CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TIPS A COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE

THE PURPOSE OF TOOLS: ERGONOMIC, PRACTICAL, AND SAFE

Use the proper tool for the designated task.
Frequent use of inadequate or poorly designed equipment will eventually lead to health hazards
(tendonitis, trigger finger, white finger, carpal tunnel syndrome).
Never carry/yank a tool by its cord or hose. Also be sure to keep these cords or hoses far from oil,
heat, water, and sharp edges.
Protect your ears and eyes from intense noises and vibrations; opt for power tools with lower
vibrations, muffled noises, and longer trigger tools.
Ensure hand tools do not conduct heat or electricity.
Maintain good posture and balance the tools in correct alignment to your body at all times.
Keep other people well away from machine-operating areas. Consider investing on a construction
safety program for your employees.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Have a care for overhead lines, obstructions, low clearances,
underground utilities, and other such obstacles that could prove to be a nuisance or a lethal hazard.
Know, understand, and follow your workspace’s comprehensive safety program issued for that
specific workspace, job position, and task at hand.
Don’t use damaged tools; examine each one before its use to ensure that it is in proper working
condition. Maintain tools in good, clean working order.
DANGERS ON THE SCAFFOLD

A popular, albeit dangerous, place to be; that’s where you can frequently find 2.3 million
construction workers across the nation.
Scaffolding must be erected on a solid surface, and must itself be solid, rigid, and have a high
weight capacity— enough to support its own weight as well as 4x the maximum anticipated load.
 Never support scaffolds or planks on uneven surfaces or with unsteady or portable objects (barrels,
loose bricks, concrete boxes).
 Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines.
 A qualified supervisor must oversee the erecting and dismantling of the scaffold.
 Never overload a scaffold.
Never use a damaged or in any way weakened scaffold. Ensure the safety and solidity of the scaffold
before its use with the following construction safety tips:
 Tightly-planked platforms (typically with scaffold plank grade material).
 Sturdy and protective guardrails, toeboards, and midrails.
 Tight and undamaged rigging, inspected by a qualified supervisor before each shift or alteration.
 Avoid heating the synthetic and natural ropes of suspension scaffolding.
 Immediate replacement of any unstable, damaged, or weakened supportive structures (brackets, rails,
ropes, braces, trusses, ladders, etc.).
 Don’t leave materials or debris abandoned on a scaffold at the end of the day, or unattended at any
time. Keep it as clean and clear as possible at all times.
Never use a scaffold in bad weather, especially if it’s covered in ice or snow
Watch out for yourself, your fellow co-workers on the scaffold, and anyone below. Everyone is in
danger around a scaffold, particularly because of the risks of personally falling or being crushed by
something that is falling.

Construction Is The Most Dangerous

IndustryConstruction had the highest number of fatal injuries which had 16.5% of the total in
2010. Construction has three of the ten
(4)

occupations with the highest fatal injury

ratesRoofers at 34.7 fatal work injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, structural iron and
steel workers at 30.3, and laborers at 18.3. (8)

 Only use the appropriate tool for a specific task.

 Ensure that scaffolds, ladders, and stairs are steady, dry, clean, clear of obstacles, and can hold the

appropriate weight.

 Support trenches with sloping or shoring, ensure that there’s an engineered support system in place,

and watch that exits are nearby and easily accessible.

 When operating tools, vehicles, or other heavy machinery, be vigilant for your own safety and that of the

people surrounding you.

 Treat each chemical spill as a high hazard.

 Always wear appropriate protective equipment.

