Before excavation begins, locate and identify utility services such as electrical, gas, steam, water, and sewer in the area. Any danger to workers from these utility services must be eliminated or controlled. Pointed tools cannot be used to probe for underground gas and electrical services. If possible, blunt shovels should be used to expose the facility. Take caution especially if newer, sharper spade shovels are used. Trees, utility poles, rocks, or similar objects near the edge of an excavation must be removed or secured to prevent workers from being injured. Excavation work must be carried out in accordance with the written instructions of a professional engineer or professional geoscientist when The excavation is more than 6 m (20 ft.) deep, OR Support structures other than those specified in the regulation are used in the excavation, OR An improvement or structure adjacent to the excavation could endanger workers, OR The excavation is subject to vibration or hydrostatic (water) pressure A professiona... » Read more

Road Construction

Posted 03/14/16 04:59:49 PM

EXPERIENCE CAN BE THE WORST TEACHER Experience teaches us a lot about working around cranes. But often the lessons are costly. For example: A laborer carrying a bag of cement walked between a crawler crane and a building column. The crane swung round and fatally crushed him between the counterweight and the column. On another job, a workman was leaning on the crane frame, talking with one of his buddies. The load came in contact with a live power line and he was electrocuted.  Today, we'll discuss things we should and should not do when working around this equipment.   STAY OUT FROM UNDER... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:22:52 AM

The wheelbarrow has come a long way in construction work from the manually propelled wheelbarrow to the engine propelled wheelbarrow for moving material on the construction site. The proper use and maintenance of wheelbarrows can prevent many accidents. 1. Always place the load well forward, balanced and confined in size for safety. The load should clear safely through openings, aisles and roadways. The user should be able to see over and around the load to guide it safely. The load should be secured, or held steady, against shifting or falling. 2. When picking up a wheelbarrow, spare your back by giving your legs their fair share of the lifting. Bend the legs for lifting instead of bending the back. Spare your back and the wheelb... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:22:37 AM

WHY TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER? Actually, we have no control over rain, snow,  sleet, wind, lightning or sunshine. But we can control what happens on our job as a result of the elements. Some of the biggest problems on construction jobs are caused by wind and lightning. Wind probably causes the most accidents; lightning can be deadly.   WATCH OUT FOR WIND Don't  let the wind catch you off guard. I'm not just thinking of tornadoes or hurricanes, but of everyday winds and unexpected gusts. Wind just  loves to pick up anything it can an... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:22:01 AM

We use can use a warning line system for fall prevention if the roof has a slope of 4/12 or less, is wider than fifty feet and has parapet walls less than 39" high. The warning lines can be made of wire, rope, or chain and flagged every six feet.  The warning lines must be supported by stanchion posts that can withstand a tipping force of at least 16 pounds.  The height of the warning line from the roof surface must be between 34 and 39 inches.  And the tensile breaking strength of the warning line should be at least 500 lbs. The open edges around the roof work site should be guarded by warning lines.  These have to be set six feet from all edges when no mechanical equipment is being used.  When mechanical equipment is being operated, the warnin... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:21:47 AM