As part of the safety process, we want to make everyone aware of hazards that exist on the job. Part of that process is to make everyone aware of accidents, near misses, and situations that happen. We can learn from each incident and make the job site a safer place. We have had many laceration injuries over the years from sharp objects and tools including utility knives, glass, ceramic tile, ceiling grid. screws, and steel studs.
Kevlar Sleeves or Long Sleeve T Shirts are required to be worn while:
Handling Glass
Using a Utility Knife or Sawzall
Removing or Handling anything made of Metal (includes removing steel studs from wall or removing pieces of sheetrock with a steel stud attached or screws in still in sheetrock)
Removing or Handling Plaster Walls/Ceilings
100% of the time when Handling Debris or Dumping Carts
What you can do to prevent lacerations:
Always be aware when working and handling metal items and debris during demolition or dumping debris into dumpsters. As you all are aware, ceiling grid and metal studs have sharp edges. Be aware of what you are grabbing before throwing into the dumpster. A screw could be sticking out of the sheetrock. Protective clothing such as Kevlar Sleeves, gloves, and long sleeves will help prevent a lot of these injuries, but you still need to be conscious of this hazard and take the extra time to be careful. Remind fellow employees to be careful when working around and handling materials that can cut them. This can be especially important with new and inexperienced employees.
Be aware and take precautions when working with sharp tools particularly utility knives.
Be conscious about what could happen
Don’t be in a hurry
Always cut away from yourself
Don’t swipe with a utility knife
Don’t use dull blades