Safely covering a floor opening with a piece of plywood requires more than just laying the material over the hole, or even nailing it down. Total safety on the job means a total job of eliminating the hazard. Half a job...inadequate or incomplete jobs of covering hole hazards can result only in half, inadequate or incomplete accident prevention. Several past jobsite accidents illustrate the point. A carpenter on a floor above calls down to a laborer to hand him a sheet of plywood. The laborer walks over to a sheet lying on the floor, picks it up, takes a step or two forward in the act of standing the plywood up, and goes sailing right down through the hole in the floor, sustaining serious and disabling injuries. Why did it happen?... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:14:00 AM

A young construction worker was killed the same day his wife was coming home from the hospital with their first child. How did this occur? A heavy, bulky section was being transported by a crane, which had to carry it six or seven feet in the air to clear other objects. The load was equipped with tag lines, which were being used to guide it by all of the workers except this young man. Although warned by his foreman to use the line, he didn't. A lifting pad gave way and he was killed instantly.   IF IT'S IN THE AIR, IT'S DANGEROUS This incident reminds me of a slogan I once saw: "if it's in the air, it's dangerous." This is something to remember even if the mechanical equipment seems to be in good condition. ... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:13:41 AM

We use mop carts and luggers to  move hot material from the out flow pipe to the work area.  Check that there is no moisture or water in the lugger before you fill it with hot.  Check that the valves are closed and the wheels are chocked. Never fill it more than three quarters full and always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. Before you move the lugger to the work area, be sure the path is clear and level and the lugger's wheels are free from debris and turn easily.  Carry hot buckets on the down hill side of sloped roofs.  Don't step on fresh hot or asphalt that has been wetted because is is slippery in those conditions. It's important to only use buckets and cans that are designed for hot asphalt.... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:12:29 AM

Do you realize you may be risking serious injury many times a day and not even know it? Well, it's true if you don't lift correctly. Improper lifting may  cause back injuries that can take months and even years to heal. Sometimes they are permanent and disabling. A little know how, however, can enable you to lift correctly.  PREPARING TO LIFT Give the load the once-over. If it looks too heavy, don't be afraid to ask for help. Be sure you're wearing safety shoes. There is always the chance of dropping something on your toes. If the object has rough or sharp edges, wear a good, tough pair of work gloves. They'll give you a good grip and protect your hands.  MAKIN... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:12:14 AM

Do you know there's a killer on this job that you probably meet face-to-face everyday? I'm talking about the common, ordinary ladder. Ladders are involved in many accidents, some of which are fatal. Your life literally can depend on knowing how to inspect, use, and care for this tool. Let's spend a few minutes talking about ladders.  INSPECTING LADDERS Before using any ladder,  inspect it. Look for the following faults:   1. Loose or missing  rungs or cleats.   2. Loose nails, bolts, or screws. ... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:11:53 AM