Metal Building Insulation (MIP)

Introduction

Accident Statistics

Common Reasons for Job Site Injuries

Trench and scaffold collapse

Construction Site Rules & Regulations

• A fire escape plan must be in place. This will be approved by the fire department. The site must be accessible to fire department equipment, including trucks and hoses.
• Workers should dress properly. The basic attire is a basic shirt and long pants. Safety equipment includes hard hats, glasses, earplugs, gloves, and work boots.
• Long hair should be tied back, and jewelry should never be worn.
• Electric tools should be unplugged when not in use or if they need parts changed like a blade or bits. Blade guards should be set, and tools must be carried properly to avoid injury to yourself and others.
• Lifting should be done properly. Avoid lifting with your back and instead, use your legs. Never carry something too heavy alone, even if you're capable. Have a coworker help you.

Safety Equipment

• Hard hats, helmets, or other forms of protective headgear. There are very few times when it's okay to go without headgear.
• Shoes should provide safety if you step on a nail or something falls on your foot.
• Safety glasses should always be ready to use, especially when using power tools.
• Proper gloves should be worn according to the task at hand.
• Earplugs are necessary when loud machinery is in use.
• If chemicals are present, masks should be worn.

Safety Risks

• Scaffolding
• Fall protection
• Ladders
• Stairways
• Trenches
• Cranes
• Hazard Communication
• Forklifts
• Head Protection

• Scaffolds must be structurally sound, well capable of carrying their own weight and more and be built on solid footing.
• Unstable objects should not be used to support the scaffold.
• Scaffolds must not be built, altered, moved, or dismantled without the supervision of a capable person.
• Any repair necessary to the scaffold must be done immediately.
• Guardrails, mid rails, and toeboards are mandatory.
• Platforms must be tightly planked and built with appropriate material.
• A capable person should inspect the scaffold once finished and at designated intervals.
• All ropes must be protected from sources of heat.
• Workers must be educated about the proper use of scaffolds.
• Scaffolds must be at least 10 feet from electric power lines.

• Ariel lifts and elevated platforms are a safe alternative to other elevated working surfaces and should be considered.
• Erect guardrails with toeboards with warning lines or install control line systems for workers near the edges of roofs and floors.
• Cover any holes in the floor.
• Use safety nets or other personal fall arrest systems, such as body harnesses.

• Always be sure to use the correct ladder for the job.
• Always inspect the ladder before use to determine if there are any faults or damage to the ladder. Also, make sure the ladder is not greasy or slippery.
• Ladders must be long enough to reach the working area safely.
• Always mark defective or damaged ladders clearly.
• Never go over the ladder's weight limit.
• Avoid using metal ladders when near any source of electricity.

• Keep stairways clear of any impediments or debris.
• Always make sure that stairways are dry and not slippery.
• Have treads cover each step and the landing.
• Handrails are always encouraged.

• Never under any circumstance enter an unprotected trench.
• Always put in place a protective system for trenches 10 feet deep or greater.
• For trenches, 20 feet deep or greater, have a professional engineer design a protective system for it.
• Always provide an exit to a trench within 25 feet of lateral travel for workers in case of emergency.
• Keep spoils two feet back, at least from the edge of a trench.
• Have a capable person inspect a trench before entry and after any hazard-increasing event such as a rainstorm or earthquake.
• Their strict regulations regard trench slopes. These can be found in the OSHA Technical Manual, Section V, Chap. 2, Excavations: Hazard Recognition in Trenching and Shoring.

• Inspect crane controls before use to insure that they're working correctly.
• Inspect wire ropes, chains, and hooks for damage.
• Know the weight of the load you want the crane to lift, and ensure it is within the crane's rated capacity.
• Test the load by raising it a few inches to confirm balance and the brake system's effectiveness.
• Inspect all rigging prior to use.
• Extend outriggers fully.
• Never move loads over workers.
• Barricade accessible areas that are within the crane’s swing radius.
• Watch for and maintain a safe distance from electrical lines.

