Author: admin_ici

Eye Safety in Construction

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 03/07/2018

Construction is one of the largest and most dangerous industries in the United States. Bodily harm because of misusing equipment or through plain negligence can range anywhere from cuts and scrapes to loss of sight or limbs and even death. Because of all the hazards we encounter in a typical day, injuries occur regularly. Of those injuries, eye injuries, are one of the most common.

Two main reasons for eye injuries on the job are: not wearing eye protection or wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job. Not wearing eye protection is dangerous. Most workers don’t realize that wearing the wrong kind of eye protection can be just as hazardous. Unfortunately, construction workers contact with just about every eye hazard known to the safety industry: impact, ultraviolet radiation, liquid splash, and infrared radiation just to name a few, are common exposures in construction. Many construction tasks generate flying debris such as: wood, paint chips, dirt, concrete particles, and even nails.

While working outdoors, UV rays are present in ordinary sunlight and can cause damage to the eyes. Construction often takes workers both indoors and out, not realizing the hazards faced can be a serious problem. Workers also come in contact with highly toxic cleaning chemicals, paints, and adhesives that can cause liquid/chemical splash hazards. Contact from these substances can cause momentary vision loss or even blindness, not to mention burning and discomfort in the eyes.

Lastly is infrared radiation. Torch welding and cutting produces an invisible hazard that can damage the cornea and retina of the eye, and in extreme cases it can cause blindness.

By wearing appropriate eye protection workers should be able to avoid injuries to their eyes however, there is still a possibility that you or those around you might need first aid. Listed below are a few points to remember in case of an eye injury:

  • Wash hands before examining the eye, this will help prevent infection.
  • Avoid rubbing the eye, this may force the particle deeper into the tissue.
  • Do not attempt to remove a particle that is embedded in the eye, you can cause serious damage. Place clean, preferably sterile, patches over both eyes and get to a physician as soon as possible.
  • In case of a chemical burn to the eye, do not close your eyes as it can trap the chemical causing further damage. Rinse the eye for 15-20 minutes with clean water, get medical help as soon as possible.
  • Get periodic eye examinations. This is often the only way people learn that their vision is defective.
  • If you’ve had an eye injury, contact your doctor if you: have changes in your vision, have blurry vision, see flashing spots or lights, have eye pain that becomes worse or pain with the movement of your eye(s).

Clean your safety glasses daily, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Store them in a case when they are not being worn. Replace glasses that are scratched, pitted, broken, bent or ill-fitting.

Use only safety glasses that are manufactured to meet the American National Standards Institute’s standards for Eye and Face Protection Standard.

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Importance of Defensive Driving

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 02/28/2018

Driving from one location to another is a routine part of daily activities in construction. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most hazardous activities. According to the National Safety Council, traffic crashes are the leading cause of all work-related fatalities in the United States.

Despite this sobering statistic, the fact remains that many traffic-related accidents can be avoided when we make safe driving practices a part of their day-to-day routine. Understanding the importance of defensive driving and committing to it can go a long way toward preventing and reducing injury on the road.

Here are a few tips to help you drive safely and defensively:

  1. Focus on the task at hand. Texting, phone conversations, eating, drinking, adjusting the heat or air conditioning, and engaging in discussions can distract you as you drive and lead to accidents.
  2. Expect other drivers to make mistakes and anticipate them.
  3. Drive the speed limit. Drivers must honor the speed limits. In adverse driving conditions, reduce speed to a safe operating speed that is consistent with the conditions of the road, weather, lighting and volume of traffic. Tires can hydroplane on wet pavement at speeds as low as 40 mph.
  4. Always use your seat belt appropriately. Position the lap belt across the upper thighs and the diagonal belt across the chest.
  5. When in doubt, yield. Drivers must yield the right of way at all traffic signals, emergency vehicles, and signs. Drivers should also be prepared to yield for safety’s sake at any time. Pedestrians and bicycles in the roadways always have the right of way.
  6. Stop on red. The leading cause of intersection collisions is running the red light. Be alert of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists when approaching intersections. Never speed through an intersection on a caution light. When the traffic light turns green, look both ways for oncoming traffic before proceeding.
  7. Avoid backing where possible. When backing is necessary, keep the distance traveled to a minimum and be particularly careful. Check behind your vehicle before backing. Back to the driver’s side. Do not back around a corner or into an area of no visibility.
  8. Use your blinkers. Make your lane changes and turns predictable and smooth, and always signal in advance.
  9. Don’t tailgate. Leave adequate space between you and the car in front of you to ensure your safety if you both have to stop quickly. The three second rule is the idea that your car should pass a fixed object three seconds after the car ahead of you when the driving conditions are good. Leave more space in inclement weather.
  10. Don’t drive after or while consuming alcohol or using drugs.
  11. Adjust for inclement weather. Wet, slick pavement increases your brake time. Do not use cruise control on wet or icy roads. Add extra space between your car and the one in front of you.
  12. Make sure your tires are in good shape and inflated properly.
  13. Use your mirrors.
  14. Stay alert and take breaks when needed. According to the National Sleep Foundation, driving while drowsy can be as dangerous as driving while drunk.
  15. When passing or changing lanes, view the entire vehicle in your rear-view mirror before pulling back into that lane. When passing or merging into traffic, always look to your left and rear, allowing you to see vehicles that may be in your blind spot.
  16. Drive courteously to avoid confrontations with other drivers.
  17. Keep calm and enjoy the journey.

