There are nearly 6.5 million individuals who work in the construction business and the fatal injury rate is higher in this industry than any other industry in the world. For this reason, construction safety education is vital.

Common Construction Safety Concerns

-Falls
-Trench collapse
-Scaffold collapse
-Electric shock and arch flash/blast
-Failure to use proper protective gear
-Repetitive motion injuries

Scaffolds are used to perform different types of construction in high places. When a scaffold is not assembled properly or if it is not used properly the possibility of falls are eminent. There are approximately 4,500 injuries and 50 fatalities from scaffolding falls each year. There are many things that must be done to ensure the safety of those working on scaffolds.

The scaffolding must be sound and sufficient enough to hold its own weight plus four times the maximum weight. It must be placed on solid ground. Never use anything unstable such as barrels, boxes or loose bricks to support the scaffold.

-There must not be any changes made to the scaffold except under supervision of a trained competent person
-The scaffold must have guardrails, midrails and toe boards.
-Repairs to items such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs or ladders must be made immediately.
-Scaffold platforms must be bound tightly with scaffold plank grade material
-The scaffold must be inspected by a competent person and re-inspected at set intervals.
-Scaffolds must always be at least ten feet away from power lines at all times.

Falls can happen for many reasons and is the primary cause for fatalities in the construction industry. Many things can cause workers to fall such as unstable working surfaces, misusing or not using fall protection and simple human error. There are a few things that can be done to help limit the amount of falls that occur:

-Use elevated platforms to provide safer working surfaces
-Put up guardrail systems with toe boards and warning lines
-Make sure all holes are covered
-Use a safety net system or give workers a body harness

OSHA Stats On Construction Safety

According to OSHA, there are about 24,000 injuries and 36 fatalities per year due to falls from ladders and/or stairways. A lot of these injuries were bad enough for employees to have to have time off of work. There are a few precautions that must be taken to lessen this fall risk:

-Use the right ladder for the task
-Have a competent person check for structural damage, grease, dirt or other contaminant
-Mark ladders that are unsafe for use
-Never go over the ladders maximum load capacity warning label
-Never use metal ladders around electrical work or overhead power lines

To prevent falls when working in or around stairways:

-Make sure the treads and walkways are free of debris and dangerous objects
-Make certain treads cover the entire step and landing
-Correct any slippery conditions right away
-Stairways higher than 30” should have at least one handrail

When it comes to construction safety, it is imperative that workers are taught and made to follow any and all safety precautions no matter what kind of job they are performing. Making certain that all safety precautions set forth by OSHA are followed will result in far less injuries and fatalities.

In addition to the safety rules and regulations poster on the wall of most workplaces, sometimes you will find safety slogans posted next to them or throughout the workplace. These safety slogans are used as ways to remind you of safety rules and quotes that help you remember how to do something.

Here is an extensive list that was collected from several sources all over the internet:

-Safety is as simple as ABC: Always Be Careful
-Wipe up and avoid a slip up!
-Be aware-take care
-To avoid a scene, keep your workplace clean
-A spill, a slip, a hospital trip
-In case of injury, remember RICE- rest, ice, compress and elevate
-Leave horseplay to horses
-An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
-Protect your back; use a jack
-The chance taker is the accident maker
-Night doubles traffic troubles
-30 days has September-safety first, please remember!
-Don’t be a fool, use the proper tool
-Use proper equipment for confined space or you may find yourself in the final confined space…..a coffin
-This tool will punch you in the face, if you let it
-To avoid a scene, keep your workplace clean
-This machine can kill you
-10 fingers, 10 toes, if you are not safe Who knows?
-Near miss reported today, is the accident that does not happen tomorrow
-Accident prevention- Your No. 1 intention
-Safety is key. It Is Up To You and Me!
-It’s Better to be Safety Conscious than Unsafe and Unconscious
-Better to have two on the job than one in the hospital
-Better to tie off than fly off
-Safety is “My Responsibility”
-Safety by Choice, Not by Chance
-Did you work safely today- or were you only lucky?
-Teamwork makes the Dreamwork
-If you give somebody a hand, make sure there is a glove on it
-Safety can distinguish you. Lack of safety can extinguish you
-Safety glasses: All in favor, say “Eye!”
-Organ donor= A person who doesn’t use his or her safety equipment
-Arms work best when attached to the body
-Hard hats, they’re not just for decoration
-Safety saves, Accidents cost you
-Safety first, Avoid the Worst
-Safety is like a lock- But you are the key
-Accidents hurt- Safety doesn’t
-Tomorrow- Your reward for working safely today
-Falling objects can be brutal if you don’t protect your noodle
-Safety rules are your best tools
-Ignoring a warning can cause much mourning
-Safety fits like a glove- Try one on
-Don’t learn safety by accident
-Working safely may get old, but so do those who practice it
-Courtesy and common sense promote safety

