There are several types of ladders in the construction industry.  Extension, step and job made ladders are what we see and use most of the time.  No matter what type, ladders with broken or missing rungs, damaged side rails, defective construction or improperly set up should not be used.  Let's review some important points when setting up and using extension ladders. If the extension ladder is in good condition, make sure the latches secure properly and the slip resistant feet are present.  Get help to move heavy ladders and don't raises it until you check for any overhead power lines,  check the surface the ladder will rest on  to be sure it's stable and that the ladder is not near vehicle or equipment traffic or too close to the kettle.  Don't rest it on gutters, glass, or weak supports.  Extend the ladder at... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:05:55 AM

Our topic today is "Electrocution" or "What Can Happen When a Crane Boom Hits an Energized Power Line". Most of you who have spent time in heavy construction know of someone who has been killed or severely shocked or burned by such an accident. The cause is generally poor judgment or forgetfulness. When a job is being planned, power lines should be located and the voltages determined. Provisions should be made to eliminate the danger by having the current shut off or to minimize the danger by setting up safe procedures. Make sure you know if the current is shut off and that you understand the established safe procedures when working around power lines.  A TYPICAL CASE... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:05:05 AM

When a crane boom fails, watch out. As the heavy piece comes crashing down, lives can be snuffed out and thousands of dollars worth of property damaged. Crane boom failure can be one of the biggest disasters on a construction job; yet it can be caused by poor planning on the simplest lifting job.  LISTEN CAREFULLY - IT MAY SAVE LIVES The time to discuss crane boom failure is before it happens, not afterwards. So pay close attention to what we're going to discuss today.  The suggestions we're going to make could save lives.   TWO MAIN CAUSES OF BOOM FAILURE... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:04:11 AM

We work on exposed roofs, in the summer months with hot materials.  It's a good bet that some of you have been burned or seen a coworker burned.  Burns from asphalt or coal tar pitch are painful and some times disfiguring.  The hot materials we work with every day will stick to anything and burn anybody.  The material continues to burn until it cools.  The burns are very painful and difficult to clean. One way to help prevent burns is to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.  These include over the ankle construction boots, long cuffless paints that come over the tops of the boots and long sleeved shirts which button over the cuffs of the gloves.  Cotton gloves work but leather provides better protection.  Never wear rubber gloves for hot materials.  Eye protection is very important.  Wear sa... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:02:33 AM

You've heard lots of talk, read lots of words, about working safely on our projects. Sure it's "old stuff" — and important stuff. There's lots at stake for YOU in working without injury or damage. You have much to gain by keeping fit and unhurt. One reason has a big dollar-sign in front of it. But there are other important reasons: other people who count on you for happiness, and perhaps for financial support; they also have a big stake in your safety as a construction worker. And there are other things — like what you want most out of life. Maybe it's a top-favorite hobby like fishing, hunting, a boat, a new set of wheels, a trip to far-off places, entering or finishing up school, early retirement, or a healthy bank account to fall back on. Keeping uninjured and steadily on the payroll has a lot to do with winning... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:00:21 AM