Your life, and the lives of others, depends on your ability to drive safely and defensively.

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Sprains and Strains Prevention

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 02/21/2018

Sprains and strains account for about a third of injuries in construction. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones and other bones. Sprains involve a stretching or a tearing of the tissue. Ankle, knee, and wrist injuries account for most sprains. A strain is an injury to either a muscle or a tendon, the tissue that connects muscles to bones. Back injuries are the most prevalent regarding strains. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it can result in a partial or complete tear. Maintaining good physical fitness is essential in avoiding sprains and strains.

To minimize the chances of sprains, observe the following practices:

  • Practice safety measures to help prevent falls such as good housekeeping by keeping work areas clear of clutter.
  • Avoid strenuous activity on the job when tired or in pain.
  • Use extra caution when working on slippery surfaces such as ice or wet floors.
  • Always wear appropriate and proper fitting footwear for your job.
  • Use extra caution when walking across uneven surfaces. These are areas where you could easily turn or twist an ankle or knee.
  • When stepping off ladders, always look where you are placing your feet, before you put your full weight on them.

Follow these helpful tips and you will greatly reduce the chance that you will experience a painful sprain or strain:

  • Whenever possible, arrange your work areas to minimize the amount of heavy lifting required.
  • Before any heavy lifting activity, always warm up, using moderate stretching exercises. Do not stretch aggressively as you may over-stretch and injure yourself.
  • Always plan before lifting. Consider the weight of the object, how far you must carry it, and your route of travel. If the object is too heavy, seek additional help or use a mechanical lifting device such as a forklift, hand truck, or winch.
  • Lift objects in the “power zone”. This is the area between mid-thigh and mid-chest height.
  • Always carry objects close to your body.
  • Always lift slowly and smoothly.
  • Avoid twisting. Always turn the whole body as one unit when changing direction while carrying a heavy object.
  • Move heavy objects by pushing or pulling, whenever possible. Pushing is always preferable.
  • Always stand close to the object that you are lifting and be certain that fingers and toes are clear when setting it down.
  • Always lift with your legs and not your back.

Download the recording form here.

Burn Safety

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 02/14/2018

Burns in the workplace occur more often than you may think. Thermal, chemical, and electrical burns are common types of burns associated with workplace tasks.

Burns are characterized into three classifications:

  • First-Degree Burns – Minimal tissue damage involving the (epidermis) skin layer.
  • Second-Degree Burns – Burns that produce severe pain and swelling to the (dermis) skin layer.
  • Third-Degree Burns – Most serious of all burns, involving the (hypodermis) skin layer causing permanent damage. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Preventing exposure to burn hazards such as fires is key to preventing burn injuries. The following are ways to help prevent fires from occurring in the workplace:

  • Good housekeeping. Loose debris is a potential place for a fire to begin.
  • Inspect all fire extinguishers monthly. Ensure each extinguisher is fully charged and the safety pin is intact.
  • Ensure that fire extinguishers are maintained near propane and compressed gases.
  • Keep all flammable and combustible materials in a designated location and stored in appropriate containers. Store all chemicals accordingly to manufacturer guidelines.
  • Be aware of which appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
  • Only first-aid trained employees should assist in treating in a burn illness. Ensure there is a stocked first-aid kit, including a blood-borne pathogen kit and eye wash solution available.

Treating Thermal Burns (caused by flame, steam, hot liquid, or hot surface):

  • Use low pressure water and provide first aid.
  • Treat or prevent shock.
  • Keep the victim warm with blankets until help arrives.

