PPE… Again

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I feel like we haven’t talked about PPE for like 5 minutes, so maybe we should go over it again. PPE changes with every task you do and with the weather you’re working in. For example, what you might use for PPE in summer, while working on the top of the high line compared to what you may use in the dead of winter, working in a hoarding are very different. Say you’re welding, in a hoarding; since you are closed-in, you should wear a respirator to avoid inhaling fumes.  Whereas, working at the top of the high line, it’s nice and open and you may forego the respirator (I’d still recommend wearing one, but that’s me). The gloves you’d wear in the summer would be very light, just giving you coverage for the heat of welding. In the winter, you’d want something with the same coverage but also extra lining for warmth. In the summer, I prefer to wear ear plugs for ear protection and in the winter I opt for the ear muffs style since it offers some warmth as well as protection. Your boots should also be different. I’d recommend getting a good pair of winter boots and a light, good quality pair for the summer. You can probably make it through winter with your summer boots and just double up on socks but in these Canadian winters I really wouldn’t recommend it. You’d want to invest in a pair of lined coveralls or work pants for the cold, and definitely a light pair for the summer. Summertime, you won’t be wearing a jacket, just long sleeves; whereas in the wintertime, an extra warm jacket. As you can see, the PPE you’d wear could change drastically, and we haven’t even touched on working in wet conditions. You need to know what you’ll need for every day. It’s good to leave some extras at work if you can.  Our weather can go from scorching to freezing in the snap of a finger and vice versa. Know your tasks and what you’ll need. Don’t let a sudden change in the weather or a task change make you vulnerable to an injury just because you weren’t prepared.

Young Apprentices

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Oh remember the days of being young on site? Ready to prove to everyone that you were going to be the best welder/fitter/electrician/scaffolder/carpenter (or whatever trade you’re in) this world has ever seen. Ready to get your hands dirty and dig in. Most young apprentices have the best intentions of working safely, however a brain of an 18 year old isn’t exactly the seasoned brain of someone who’s been in the trades for 20 years. Young apprentices are wired a bit differently than the rest of us. Let’s go over what makes them different and how we can lead them to a long and safe career.

I think the best way to describe a young apprentice is; eager. Which for the most part is great; however, that eagerness may sometimes override common sense. Young people on site may be so eager to get the job done, they may not use common safety sense. They may unknowingly put themselves or others in danger. At this young age, they may not have as much foresight as we do. They think differently than we do; they don’t have the experience that we have, and the trades can be overwhelming. As well, some of us may come across as intimidating to them, making it increasingly difficult to ask questions or ask for help. So, it’s up to us to lead these young workers onto the right path. Take these young apprentices under your wing, don’t let them ‘learn the hard way’. Have a positive attitude towards safety. Remember, you are their example, if you complain about PPE and JHA’s, that teaches them to also be negative and possibly careless. Don’t just tell them to do something, tell them why we do it that way. Always point out hazards; it may be common sense to us, but for a “green as grass worker” it could be a huge eye opener.

We were all there at one time and someone showed us the way. Now it’s our turn to be leaders. With the injuries among workers under 25 on the rise, this is our time to teach the youth in the trades the safe way to do their job. Otherwise, who will do it when we’re all gone?

Temporary Heating

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In this type of weather, I think everyone’s favourite name is Herman Nelson (in case you don’t know that name, it’s a type of temporary heater commonly used on work sites) or any other heater for that matter.  As much as these machines make working in the frigid conditions, bearable… They also have hazards of their own. Here are a few tips to help keep temporary heaters nice and toasty and not a bigger menace in the cold.

There are many types of temporary heating, such as electric, propane,and kerosene, but most commonly used on site are gas or diesel-powered. Know what kind you are using. Always inspect your heater before every use. Even if you used it yesterday, give it a once over. Things can change quickly in freezing temperatures and it only takes a minute. Make sure everything is running smoothly before you begin your day’s work.  Check your fuel level and that all connections are secure. Heaters must be placed away from any ignition sources, such as grinding and welding. Be sure the heater is placed where it has clean fresh air, otherwise it could be pumping carbon monoxide into your workspace. Also, be sure to direct the exhaust emissions away from other workers and enclosed spaces.