 Reduce your risk of strain and of falling by practicing good posture and balance at all times.
HAZARDS WHILE CLIMBING: LADDERS AND STAIRS
Always inspect a ladder or stairs before stepping upon it.
 Avoid stepping on anything that appears loose, worn, weak, or otherwise defected or damaged.
Opt for aerial lifts or elevated platforms, which are safer options than balancing on a ladder.
Install guardrails with toeboards, warning lines, and control line systems.
Use fall arrest systems (body harness) and safety net systems in the emergency of slipping and
falling.
 Keep steps clean, clear, and dry.
Don’t use metal ladders on stormy or windy days.
Choose a ladder that is taller than the spot that you need to reach; at least 3-4 feet above your
desired location.
Move as you work; never overreach, as you could easily lose your balance and fall.
Calculate the distance intelligently: for every four feet of height, move the ladder’s base a foot further
from the wall.
Keep tools in your belt to keep your hands free while climbing and descending.
SURVIVING IN THE TRENCHES
Never enter an unprotected or unsupported trench.
At least one person should remain outside of the trench at all times to warn of changing soil
conditions or any other discerned hazards.
Any trench deeper than four feet must have:
 Protective sloping, cutting the trench walls at angles that incline away from the excavation,
 Or protective shoring: support systems (best for trenches smaller than 20 feet deep) which prevent
the shifting of soil.
Safe exits (with ladders, staircases, or ramps) must be positioned regularly along the trench.
Obstacles must never block the exits; keep excavated debris at least 2 feet from the openings.
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A support system planned and implemented by a licensed expert engineer should always be used
for excavations beneath the footing of a foundation or a wall, or any excavations deeper than 20 feet.
SAFELY OPERATING CRANES AND FORKLIFTS
Be especially careful when boarding and descending from heavy equipment—especially watch the
placement of your hands and feet, to ensure that they don’t get caught or you don’t slip.
Never balance or keep yourself in place by a toe-hold or finger-hold grip. Safely engage your entire
foot or hand in the process.
Don’t carry objects while climbing.
Use proper gloves and footgear with excellent traction for the safest handhold.
Use a helper or spotter for guidance, who can act as your eyes along the blind spots of your vehicle
and can alert you to any hazards you might overlook from your viewpoint or angle.
Ensure that you have enough room to maneuver your vehicle or equipment; always alert those
around you about your next step or stop, should they need to get out of the way.
 Always check in all directions when maneuvering the machine, especially when going in reverse.
 Calculate your machine swing radius (how much room you’ll need to swerve or turn the vehicle; i.e.
forklifts, which are steered from the rear, need more room behind them when they’re making a turn);
make sure it’s clear of people. You might even rope or mark off the area if you’re keeping to one
general location.
 Practice extra precaution when moving up or down slopes.
Never leave the machine unattended when keys are in the ignition; never allow anyone who is not
trained and authorized to use the machine.
PREVENTING A CHEMICAL DISASTER
In the scenario of a chemical spill within the workplace, first assess the situation and determine if it is
a low- or high-hazard spill.
 Report it immediately either way
 If it is high-hazard, evacuate and allow qualified personnel to deal withthe situation. Note that many
toxic vapors can’t be smelled (some chemicals even anesthetize the nose), so don’t just rely on your
sensory perceptions to judge this.
1. It is safest to assume that all spills are high-hazard.
 If it is low-hazard— there is 100% certainty that the spill is not toxic or poses any immediate danger—
do your best to keep others away and prevent the spill from spreading.
Don’t panic; alert everyone in the location and evacuate safely.
If possible, ventilate the area by opening windows and doors.
Remove all sources of heat, to eliminate the chances of an explosion.
Never touch a chemical spill with your bare skin. Protective gloves and clothing are essential for your
health and safety.
YOUR ARMORY OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Always wear appropriate clothing and shoes respective to your job.
Always store your tools and gear in a cool, dry place.
Fire extinguishers must be available and readily attainable.
First aid kits must be available and readily attainable.
Never remove or tamper with safety devices.
Use a back brace if you’re lifting heavy objects or you’ve got a sensitive back.
A hard hat will protect you if there’s a risk of falling objects, as well steel-toed boots.
Wear gloves if you’re handling sharp objects or toxic substances.
Wear goggles if your work poses a hazard to your eyes.
Wear safety harnesses if you’re working from an elevated location and there’s the risk of falling.
Wear non-skid footgear:
 If your workspace involves slippery or elevated surfaces
 If you’re lifting heavy items
Wear a breathing mask at all times, especially if:
 You deal with dangerous or toxic chemicals or fumes
 Your workspace has poor ventilation
 Your workspace has debris, dust, and other flying particles.
Wear the protective equipment that is intended and recommended for your particular task.
 Seat belts
 Safety glasses or goggles
 Protective clothing, headgear, and/or footgear
 Safety harnesses, etc.
PROMOTING ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Ensure your electrical tools are used with a G.F.C.I. grounded power supply;
 Essential for all electric power tools
 Especially important if working outdoors or in wet conditions
Immediately replace all worn, frayed, torn, or otherwise damaged electrical cords, cables, outlets,
etc.
Equip temporary lights with non-conductive guards.
Always unplug unused appliances.
TAKE A PROTECTIVE STANCE: SAFE ALIGNMENT OF THE BODY
Keep your wrists and arms in neutral to avoid mild or severe symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Choose a small and handy tool belt that you can easily keep balanced with small adjustments.
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Opt to sit (instead of squatting or kneeling) if working at lower levels, to avoid straining your lower
body—knees, waist, and back.
Reduce and eliminate back aches and strains by lifting properly. Use your knees instead of your
back; avoid twisting your body when picking, carrying, or releasing a heavy load; place one put
slightly in front of the other to promote better balance.
To save yourself and others from slips and falls:
 Keep all surfaces clear of littler, debris, and excessive materials.
 Only work on surfaces that are sturdy, level, clean, and dry.
 Immediately report and/or clean surfaces that have grease, water, oil, or chemical spills.
 If you need to cross a slippery surface, take small steps, putting your whole foot down slowly, toes
pointed outwards.
 If you fall, roll as you land to reduce the shock and the blow.
Cover floor holes with sturdy material and warning signs.

