It's a terrible thing to realize that hardly a work day goes by without a construction worker falling off a scaffold to his death. And those who survive scaffold falls are often crippled for the remainder of their lives. These tragedies are sometimes caused by faulty design or poor construction. But in most cases the basic cause is poor maintenance or improper use — something that you can do something about. Practical, foresighted people "keep both feet on the ground." And practical foresighted construction workers keep both feet on the scaffold. Here's how you can be sure to keep your feet there: ·... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:19:04 AM

A messy job site can be an unsafe job site and it hurts our reputation as professional roofers.  Pour housekeeping presents hazards to workers, the general public, and to the building.  Slip, trip, falls and puncture wounds are only a few of the injuries which can be caused by a messy site.  Trash can clog up roof drains during a severe rain storm and cause flooding or even a roof collapse to the building.  Trash and debris can also blow off the roof and cause personal injuries or property damage.  A solvent soaked rag can cause a fire if not properly disposed of in a container. Store materials and equipment at least six feet from any roof edge and away from any entry or exit ways and public foot traffic.  All flammable liquids, rags, etc. should be stored in approved safety cans.  Tools and equipment should be put a... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:18:50 AM

Like any piece of equipment or tool, operators of cutters and brooms need to be properly trained.  Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when operating the machines.  Eye protection is required whether you are the operator or are working in the vicinity of the equipment to prevent flying debris from striking your eyes.  A very dusty job may require goggles instead of safety glasses along with respiratory protection.  Some equipment might require hearing protection due to the noise of the equipment.  The greatest hazard when using this equipment is the roof edge.  Fall protection should always be in place.  The equipment operator should always know where he/she is in relation to the edge.  Power brooms and roof cutters have a tendency to kick up gravel and debris which can be thrown off the roof onto other w... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:18:37 AM

Rigging looks like an easy operation, one that doesn't seem to require any particular skill or experience. But don't be fooled. Many people who've thought that "anyone can do it" have lost fingers or hands, or suffered more serious injuries. We don't want any one injured while rigging on this job. So I'm going to point out some of the "do's and don’ts." Pay close attention.  GET YOUR SIGNALS STRAIGHT Appoint one member of the crew to act as signalman, and instruct the crane operator not to accept signals from anyone else.  The signalman must not order a move until getting an "all ready" from each crew member. Each worker in turn must be in the clear before giving an "all ready" to the signal-man. If you must hold on to the chain, sling, choker... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:18:19 AM

When you hear this request at a service station, you can be pretty sure the job will be done safely.  Service station operations and equipment are designed with safety in mind. But what happens when you fill up that front-end loader or portable generator on the job? Do you do it the safe way so you won't get hurt?  RULES TO REMEMBER Never smoke during refueling operations. And don't refuel near an open flame. Keep a C02 (carbon dioxide), or an ABC Dry Chemical extinguisher handy, just in case.  If there's a chance of a vehicle rolling while being refueled, chock the wheels. Before filling the fuel tank, shut off the engine. ... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:17:19 AM