 |
|
|
Are You Using PPE Properly?
As contractors wrap up the year and determine their safety goals for 2018, serious considerations should be given to the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is the last defense against injury and illnesses, and it should only be relied upon when there are no other ways to protect a worker from injury, regardless of if other options are more expensive.
All PPE is required to be provided by the employer, with the assumption that the employee will take care of the items until they reach a point of failure. Common types of PPE include hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, fall prevention/protection gear, welding helmets, and rubber boots for concrete work. With many different hazards on a job site, there are many chances of incorrect use of PPE, which leaves your team susceptible to injuries that could be prevented. In order for these items to be effective, training is necessary regarding how they should be properly worn, as well as what their limitations are.
Contact one of our
safety professionals today for assistance with determining other defenses against safety hazard or to train your employees in proper PPE use.
|
|
|
Cold Weather Safety
Iowa enjoyed favorable weather this construction season. With winter right around the corner, it's important to help field personnel prepare for working in cold weather.
Before a project begins, it is crucial that the controlling contractor provides all personnel on the job site with emergency contact numbers. In addition, OSHA requires that employers have someone trained in First Aid on every job site. This person will be prepared to recognize and treat cold-related illnesses, such as frost bite, trench foot, and hypothermia.
Once the job site is occupied, it's the controlling contractor's responsibility to monitor the project daily for new potential hazards. During the winter months, these could include slippery surfaces, ice accumulation, and even the location of larger icicles that could become falling object hazards. At times, removing snow, adding salt to paths, and closing off specific areas of the job site may be required to help keep your team safe. Finally, it is important to be aware of the hazards of using gas-fueled portable temporary heaters on the job site, and to have the heaters regularly inspected by a certified professional. Heaters should always be placed in well-ventilated, fire resistant area, and their hoses should be clear and unobstructed accordingly. All combustible materials should be kept out of these areas and away from the heaters at all times. If the heaters are left on at night or during off hours, a fire-watch should be conducted to ensure that no additional hazards occur.
If you would like help preparing your team for cold-weather work by implementing safety best practices into your safety plan, please contact one of the safety professionals listed below.
|
|
 Safety Professionals
|
|
|
New WORKSAFE Projects
PROJECT:
|
East Blum Site-Asbestos Abatement and Lead Clean Up Project
|
CONTRACTOR:
|
Controlled Asbestos Inc - Ankeny, IA
|
PROJECT:
|
Flexsteel Operations
|
CONTRACTOR:
|
Conlon Construction Co. - Dubuque, IA
|
PROJECT:
|
Power Plant - Renovate Space for Maintenance Shop
|
CONTRACTOR:
|
Tricon General Construction - Cedar Rapids, IA
|
PROJECT:
|
Parking Lots and Ramps - Ramp Modifications
|
CONTRACTOR:
|
McComas-Lacina Construction Co. LC - Iowa City, IA
|
PROJECT:
|
MidAmerican Energy Service Center - Altoona
|
CONTRACTOR:
|
The Hansen Company, Inc. - Johnston, IA
|
PROJECT:
|
Central College Douwstra Auditorium Renovation
|
CONTRACTOR:
|
Graham Construction Co. - Des Moines, IA |
|
|
WORKSAFE is a partnership between Master Builders of Iowa and Iowa OSHA, with safety services provided by Construction Safety Specialists, Inc.
For more information on the WORKSAFE program or for safety inquiries, please contact Tom Suckow at 515-657-4384 or [email protected]. |
|
|
|
|
|