And to add a little lightheartedness to the mix of safety slogans…

-If you think your job is hard now, try doing it without hands
-Roses are red, violets are blue, safety is first or I’m coming for you
-Build your house of brick; not shortcuts
-For everyone’s safety, meetings should always be randomly schedule in multiple locations

Safety slogans can be informative or funny, but they all aim to remind people to always be safe and practice common sense.

OSHA sets electrical safety standards to protect employees that are exposed to hazards that may put them in danger of suffering from electrical shock, electrocution, fires and explosions. Specific standards are set according to the type of industry.

Any employee working directly with electricity must wear arc flash protective clothing. This should include jackets, harnesses, insulated gloves and dielectric footwear. All of the equipment that is carried with the worker or that the worker will be using must also be insulted as well.

Electrical hazards can cause serious burns, shocks and electrocution (death). There are three main causes of accidents and injuries when working with or around electricity:

Unsafe acts happen for two reasons: the person knows better but performs the act anyway or the person does not know better.

Some examples of unsafe acts are:

-Failure to de-energize, lockout and tag out hazards
-Use of defective or unsafe tools
-Using tools that are too close to energized parts
-Using a 3-wire plug with a 2-wire plug
-Overloading outlets
-Not turning off the power when repairing the equipment

Unsafe equipment

-Loose connections
-Faulty insulation
-Improper grounds
-Use of homemade extension cords
-Defective parts
-Unguarded live parts such as bare conductors or exposed terminals and in instances where metal parts becoming energized when plugged in.

Hazardous environments

-Flammable vapors, liquids and gasses
-Combustible ducts
-Corrosive atmospheres
-Explosive environments
-Blocked electrical boxes, flammable materials being stored in equipment rooms and lack of proper hazard signs

OSHA has set forth some general standards for electrical safety

+ Assume that all overhead wires are energized. Never assume that a wire is safe to touch
+ Never touch a fallen overhead power line
+ Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead wires during cleanup
+ If an overhead wire falls on your vehicle, stay in the car and try to drive away from the electric line. Call the local electric company to come and remove the line from the car
+ Never operate electrical equipment while you are in water
+ Never repair electrical equipment unless qualified to do so
+ If equipment has gotten wet, do not use it until a qualified electrician has inspected it first

There is a high incidence of injury and death when working with and around electricity, which is why it is very important to follow electrical safety rules and regulations when around electricity. Following safety rules and using common sense can mean the difference between life and death.

Bloodborne pathogens are microscopic organisms or viruses that cause a variety of illnesses and diseases in human beings. Examples include the hepatatis viruses, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Hepatitis B is the most commonly transmitted virus due to exposure to blood products.

Certain people are at higher risk of contracting an illness due to exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Individuals working in various healthcare professions involving direct patient contact, or contact with blood products in a laboratory or other environment, are often exposed to risks every single day. As such, workers in a healthcare environment must be carefully trained to follow proper procedures to avoid contaminating clothes, workspaces, and even themselves and others with blood products. Healthcare workers must always be vigilant in the workplace.

Individuals stuck by needles, or are exposed to blood on the eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin, are the most likely to be affected by an accidental exposure. In these cases, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends immediately flooding the affected area with water, cleaning any wound with soap and water, or a disinfectant, then immediately reporting the incident to one’s employer. Then, medical attention should be sought right away. In cases where blood products carry bloodborne pathogens, early access to medical care can be vital in avoiding a potentially life-altering infection. In addition, accidental exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the workplace can happen in a number of other ways – one can get cut by a used scalpel or razor blade, or be cut by broken glass contaminated with blood or body fluids.

