CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY An office worker’s overview of construction site hazards

1. CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETYAn office worker’s overview of construction site hazards May 20, 2009 J. Manning

2. HAZARDS • Physical hazards (slips, trips, falls, falling objects, pinch points and snags) • Hazardous substances • Environmental (Heat/cold, Noise) • Machinery and tools • Confined spaces • H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide)

3. Identification of hazards • FLRA (Field Level Risk Assessment) A way to manage risks and hazard on the job as per the Construction Owner’s Association of Alberta. • Identify hazard • Assess the risks • Control the risks

4. Spot the hazards Hint: there are at least 5 Trip hazard PPE not being used Open hole Confined space Not using railing/ladder

5. Physical hazards • Slips, trips and falls: be aware of your surroundings, wear appropriate clothes/shoes/gear. • Be aware of open holes and ditches. Areas marked “hole”. • Stay fit, to be able to do the job. • Falls: fall protection and fall protection training required (2m and above) • Use a rope or hoist to carry tools up a ladder. • Falling objects; be aware of people and objects above you. • Pinch points: areas where you can get limbs or body parts caught. Snags: ensure clothing doesn’t get caught. Note: if you can’t see where you are putting a hand or foot, don’t put it there. • Use rails and handholds • Scaffolds: be aware of tagging. Red = don’t use, Yellow = caution, issues, Green = safe to use.

6. Chemical hazards • Know your WHMIS symbols • Follow directions, by supervisor and on the labels • Use PPE • Be mindful of spills • Wash your hands before eating or smoking if you’ve been handling chemicals.

7. Environmental hazards • Dress appropriately for work • Know the signs of frost bite, hypothermia and hyperthermia • Use noise protection PPE where appropriate (lawnmower level and above) • If outdoors, get informed about the weather • Be cautious around bodies of water

8. Machinery and tools • Be aware of your surroundings, wear traffic vests where appropriate. • Watch out for the turning radiuses of large vehicles and swing radiuses of heavy machinery (cranes, backhoes etc.). Keep a line of sight and stay well back. • Welding torches: don’t stare directly at them • Be aware of hearing damage from loud machinery and tools • Learn how to properly use tools before using them and the wear the appropriate PPE when around items such as: chain saws, power tools, welding torches, air tools and explosive charge tools. • Special training for air tools, explosive charge and impact tools. • Be aware of dangerous equipment. If it tagged, then don’t use. Be aware of equipment where safety guards have been removed, grounding pin has been removed or cords are frayed.

9. Falling object risk Spot the hazards Hint: there are at least 3 Not using fall protection PPE Falling object risk Pinch point No line of sight w/forklift driver

10. Confined spaces • Know what a confined space is. • Be certified before entering a confined space • If someone collapses for no reason, don’t immediately rush in after them in a confined space. • PPE can include gas detectors and sometimes safety harnesses • With excavations, there should always a second way out/ladder out.

11. H2S (Hydrogen sulfide) • Colorless, toxic and flammable gas that in low quantities can smell like rotten eggs. In high quantities, it is odourless. • Heavier than air and tends to accumulate in confined spaces. • Byproduct of oil/gas impurities, volcanoes, swamps and sewers. • Can be found at wellsites, refineries, and in many areas oil/gas companies operate. • Before working in areas where this gas is known to be present, H2S training is usually required. Ex: H2S Alive. • PPE for H2S can include gas detectors and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus).

12. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. Take away • Be aware of your surroundings • Conduct Field Level Risk Assessments. Identify hazards then eliminate, avoid or minimize them • Get trained for the job and the jobsite hazards • Wear PPE