It only takes an extra couple of minutes in the cold to ensure your temporary heater is working just the way it’s supposed to. Those measly couple of minutes in the cold are totally worth it when you get an entire day of work all nice and warm and you can pretend we don’t live in the Ice age.

Overexertion

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Protecting yourself against overexertion doesn’t mean, don’t do anything. It’s not an excuse to get out of work, but we need to evaluate the best and safest way to do the tasks in front of us. We are not superheroes and we don’t have (as my two year old would say) super gekko muscles. We need to work within our means. Here are some tips to help you avoid an injury due to overexertion.

Ask for help if needed. This doesn’t make you weak, it makes you proactive. It doesn’t matter what the item weighs, it could be awkward, you could already have a pre-existing injury… So just get help. Make a plan. Know where you are going, and that the path is free and clear of anything that could cause slips, trips and falls. Use carts, pallet jacks or any other appropriate tool to help. Alternate between tasks, especially if doing a task with vibration. This will help reduce vibration and /or give a variety of physical positions and movements. Always push instead of pulling. Have a good stance and footing, usually shoulder width apart. Don’t twist your body and always bend at the waist. Lift with your legs not your back. If lifting, keep the item close to your body and move slowly. And if course, always use the proper PPE to help with the task.

I know you’ve heard everything in this post over and over again, but in the moment, we seem to forget to follow these simple guidelines. Over-exerting our bodies can leave us with serious injuries. So take the time, make a plan, and ask for help.

Snowblower Safety

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Unfortunately it doesn’t look like winter and all this snow is leaving any time soon. It actually saddens me that I’m still doing winter related posts… But that’s Canadian winters for you. So since most of us just got a huge dump of snow, let’s go over some safety tips for snowblowers.

Most of us wish for a snowblower this time of year, however they do carry their own set of hazards. When using a snowblower even if you’re at home, you still need to gear up with your PPE. Proper footwear, gloves, ear protection and safety glasses are essential. You should also avoid loose clothing. If there is a clog in the auger or discharge chute, ALWAYS turn off the engine or, better yet, disconnect power before trying to remove. ALWAYS use a proper tool or stick to remove the clog, never use your hands. Always aim the discharge chute away from other people. You’re not just shooting out snow; rocks, twigs and other dangerous items can be mixed in. Be careful on hills and slopes; take your time. When it comes to starting and running your snowblower, watch out for hazards there too. Always start a gas blower outside, only refuel when the engine is off and cooled. For electrical blowers, use an extension cord rated for outdoors and be cautious of where the cord is at all times. Always keep the cord away from the auger.

Snowblowers can be a lifesaver on time and your back when we get this much snow, if you’re fortunate enough to own one. Just make sure you exercise proper safety protocol while using them, to your lifesaver doesn’t become a safety hazard.

Mould

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Here’s to hoping the snow will melt one day… However; when it does, it can leave behind some furry/slimy residue. Even though any moisture can cause mould and mildew, it’s a good practice to keep an eye out for it in the spring. Most workers think mould and mildew is no biggie. Just wipe it away and carry on. That is absolutely not the case.

If mould or mildew is simply “wiped away” it can become airborne. Depending on the type of mould, the spores that it makes can pose a potential risk if inhaled. Workers at the highest risk are the elderly, workers with pre-existing respiratory problems, workers with a lowered immune system and pregnant workers. Inhaling these spores can cause skin irritation, skin rash, breathing problems, congestion, coughing, aches, pains, headaches and even memory loss. So what do we do instead?

According to OHS’s guidelines, if mould is found, work in that area is to be stopped
and the worker is to report the mould to the supervisor immediately. Mould must not be disturbed because it may become airborne and contaminate other areas. Wet construction material must not be installed unless part of an approved process. Mouldy construction materials must not be installed. Workers must report wet or mouldy construction materials immediately so proper corrective measures like drying, cleaning or replacement can be implemented. Where water is introduced as part of a construction process, every reasonable effort should be made to dry out wet materials within 24 hrs (48 hrs maximum ).