Even outside the healthcare sector, it is important for all types of businesses to provide basic safety training regarding accidents where blood contaminates the workplace. At all times, someone that knows how to deal with a blood exposure situation should be on hand to help deal with such a situation if it arises. Additionally, in the event that blood contaminates tools, workspaces, clothing, or other parts of the workplace, protocols should be in place to insure that the affected items are either disinfected and cleansed, or discarded properly. If these types of situations are not dealt with properly, the number of people exposed to bloodborne pathogens can increase. For instance, tossing bloodied paper towels into a waste bin after an accident can result in exposing janitorial staff to the blood. Materials that become sullied with blood products (and cannot be disinfected safely) must be discarded in a proper manner. They should be deposited in a sealed biohazard waste container, and be taken to a waste facility that can properly handle biohazard wastes.

Bloodborne Pathogens In The Workplace

Workplace safety gear can also be key to avoiding unnecessary exposure risks. For instance, if someone in a workplace accidentally cuts their hand with a power saw, blood might spray across the workspace. Individuals working with such tools should be wearing proper safety eyewear. In addition to protecting the eyes from flying debris, they can help reduce the risk of accidental exposure to blood sprays.

All workplaces, schools, and public buildings should have a place to discard of needles. A surprising number of individuals rely on medication that must be injected at various intervals throughout the day, or as needed. Though some individuals can use re-usable injection syringes, many medications come in single-use syringes. These need to be disposed of in a proper manner – in a biohazard needle bin – in order to avoid dangerous disposal. Throwing a used needle into a normal trash can or bag can result in exposing janitorial staff (or others) to bloodborne pathogens.

Some diseases can still be transferred even if blood dries. Hepatitis B is known to be contracted from exposure to dried blood. Simply getting a bit of powdery, solid dry blood on the fingers, then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth, can be sufficient to spread the infection. This is why it is extremely important that blood contamination events are dealt with in a proper manner. This includes stringent cleaning of the workspace, using cleansers known to destroy pathogens and break down blood products.

Of course, exposure to bloodborne pathogens can happen in a variety of other contexts. One can be exposed to bloodborne pathogens during sexual activities. This is a fairly common way transfer bloodborne pathogens, as friction creates microtears in the skin and mucous membranes that can allow transfer of microscopic blood and pathogens. Even if blood is not immediately evident, it is almost certainly a risk. As such, when one’s partner’s infection status is unknown or questionable, it is important to always utilize protection.

Sharing needles – usually among drug addicts – is another common way that bloodborne pathogens are spread from one person to the other. It cannot be emphasized how incredibly unsanitary it is to share needles or syringes between persons. Almost all modern syringes are intended to be disposable, and are meant to be destroyed after a single use. This means that they are often made of materials that cannot, under any circumstances, ever be completely disinfected. As such, sharing needles is always an extremely high risk activity, and should never be tolerated. The act of sharing needles between IV drug users is directly responsible for outrageously high levels of dangerous diseases like hepatitis and HIV/AIDS spreading through drug-using populations at epidemic levels. This presents such a significant threat to public health that many municipalities even offer needles for free, which can be traded in when worn out for a new replacement. Despite that such programs often draw public ire, they are quite successful in reducing the rates at which bloodborne pathogens spread among drug users – which means that far fewer medical, police, and community workers are exposed to the risk of contracting a bloodborne disease.

A risk assessment is as simple as taking a look at your workplace to identify things that may cause harm. Once you identify those risks that may cause harm, then you have to evaluate how severe the risk may be and put measures in place to effectively prevent those things from happening. The best way to create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace is to create and implement a risk assessment plan.

Assessments must be done by competent members that have a working knowledge of the workplace. The likely candidates for a risk assessment are supervisors and workers. There are a few general guidelines that should be followed when assessing risks:

-Identify any and all hazards
-Evaluate how likely each hazard will be to cause injury or illness and how severe that risk actually is
-Consider hazards that can happen due to matters beyond your control (i.e. power outage, emergencies)
-Review all available health and safety information about the hazard
-Identify what actions should be taken to eliminate or control the risk
-Monitor to make sure the risk is controlled
-Document any necessary information

Whoever is performing the risk assessment must take into account

-The methods and procedures used in the action
-The actual versus the potential exposure of workers
-What measures and procedures are necessary to control the risk or exposure

