ABC-SEMI Issue 4 2019

8 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. FALL PROTECTION It shouldn’t be a surprise to contractors that hazards associated with working at a height are one of the top reported incidents. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that falls to a lower level accounted for 14 percent of all fatalities in 2018, and OSHA standards related to scaffolding and ladders are regularly among the most frequently cited violations. Hazards associated with working at height can originate from a lack of understanding. Employers may not know they have to provide fall protection, or the fall protection gear may not be worn properly or not hooked up to anything. Some employers don’t even have a written fall protection procedure or process. Employers need to identify all locations where fall protection is necessary—as well as where the engineered anchor points are—and train employees and regularly audit the fall protection program. Also, employers need to make sure to buy the correct- sized gear for workers, and keep in mind that, although some work environments may have anchor points readily available, other locations may need an engineer to install them. Remind employees to hook to the anchor point when working at height and keep a close eye on how well personal protective equipment is holding up. Environments with sharp edges, chemicals, or welding, for example, can weaken a harness. Regularly inspect gear and remove damaged PPE from service. In some situations, it may be beneficial to forgo using personal fall protection equipment and instead build a platform with standard railings and a swing gate in front of a fixed ladder. Although such a platform costs money, it may be less costly than creating a fall protection plan, buying the PPE, and training and re- training employees. SITE CLEAN UP Clutter blocking fire exits, aisles, and emergency exits is a clean-up problem that often occurs on busy job sites. Another common hazard? Over-stacking loads on racks in a warehouse that bring them too close to a sprinkler head, which can limit the sprinkler’s efficiency in an emergency. Clutter, leaks or standing water also can contribute to slips, trips, and falls. The time to clean up a hazard is when you see it—don’t wait for someone to get hurt or an accident to occur. If the clutter or spill requires specialized training to clean up, then employees need to alert their safety officer or supervisor, who can take the right steps to ensure it is done properly. When it comes to storage, employers need to make sure appropriate areas are made available, often electrical rooms are used inappropriately for storage, with supplies blocking electrical installations—that is a fire hazard and accident waiting to happen. You need to have access to shut off power in case of emergency. EXTENSION CORDS Often overlooked, but one of the most frequent safety issues on any job site or workplace, is the use and placement of extension cords. Often contractors are guilty of “daisy-chaining”—using multiple extension cords or power strips for a tool or application. TOP SAFETY CONCERNS IN THE WORKPLACE AND ON THE JOB S A F E T Y I S S U E S A L L C O N T R A C T O R S N E E D T O W A T C H SAFETY