As you can see, this isn’t something you can just wipe away and continue working. Workers must follow these guidelines for safe practice. As harmless as you may think it is, you never know what side affects these tiny spores could cause if inhaled. So do your due diligence and follow these guidelines.

Contest Time Again!

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Hey guys it’s that time again. I’m not letting you in on all the details quite yet, but something big is coming! This time you and the person you tag both have a chance at great prizes. (Hint 🏒 and something for the non 🏒 fan…  or a fan who’s sick of losing 😢) So start racking your brain for the buddy you want to let in on this. Stay tuned for more… Coming soon!

Working in the Fog

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This time of year, if it’s not the snow, ice, or cold, it’s the wind making our Canadian winters almost unbearable. However; one of the lovely weather hazards often overlooked, is fog. Working in dense fog causes serious vision limitations. Depending on many factors, certain tasks may come to a standstill; such as crane operations and most other lifts. So, how do the rest of us protect ourselves from the hazards caused by fog?

Make yourself visible, be sure that you’re wearing a high res vest. You can also (and probably should) add high res stripes to your hard hat and gloves. Keep your head up for vehicles or moving equipment; there is a good chance they can’t see you, so watch out for them. If you’re operating equipment or driving, go slow and don’t ride someone’s tail. The low visibility caused by fog can make items appear further away than they actually are. Always have your headlights and/or fog lights on if operating any type of vehicle and make sure they work before you hit the road.

The hazards that come with Canadian winters seem never ending, but ones we have to live with regardless. Fog can happen anytime of the year, but most common in the winter. Fortunately, we only have a couple of months of winter left!

Safety Stand Downs

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As trades people, I know safety stand-downs can seem like a hassle. You may feel they interrupt you right in the middle of your tasks, take time out of our day and talk dry, boring safety. But, maybe you are looking at the glass half empty? Safety stand-downs (or sometimes referred to as safety reconnect) are a great way to press the reset button. Yes, they interrupt your task but that’s a perfect time to refocus and reassess the safety hazards that you’re dealing with. Complacency happens all too often. So an interruption in your daily routine is a great way to shake things up. Yes, they also take time out of your day, but it’s a great way for supervisors to speak directly to the workers. This is the time to really listen and also use your voice. Site supervisors are just a busy as you, if not more, so for them to put a halt on their own work to talk safety… is a pretty big deal. It’s also comforting to know the big wigs care about your safety too. And yes, safety can be dry and boring, but so is filling out forms at hospitals, doctors offices and WCB. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you’re also being paid by the hour, so is it really that bad? Safety stand-downs can happen out of the blue to help workers press that reset button and they can also happen because there has been too many near misses or a serious incident has occurred. Whatever the reason, don’t treat it as a hassle, treat it as a fresh start.

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) – Part 2

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AEDs need to be maintained just like anything else on site. Just like a fire extinguisher or first aid kit, you can’t let it sit on the shelf for 5 years unused and hope for the best in an emergency situation. Someone needs to be in charge of regular maintenance checks. Most AEDs have a self check procedure, but battery life still needs to be monitored and service prompts handled accordingly. Most AEDs will need new batteries every 2-5 years (depending on make and model, usually every 4. Always check the owner’s manual). Pads will also need to be replaced every 2 years due to deterioration. They will also require cleaning time to time, again refer to your owner’s manual. The manual should also give you a maintenance timeline and who to contact when maintenance is needed. You should always have an extra battery on hand and accessories close by; such as razors and pads.

AEDs are amazing, life saving tools, that we need to be sure are ready to go in the unfortunate case of an emergency. Try to get proper training or at least make yourself familiar with them. AEDs are not mandatory by the government of Canada, so if you don’t have one in your workplace, talk to your safety crew and foreman. It could be any one of us in need of defibrillation and it could mean the difference between life and death. So definitely worth the small price to save a life.

 

P.S. If you’re interested in learning CPR we have an instructor-led First Aid Course here.