The whole point of a risk assessment is to evaluate potential hazards in the workplace. To make certain that all hazards are found, the following steps should be followed:

-Evaluate all aspects of the work being performed
-Take into consideration non-routine activities such as maintenance and repair
-Look at all documentation including accident and injury reports
-Don’t forget to include off-site workers such as at home workers and drivers
-Look at the way the work is being done, who is performing the work and the systems being used
-Take into consideration things that “could” happen in unusual conditions
-Examine risks to the public or visitors

Once the hazards have been determined, the level of risk must then be evaluated. The level of risk can be determined by:

-Reading any and all product information
-Past experience
-Industry codes of practice
-Health and safety material
-Results of testing
-Information about previous injuries and accident reports

Hazards must be prioritized in order to know which actions to take first. You must take into account the percentage of the workforce exposed to the risk, how often employees are exposed to that risk, the degree of harm that will likely occur from the exposure, and how probable it is that an accident may occur.

Your work is not complete just because you have completed a risk assessment and put a safety plan into action. It is always good practice to review your assessment on a regular basis to make certain nothing has changed since the last assessment was done and to make sure your control methods are effective. When you re-evaluate your risk assessment, make sure to keep records of your assessment and any control actions that were taken.

Earthquakes are one of the most frightening and destructive events of nature and having an earthquake safety plan in place prior to an earthquake will help you protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of an earthquake.

The first thing you should do to prepare is to put together an emergency kit. This kit should include items that you will need to survive for several days such as:

+ Water- 1 gallon of water for every person that will last at least three days
+ Food- at least a three day supply of non-perishable food
+ Manual can opener
+ Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert, plus extra batteries for both
+ Flashlight with extra batteries
+ First aid kit
+ A whistle to signal for help
+ Dust masks to help filter contaminated air
+ Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal hygiene
+ Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
+ Local maps
+ Cell phone with charger

Your family may not be together when a disaster happens, so your family should have a communications plan in place just in case. Every member should know how he or she will get to a safe place, how you will get into contact with one another and when and how you will meet after the disaster is over.

There is a variety of things that should be done inside of your home to protect your belongings as well as lowering the risk of someone getting hurt by flying furniture.

In Home Preparedness For Earthquake Safety

+ Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves
+ Fasten shelves to the wall
+ Store breakable items in closed cabinets with latches
+ Fasten pictures and mirrors securely to the wall away from bed and anywhere people sit
+ Brace overhead light fixtures
+ Repair any electrical wiring that is defective and fix leaky gas connections. This must be done by someone that is certified
+ Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas and water leaks
+ Secure your water heater, refrigerator furnace, etc.
+ Make sure your home is firmly anchored to its foundation
+ Find a safe spot in every room
+ Hold earthquake drills periodically so everyone knows exactly what to do and where to go

No one knows when an earthquake is going to occur, but having an earthquake safety plan in place will help you be prepared in the event that an earthquake does occur. An earthquake safety plan not only protects you and your family, it can also help protect your home and valuables.

No matter what type of job an individual works at, they want to make sure that their working conditions are safe; that is the reason that all business owners must have a workplace safety plan in place and ensure that it is followed.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, was signed by President Richard M. Nixon on December 29, 1970. The purpose for the creation of OSHA is to prevent work related injuries, illnesses and occupational fatalities by issuing and enforcing standards for workplace safety and health. OSHA regulations manage most private sector jobs. OSHA performs inspections at businesses where there is a possibility of a dangerous situation or hazard that can lead to injury or death. They also respond to worker complaints.

Workplace Safety

In addition to maintaining safety in the workplace, employers must keep accurate records of injuries and illnesses. Not keeping complete and accurate information about injuries and illnesses is the main cause for OSHA related fines.

The employee has a responsibility to help maintain a safe workplace as well. He or she must complete the safety training, follow protocols, be aware of and report any safety concerns in the workplace and work with a clear mind. Knowing what precautions to take and how to handle certain situations that are sure to arise will help the employee feel comfortable with their surroundings.

Every workplace must have safety rules and regulations in place to ensure the safety and health of their employees. There are many things in the workplace that can be viewed as workplace hazards.

Slip and fall accidents are the main cause of workplace related injuries. Some ways to avoid slip and fall accidents are to keep walkways and stairways clear of obstructions, clean up any spills immediately.
Defective or hazardous equipment is another common cause of workplace related accidents that cause injuries and fatalities.

