As construction workers who do dangerous work at heights this list may seem repetitive. But to new people in the industry some of these tips can keep the safety guys away.
- Wear PPE.Don’t draw attention to yourself. Yes it sucks wearing safety glasses and hardhat plus a safety vest on most big jobs, but if you keep getting caught with the obvious ..they keep coming back. It makes you look bad and them look good! so don’t even give these guys the chance. The more the saftey guys follow you the more they find.
- 100 Percent tie off! Probably the most serious offense on a construction site. The job I’m on now, first time is 3 days home no pay, second time caught is termination. anything over 6 feet you must be harnessed and tied off. fun fact you do not need to be tied off when using a ladder. BUT once you pull out a tool and start working on the ladder that in considered working at heights and a write up! A very stupid rule but it is not considered 3 points of contact on the ladder when working.
- Here is a rule thats not always enforced but actually important. Lanyards for your hard hat and tools. On a 185 boom lift with strong wind, nobody down below would like to get hit by a falling hard hat or worse a wrench.
- Usually hidden in paperwork there is fine print you were taught safety about the tools being used. On a military construction site using a grinder without the safety handle attachment and guard will be a write up. please know your job site rules or they will keep looking for write ups.
- Number 5 a very good rule that has saved many peoples job. Use a spotter when moving big lifts such as boom lifts. It’s not worth hitting something minor and getting drug tested. not to mention your boss might loose it.
Safety can go on for hours and hours but this list is common boring everyday things that might help an apprentice or someone new out. for more detailed info you can always look back to the osha 10 training your company should have gave you and PAID for!