ABC-SEMI Issue 4 2019

Southeast Michigan Contractors  Issue 4 2019 9 Although extension cords can be useful for temporarily supplying power for certain operations, the key word is “temporarily.” When a cord is used for several weeks or months, OSHA doesn’t consider the use temporary. This opens the door for a violation. Beyond that, extension cords lying on the ground for extended periods of time are a trip hazard. They also can be subject to traffic abuse if run over by construction vehicles or feet, which can wear down insulation and create shock hazards. When cords are daisy-chained, they can easily overdraw electricity from the circuits, causing the wires to heat up and potentially result in a fire. Contractors should assess whether extension cords are truly being used for temporary measures—perhaps to power a ventilation unit or fan. In such an event, the cord should be gathered up at the end of the shift and stored. You also need to periodically inspect extension cords, and train your employees on that system to ensure the cords stay in good working condition and worn-out cords are placed out of service. Workers need to ensure they’re using the right extension cord for the job. Typically, a more expensive cord has a heavier gauge, which allows it to take more power without getting hot. The same applies for using a single power strip to plug in several different devices—the power strip may not be rated for the combined wattage needed for all the high-draw appliances being plugged in. If the extension cords are not being used for a temporary fix, employers should consider bringing in an electrician to drop in a line and outlet. CONFINED SPACES Lastly, but by no means least, confined spaces can present a number of hazards. Many accidents involving confined spaces have occurred because an employer didn’t issue a permit or failed to carry out a risk assessment. In many cases, a confined space’s hazardous atmosphere wasn’t assessed properly because the equipment being used was out of date. In those situations, an employee can enter this space and collapse due to contaminated air leaving the standby person in danger as well. If the risk assessment and permit process are done correctly, and all steps are followed, employers won’t have a problem, But, if you don’t plan it correctly, you plan for a disaster. This is why a company’s focus has to be on prevention. The seven hazards presented are by no means an exhaustive list—many other hazards may exist at your worksite and spotting them requires vigilance. According to Kim Gamet, ABC SEMI Safety Director, workers won’t inherently know they have to do something a certain way. It’s up to each organization to appropriately train employees on safety protocols. This training begins upon hiring the new worker, when a contractor provides an introduction to occupational safety and health, including hazard recognition. The training should continue under the specific department in which the new employee will work. Afterward, regular refresher training is necessary. Know the purpose of the training, and ensure the appropriate training is given for each individual worker based on his or her needs. After the training, monitor and supervise the workers to check whether they’re applying it appropriately. “The use of PPE falls squarely on the role of employers to determine, to provide, and to ensure people are wearing it,” Gamet said. But providing the right safety equipment isn’t enough. The devices can be misused or neglected. “People are pretty cavalier with their PPE,” Gamet explained, adding that employers should ensure gear is placed in its appropriate container and not simply slung over a hook. Clearly communicate and reinforce the need for workers to wear PPE by stressing that the equipment protects them from injuries and illnesses, such as losing an eye or developing a respiratory disease. In short, George said, teach “what’s in it for me.”