Hazardous materials can cause workers to develop illnesses due to being exposed to toxic substances. The proper precautions must be in place to avoid illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and other disabling conditions.

Repetitive motion jobs such as typing or working on a production line can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. To help avoid developing carpal tunnel syndrome, the employee must be allowed to take several short breaks throughout their shift.

Having insufficient safety guidelines is another common cause of workplace injuries. A workplace without sufficient safety guidelines is always a hazardous work environment. Insufficient training also accounts for a lot of workplace related injuries. Employers are obligated to train their employees how to avoid injuries and make sure the rules are followed. Employees who behave recklessly can also lead to injury in the workplace. There should be clear rules about what type of behavior is acceptable and what is not.

Workplace Safety Requires Teamwork From All Parties

Creating and maintaining workplace safety is the responsibility of the employer, but the employee also plays a part in workplace safety as well. If the employee does not follow the rules and regulations of the safety program, he or she can cause injury and/or illness to other employees. Visiting the OSHA website can answer any and all questions an employer may have about creating and maintaining a safe workplace.

No matter what type of construction work an individual does, it is very important to use safety glasses to protect the eyes from flying debris, dust, sand, etc. Protecting one’s eyes are just as important as protecting other parts of the body. The time to wear safety glasses is not after an accident occurs, but before.

Business owners need to stress the importance of wearing safety glasses as well as following other safety related gear. Damage to the eye can result in loss of work, and in the worst case scenario, cause permanent or irreversible damage to the eye. Injuries to the eye can happen at anytime and to anyone.

According to statistics from the Labor Department
-Three out of five victims who sustained eye injuries were not wearing safety glasses.
-Seventy percent were caused by flying particles or sparks.
-Ninety four percent of eye injuries that occurred when the individual was wearing safety glasses were from chemicals and/or particles that went through the space around the eyewear.

Safety glasses are used most often in high danger zones like construction zones, production stations, laboratories and maintenance jobs. The size, shape, types and thickness of safety glasses vary. Depending on the type of work that is being performed determines the thickness that one should use. Glasses for construction workers are generally thicker than glasses that one would use when working in a laboratory or production station. All safety glasses are equipped with an adjustable ratchet that can be adjusted to fit any face frame.

There are several different kinds of safety glasses to choose from:

Clear safety glasses- this is the most common safety glasses. They have shatterproof glass and offer basic protection.
Safety sunglasses- this type of safety glasses is very similar to the clear safety glasses with added UV protection.
Safety over glasses- these are designed to fit over nearly all prescription glasses.
Prescription safety glasses- this kind of safety glasses gives the individual the same eye correction as their regular glasses do with added protection.
Chemical safety glasses- are made with highly durable frames with side shields that protect the eyes.

Employees are the key to keeping any business running and alive, and stressing that all safety regulations are followed is one way of helping keep things running smoothly. Supervisors and team leaders should regularly educate all employees of the proper safety regulations, stressing the importance of wearing safety glasses.

There are a few tips that have been tried and proven to be great motivators to ensure that employees wear their protective gear:

-Reinforce any positive behavior. Consider handing out safety awards at the end of each month in the form of a gift certificate, paid time off, etc.
-Hold regular mandatory meetings that address safety issues, concerns and training.
-Put together a safety team consisting of both upper management and employees to review all safety procedures and safety goals.
-Find a way to establish company pride. (i.e. give out free t-shirts, safety glasses, coffee mugs, etc).
-Management must lead by example. This shows solidarity and makes upper management seem more approachable.

The best way to protect your eyes is by using safety glasses. Whether you are working in a construction zone or using a snow blower, it is always wise to use safety glasses to protect your eyes from any flying objects that may damage the eyes.

There are many things that one must be prepared for when considering using a forklift. First and foremost should be forklift safety on the job. This is because the issue of safety is very important most especially when it comes to the workplace. Even though there are many organizations, committees and guidelines that monistor workplace regulations to ensure the safety of their employees; it is still very important for one to take some personal precautions when handling the forklift machine.

How Can We Improve Forklift Safety?

Forklift Safety Guide

So what are the necessary measures to be taking for forklift safety?