Top 10 Construction Safety Tips Courtesy of an article written by John Meola and other online sources

U.S. Work Injury Facts

• Number of fatal work related injuries:

• 6,217 in 1992

• 5,534 in 2002

• 4690 in 2010

• Top 3 states for work injuries:

• Texas= 461

• California= 326

• Florida= 225

On Job Safety Tips

• Getting on and off equipment

• First check your gloves and boots

• Clean off mud before climbing

• Use “high grip” gloves

• Never jump from a machine

• Loading and unloading equipment

• Make sure centered on ramps

• Allow enough room to maneuver

• Use a spotter for guidance

• Check trailer deck, clearances, and stability

• Review lock-out/tag-out plan

On Job Safety Tips Continued

• People crowding the work area

• Coordinate with foreman to ensure people stand away from certain areas

• Use horn when ready to start and stop work so people know to stand back

• Machine swing radius

• Rope off the swing radius around a machine

• Secure swing area if needed

• Use spotter to keep people clear

• Operation on slopes

• Know the limits of the machines

On Job Safety Tips Continued

• Overhead and buried obstructions

• Know your surroundings

• Stand clear of electric lines, water, sewer, gas, etc.

• Mark and warn of overhead lines or clearances

• Backing

• Back up alarms on construction machinery

• Check machine perimeter before moving

• Use spotter if vision is impaired

• Wide angle mirrors are helpful

• Cameras and alarms can be helpful

On Job Safety Tips Continued

• Machine Upset

• Use seat belts or harnesses

• Understand a machines stability characteristics

• Instability or loss of load

• Using machines for purpose only

• Don’t try to create new applications

• Lock-out and tag-out

• Any raised material load is subject to LOTO

• Pinch points on a machine must be identified and protected

• Review manufacturing directions