April 2024

April 15th TBT

Spring Fever Safety TBT 4-15-2024

The recent positive change in the weather has injected “spring fever” into many of us. While we all start to feel more energetic and eager to get out and about, we must also be aware of the extra activity around us.

Springtime safety factors include:

·         Change of season adjustment

·         More activity happening in our surroundings

o   Easy to be distracted

·         ROAD CONSTRUCTION SEASON OPENS!!!

o   April is also “Distracted Driving Awareness Month”

·         Longer days are usually more fatiguing

·         Home and recreational projects take more of our energy

Warmer weather safety reminders:

·         Stay hydrated, even though its not extremely hot, hydration lessens fatigue, helps to prevent colds and reduces allergies

·         Be careful not to overeat at lunch time to avoid the “post lunch dip” where you become sleepy in the afternoon

·         Dress for success!  Wear breathable clothes and other garments to help with comfort. (under your HI-VIS of course!)

·         Balance your diet – avoid greasy foods and junk foods

Fatigue Management

·         Be aware that prolonged sleep deprivation can cause micro-bursts of fatigue during waking or working hours

·         Try to stay on a fixed sleep / wake schedule.  Don’t try to “catch-up” on your sleep. It never works!

·         Find a quiet place to sleep, avoid interruptions like phones and TVs or other electronic devices

Defensive Driving Reminders

·         Keep looking well ahead, now what you’re coming up to

·         Pay attention to your surroundings

·         Stay off your phone! Use a hands-free device if its necessary to talk, otherwise PULL OVER and take the call.

·         Use your running lights, especially in foggy or low light conditions

·         Watch out for motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Warmer weather brings out more activities

 

By Clicking "Mark as Read" - you are acknowledging you have read this entire (opened appropriate attachments) Toolbox Talk and understand this is company policy and will abide by regulations outlined in this safety policy. Please complete your acknowledgement within 24 hours of release. If you receive this notice, you are REQUIRED to read this content.

April 22nd TBT

Construction Site Housekeeping TBT 4-22-2024 

First off, let’s define what housekeeping is. Housekeeping is the act of keeping your jobsite clean and tidy. It means garbage is put where it needs to be, material is stacked and organized in an organized fashion. Also, access and egress points are kept clear of debris and material.

 

Good housekeeping practices on a construction site include:

 

·         Gathering up and removing debris to keep the work site orderly.

·         Planning for the adequate disposal of scrap, waste, and surplus materials.

·         Keeping the work area and all equipment tidy.

·         Designating areas for supplies or waste materials and providing containers.

·         Removing combustible materials such as wood and paper from the site promptly.

·         Keeping form and scrap lumber with protruding nails cleared away from work areas, passageways, and stairs.

·         Promptly removing or bending over protruding nails prior to disposal and storage.

 

10 Tips for good housekeeping on a construction site

1.       Designate an area for rubbish and waste outside and inside the buildings.

2.       Stage, stack, and store materials in a safe and orderly manner.

3.       Maintain a safe work area. Don’t leave scraps and debris laying around causing trip hazards.

4.       Keep access routes (stairwells and doorways) clear.

5.       Put tools away when you’re finished using them.

6.       Set an example for others around you.

7.       Don’t let cables and cords trip you up.

8.       If it’s broken, FIX IT!

9.       Avoid fire risks.

10.    Make others aware of hazardous activity.

Keeping your work areas clean during the workday lessens the load on everyone. Doing this reduces risk to slips, trips, and falls. These incidents are the #1 types of incidents in Worker’s Compensation claims.

OSHA Standard 1926.25 Housekeeping states:

(a) During the course of construction, alteration, or repairs, form and scrap lumber with protruding nails, and all other debris, shall be kept cleared from work areas, passageways, and stairs, in and around buildings or other structures.

(b) Combustible scrap and debris shall be removed at regular intervals during the course of construction. Safe means shall be provided to facilitate such removal.

(c) Containers shall be provided for the collection and separation of waste, trash, oily and used rags, and other refuse. Containers used for garbage and other oily, flammable, or hazardous wastes, such as caustics, acids, harmful dusts, etc. shall be equipped with covers. Garbage and other waste shall be disposed of at frequent and regular intervals.

By Clicking "Mark as Read" - you are acknowledging you have read this entire (opened appropriate attachments) Toolbox Talk and understand this is company policy and will abide by regulations outlined in this safety policy. Please complete your acknowledgement within 24 hours of release. If you receive this notice, you are REQUIRED to read this content.

April 27th TBT Safe Lifting Practices

2024-04-27 TBT Safe Lifting Practices.jpg