Safety Trends in Construction

In recent years there is a trend for builders and contractors to pay more
attention to safety-related matters than ever before. It is a fact that companies
embracing safety perform better and have a higher retention percentage in
their workforce. The future of construction is shifting towards augmented
reality, 3D models, BIM and other technologies that could change the way a
safety officer interacts at the workplace. All the technology used in
construction is helping safety officers detect and be aware of potential hazard
earlier during the planning process thus creating mitigation and response
plans that reduce the likelihood of accidents.
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Some companies are using drones or UAV to conduct safety audits and
inspections instantaneously, allowing the safety officer to be "next" to the
individual performing the task.

Policy and Regulation Maintenance

Safety officers develop, implement and enforce policies that reduce the risk of
accidents. The safety officer determines what policies are needed and how to
enforce them. The safety officer is responsible for keeping policies up to date,
meeting the latest standards and establishing new ones from time to time as
more and newer risks are discovered. Facts demonstrate that a safety officer
working for your company or on a project can reduce by 37% the worker's
compensation EMR and bring almost 79% reduction in employee turnover
rate.

Site Safety Inspection

The safety officer is in charge of inspecting site conditions to determine if

hazards are present and to establish procedures and policies to overcome
those hazardous situations. The safety officer looks for broken equipment,
defective tools, and other potential hazards, focusing on worker safety. The
safety officer determines what type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is
needed and makes sure that workers know how to operate and use tools and
equipment.

Accident Investigation

The safety officer's main responsibility is to diminish or eliminate work-related

accidents. However, if an accident occurs, the safety officer will conduct a
safety investigation to determine root causes, what procedures may have
gone wrong, and to gather the evidence necessary to identify the cause of the
accident. Based on the investigation results, the safety officer will document
findings and recommendations that should be followed to prevent the accident
from happening again. Some of the most common incidents avoided in the
workplace by safety offices are related to:

 Usage of faulty equipment and electrical cord extensions

 Reduction of fatality during trenching and excavating
 Reduction of accidents and increase protection of workers when
using formwork
 Safety procedures enhance when working on roofs and elevated
surfaces
Construction Safety Officer Training

A construction safety officer needs to be proactive, staying a step ahead of the

group on safety and environmental hazards. In doing so, the officer trains all
employees and identifies special requirements for employees. The safety
officer provides training to employees on safety topics required by
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These include fire
prevention plans, machine guarding and hazardous materials handling.

Record Keeping

The safety officer is also responsible for reviewing and meeting all
state and federal safety standard requirements for record-keeping. The safety
officer also submits the OSHA form 300, which is a summary of all injuries that
resulted in lost work time, restricted duties or job transfers. They also ensure
that the poster entitled "Job Safety and Health: It's the Law" and other
documents are displayed in readily visible and accessible location in the
workplace, as required by OSHA.

Responsibilities Summary

A construction safety officer can be responsible for the following duties:

 Inspects the site to ensure it is a hazard-free environment

 Conducts toolbox meetings
 Is part of the project safety council and leads all efforts to enhance
safety
 The safety officer reviews and approves all subcontractors safety plans
 Verifies that injury logs and reports are completed and submitted to
related government agencies
 Verifies that all tools and equipment are adequate and safe for use
 Promotes safe practices at the job site
 Enforces safety guidelines
 Trains and carries out drills and exercises on how to manage
emergency situations

 Conducts investigations of all accidents and near-misses

 Reports to concerned authorities as requested or mandated by
regulations
 Conducts job hazard analyses
 Establishes safety standards and policies as needed
 Performs emergency response drills
 Watches out for the safety of all workers and works to protect them from
entering hazardous situations
 Responds to employees’ safety concerns
 Coordinates registration and removal of hazardous waste
 Serves as the link between state and local agencies and contractors
 Receives reports from and responds to orders issued by Department of
Labor inspectors
 Arranges for OSHA mandated testing and/or evaluations of the
workplace by external agencies/consultants