Treating Chemical Burns (caused by hazardous materials):

  • Use cool, running water to completely flush chemicals off your body. Do not use ice or hot water. If the chemical is a powder, attempt to remove it from the skin before flushing it with water.
  • Be sure to remove any jewelry or clothing that has been in contact with the chemical.
  • If a burning sensation continues after washing the area with cool water, flush the area for another several minutes.
  • Loosely wrap the burned area with a clean cloth or a dry, sterile gauze bandage. Do not apply ointments.

Treating Electrical Burns (caused by currents of electricity):

  • Turn off the current to the electricity and pull the victim away from the accident area.
  • Use low pressure water to extinguish any clothes on fire and provide first aid.
  • All electrical burns should be evaluated by a physician.
  • Even though the burn may appear to be minor, damage may have occurred deep into the underlying tissues.
  • Electrical burns can sometimes result in an irregular heartbeat.

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Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 02/08/2018

The combination of a gasoline-powered equipment used in construction (such as compressors, generators, welding equipment or forklifts) and a confined space has the added danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas which interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. CO can overcome a worker without warning and can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death.

Common signs of overexposure to CO include headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. There is often little time before symptoms can inhibit the ability to seek safety.

  • Prior use of equipment without incident has sometimes given users a false sense of safety. Recommendations for preventing CO poisoning include:
  • Educate workers about the sources and conditions that could result in CO poisoning, as well as the symptoms and control of CO exposure.
  • Conduct a workplace survey to identify all potential sources of CO exposure.
  • Use personal CO monitors where potential sources of CO exist. These monitors should be equipped with audible alarms to warn workers when CO concentrations are too high.
  • Consider the use of tools powered by electricity or compressed air if they are available and can be used safely.
  • When using gasoline-powered engines or tools outside of a building, never place them near air intakes so that engine exhaust is not drawn indoors.
  • Always place the pump and power unit of high-pressure washers outdoors. Run only the high-pressure wash line inside.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is often misdiagnosed as the flu. If you suspect that a worker has symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, take the following steps:

  • Open the doors and windows.
  •  Turn off combustion appliances and have everyone leave the area immediately.
  • Since CO can cause long-term, and even permanent injury and illness, seek medical attention.

A CO detector can be a viable solution to preventing CO-related mishaps. It is a small, easy-to-install gadget that is available at most hardware stores. CO detectors usually cost less than $100, and some even combine the safety features of a smoke alarm with carbon monoxide detection.

Like other jobsite hazards, CO mishaps are preventable. We must all recognize where the hazards exist and put appropriate controls in place to avoid unintentional injuries.

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Winter Work Safety

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 01/31/2018

When performing construction and other work during the winter season, be mindful of the weather, its effects on the body and proper actions to prevent serious injury, permanent tissue damage or even death. Employers should monitor the weather to keep track of forecasts.

Following are several tips to consider while working outdoors during the winter months:

  • Require proper gear. Workers need to have the right clothing for severe weather, including boots, heavy coats, gloves and hats. Employers should require all workers to wear clothing that will keep them warm and dry to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Also, shoes should have nonslip soles to prevent falling. Consider keeping extra clothing on hand should your clothing get wet.
  • Protect your head, neck and ears. Up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost when the head is exposed.
  • Wear the right gloves for the work you are doing. They should have enough insulation to keep you warm and prevent frostbite, but thin enough so you can feel what you are doing if you are manipulating controls or tools. Avoid putting your hands in your pockets to reduce the risk of falling or losing your balance in case you slip while walking on ice or snow.
  • Keep your safety eyewear from fogging up in the cold. Use anti-fog coatings and wipes that are appropriate for your eyewear.
  • Avoid alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and some medications that inhibit the body’s response to the cold and can impair judgement. These items can increase your heart rate and may cause your blood vessels to constrict. Encourage workers to drink water.
  • Warm up your vehicle to help reduce the moisture condensation on the inside of your car windows. Remember, though, not to warm up your vehicle in a closed area.
  • After a winter storm, immediately report any downed power lines or broken gas lines in your area or workplace.
  • Prepare and identify a warm break area for workers to retreat. It can be a heated trailer or a tent with portable heaters. Always follow proper safety procedures with heating devices.
  • Before work begins, review the area to ensure no new hazards have formed while you were away. Common hazards are snow and ice accumulations or downed power lines and trees.
  • Before work is started on a site, ensure that snow is removed, salt or sand is put down and large patches of ice are chipped away to greatly reduce the risk of injury.
  • All work vehicles should be inspected to determine if they are fully functioning. Winter kits should be added to every vehicle including an ice scraper, snow brush, shovel, tow chain, flashlight with extra batteries, emergency flares, a blanket, snacks, and water.

Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. Prepare in advance, observe safety precautions and reduce your risk of weather-related injury. Safety is being prepared.

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