to do so by your company “competent person.” That person must be qualified to teach you those systems and equipment you will be using.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
Before you begin work on a project that requires fall protection (whenever you are working six feet or more above a lower level), your employer must provide all required fall protection equipment, and install all required fall and falling object protection systems.
The equipment and systems must comply with the OSHA fall protection rules at 29 CFR 1926.502.
The three most common methods of providing fall protection are guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. These are referred to as primary systems.
Guardrails
Guardrails are barriers put up to prevent falls to a lower level. They can be used to protect you from falls: from unprotected sides and edges; during leading edge work; through holes—including skylights; from ramps, runways, or other walkways; and into or onto dangerous equipment.
Safety nets
Safety nets are used as protection at unprotected sides, leading edges, working on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel, overhead or below surface bricklaying, work on roofs, precast concrete work, residential construction, and wall openings.
Personal fall arrest equipment
Body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system. Body belts are o.k. when used as positioning devices.
Only locking type snaphooks can be used.
Personal fall arrest equipment protects you from falling when working around unprotected sides and edges, leading edge work, in hoist areas when loading or unloading materials, form and reinforcing steel work, overhead or below surface bricklaying, work on low-sloped or steep roofs, precast concrete work, residential construction, and wall openings.
Other fall protection systems
The fall protection rule lists other systems and equipment you can use in certain situations. Some of them are safety monitoring systems, warning lines, and positioning devices.
In order to use any of the systems and equipment described above, you must be trained to do so by your company “competent person.” That person must be qualified to teach you those systems and equipment you will be using.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
Friday, March 11, 2016
OSHA Fatal Facts
Fatal Facts describe cases that are representative of employers who failed to identify and correct hazardous working conditions leading to fatalities at their worksites. The documents offer ideas on how to correct these hazards and educate workers about safe work practices.
Fatal Facts are not an OSHA standard or regulation and they create no new legal obligations. The recommendations contained herein are advisory in nature and are intended to assist employers in providing safe and healthful workplaces.
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/fatalfacts.html
###
Fatal Facts are not an OSHA standard or regulation and they create no new legal obligations. The recommendations contained herein are advisory in nature and are intended to assist employers in providing safe and healthful workplaces.
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/fatalfacts.html
###
Sunday, March 6, 2016
5 Keys to Safe Driving - Tool Box Talks
Download the full article
Key #1 - Aim High Steering
· Keep 12 – 15 seconds of eye lead-time H.E.L.T. (Habitual Eye Lead Time)
· Look far down the road, where the road disappears.
· Know your field of vision.
* Peripheral Vision (Fringe Vision) – 98% or 177 degrees of our vision.
* Central Vision (Core Vision) – 2% or 3 degrees of our vision.
Key #2 - Get the Big Picture
Be Aware of all objects and obstacles:
· 1 - 2 city blocks ahead.
· ½ mile on highways, expressways & country roads.
· Sidewalk to Sidewalk.
· All of the area around your vehicle.
Key #3 - Keep Your Eyes Moving
· Check mirrors every 5 – 8 seconds.
· Scan your eyes every 2 seconds.
· Never stare at an object for more than 2 seconds.
* Eliminate Eye Holding Problems.
- Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down
- Change Lanes.
- Adjust Radio: Turn on music, turn up music, turn down music, and change station…
- Roll down window, turn up air conditioner, and turn off heater.
- Sing or talk to yourself or others.
- Pull over, take a break or get rest.
Key #4 - Leave Yourself an Out
· Leave a 1 car-length space cushion at stop signs and intersections.
· Keep at least a 2 seconds following distance in front of your vehicle. (Preferably 4 seconds whenever possible).
· Keep at least a 3 seconds following distance during adverse weather.
· Eliminate Tailgaters:
* Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down.
* Change Lanes.
* Allow them to pass: Pull over to the side of the road or turn off on to another road.
* Signal a warning:
- Turn on / Turn off Headlights.
- Use turn indicators
Key #5 - Make Sure They See You
· Make Eye Contact.
· Honk Horn (Twice).
· Turn on / Turn off Headlights.
· Brake Tap.
· Use turn signals.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
###
Key #1 - Aim High Steering
· Keep 12 – 15 seconds of eye lead-time H.E.L.T. (Habitual Eye Lead Time)
· Look far down the road, where the road disappears.
· Know your field of vision.
* Peripheral Vision (Fringe Vision) – 98% or 177 degrees of our vision.
* Central Vision (Core Vision) – 2% or 3 degrees of our vision.
Key #2 - Get the Big Picture
Be Aware of all objects and obstacles:
· 1 - 2 city blocks ahead.
· ½ mile on highways, expressways & country roads.
· Sidewalk to Sidewalk.
· All of the area around your vehicle.
Key #3 - Keep Your Eyes Moving
· Check mirrors every 5 – 8 seconds.
· Scan your eyes every 2 seconds.
· Never stare at an object for more than 2 seconds.
* Eliminate Eye Holding Problems.
- Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down
- Change Lanes.
- Adjust Radio: Turn on music, turn up music, turn down music, and change station…
- Roll down window, turn up air conditioner, and turn off heater.
- Sing or talk to yourself or others.
- Pull over, take a break or get rest.
Key #4 - Leave Yourself an Out
· Leave a 1 car-length space cushion at stop signs and intersections.
· Keep at least a 2 seconds following distance in front of your vehicle. (Preferably 4 seconds whenever possible).
· Keep at least a 3 seconds following distance during adverse weather.
· Eliminate Tailgaters:
* Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down.
* Change Lanes.
* Allow them to pass: Pull over to the side of the road or turn off on to another road.
* Signal a warning:
- Turn on / Turn off Headlights.
- Use turn indicators
Key #5 - Make Sure They See You
· Make Eye Contact.
· Honk Horn (Twice).
· Turn on / Turn off Headlights.
· Brake Tap.
· Use turn signals.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
###
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)