Hazard Communication

• Maintain a thorough list of chemicals that account for every single chemical in the facility.
• Have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on each and every one of those chemicals.
• Make that knowledge easily accessible to every worker.
• Make sure workers understand how to read the MSDS.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions when dealing with chemicals.
• Train workers on how to properly handle every chemical that is to be used.
• Provide spill cleanup kits where chemicals are stored and used.
• Have a spill control plan written.
• Train workers to properly dispose of and clean up chemicals. Also, be sure to train them on how to protect themselves from chemicals.
• Store chemicals safely and responsibly.

Powered Vehicle Safety

• Anyone who drives a forklift should be trained to do so properly.
• Drivers should be over 18 years of age before they are allowed to operate a forklift.
• Keep forklifts properly maintained.
• Do not modify forklifts without the approval of their manufacturer.
• Examine forklifts before use for defects.
• Always follow safe operating procedures when using forklifts.
• Drive safely, and never exceed 5 mph.
• Horseplay should not be tolerated.
• Do not handle loads that exceed a forklift's maximum capacity.
• Remove defective forklifts from service immediately.
• Always wear your seat belt when operating a forklift.
• Assure that the reverse signal is working and audible.

Safety Checklist

• Can workers reach their area of work safely? Are roads, passages, staircases, and ladders in good condition?
• Are there guard rails in place on all scaffolds and other elevated platforms?
• Are all working structures stable and adequately braced?
• Are all holes guard railed and clearly marked to prevent falls?
• Are all work areas free from impediments and obstructions that workers may trip over?
• Is the site clean? Are materials stored properly and safely?
• Is waste being disposed of properly?
• Is the working area adequately lit?

• Were all of the scaffolds built, modified, or dismantled by a capable person?
• Do all scaffold platforms have a safe way of accessing them?
• Are all scaffolds secure and structurally sound? Are they inspected before use every time?
• Are there adequate guard rails in place to prevent accidental falls?
• Are the platforms fully boarded and arranged to avoid tripping?
• Are there notices in place to prevent working from using incomplete or defective scaffolds?
• Does a capable person inspect the scaffolds at least weekly?

• Has all equipment been erected by a capable person?
• Is fixed equipment properly connected to the structure against which it operates?
• Are precautions in place to prevent workers from being struck by moving equipment?
• Are operators of said equipment trained and competent to use this equipment?

• Is an adequate supply of supporting materials made available before excavation work begins?
• Are the materials strong enough to support the sides?
• Are workers safe when placing supports? Do workers have to lay support while in an unsupported trench?
• Are the walls of the excavation sloped? If so, is the angle correct so as to prevent collapse?
• Is there safe access to and from the excavation?
• Are there guard rails in place to prevent works from falling in?
• Are though guard rails securely?
• Does the excavation affect any neighboring structures?
• Is an excavation inspected by a competent person before each shift?
• Is an excavation inspected by a competent person after each accidental collapse or any other event that may have affected its stability?

• Is there protection in place to prevent workers from falling off?
• Is there protection in place to prevent materials from falling off?
• Are harnesses available if needed?
• Are people excluded from below when the roof is being worked?
• If not, are there precautions to prevent debris from falling on the below workers?

• Can working in confined spaces be avoided?
• Has a risk assessment been carried out?
• Is a Safe System of Work in place and being worked to? Has the space been monitored for possible toxic pathogens before entry?
• Is continuous monitoring necessary while working in the space?
• Are workers both trained and medically fit?
• Are there rescue measures in place?
• Can they be put into use immediately?

• Are the correct ladders being used when called for?
• Are all ladders used in good condition?
• Are all ladders secured before use?
• Do all ladders reach the intended height sufficiently?
• Are all ladders being used correctly?

• Are the right tools being used for the project?
• Is the correct equipment being used for the project?
• Are operators all trained and capable of using all equipment and tools provided?
• Are all tools and equipment inspected properly before use?

• Have emergency plans been developed?
• Are workers aware of the plans?
• Is there a working way to raise an alarm?
• Are there adequate escape routes, and are they kept clear?

• Have all chemicals been properly identified?
• Have the risks involved with chemicals been properly assessed?
• Are precautions in place in case of accidents?
• Is protective equipment provided to the workers? Do they use it?

Additional Construction Site Safety Resources

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