Archive for category: Tool Box Talks

Have you ever tried explaining something and your coworker just has a blank look on their face?  Maybe people always say you’re yelling but you’re just trying to articulate your thought or idea? Not communicating what you mean to someone could lead to serious safety hazards. No matter if you’re the project manager or the new apprentice on site, we could all improve our communication skills. Here are some suggestions of things to follow.

Listening is the key to good communication. Don’t just wait for your turn to talk, actually listen, repeat things back for clarification. Non verbal communication is also key, don’t stand with your arms crossed, looking at the ground. Make eye contact and have a relaxed stance, this make you more approachable. When talking, be direct and firm but of course still friendly. If giving directions, try and use hand gestures to help explain. Always be respectful, even if you don’t agree with what someone is saying. Try to be open-minded and willing to receive feedback.

Bad communication could lead to injury or even death. Take extra precautions when using heavy equipment such as when rigging. Always use your JHA to help communicate the task at hand and if needed have a pre task meeting. If you are unsure of anything, make sure to ask questions. This could be the difference between a task going smoothly and an incident.

Working alone sounds like a blast… Grab a nap, check your Instagram maybe throw out a few texts? Except it’s not like that at all. Working alone actually means you’re further away from rescue crews and first aid. If anything happens, it could be deadly.

Working alone is only done if necessary. It’s not a holiday away from your co-workers. There is quite a bit of paperwork that goes into you being a lone ranger.  You and your supervisor will do a hazard assessment and the outcome of that usually determines when check-in’s will be. This may be at every break, every hour or whenever you both deem appropriate. It is your responsibility to check in, so set a timer. Make sure you do your check-in’s on time or an emergency crew could be sent to rescue you. Most times your supervisor will give you a radio to check-in but there may be times where you will be given a number to call into a call center to check-in. I can’t stress enough…it is your responsibility to check-in.

I have worked alone many times and it does sound like a nice break, till you’re out there alone and it sinks-in. Make sure to take extra precautions, work slow and steady. Get the job done and come home safely… And then you can take that well deserved nap.

Depending on the trade you work in, you could come into contact with some pretty hazardous chemicals, we’re not just talking dish soap here (which can actually be hazardous in some situations). The chemicals used on sites can be anything from corrosives to cutting fluids. In order to protect yourself, you need to follow these steps.

Know where the MSDS are kept. It should be readily available for all employees. Reading the label and the MSDS will tell you everything you need to know, including: the proper PPE, the first aid to be administered, the safe handling and disposal of the chemical in use. If there is no label or its illegible, do not use it and report it to a supervisor. If a chemical is kept in a secondary container, be sure to label it clearly. Use the required PPE. Regular safety glasses or gloves may not offer the right protection. Always inspect your PPE before use but just in case something fails, make note of eyewash stations and safety showers beforehand.

These chemicals can cause damage by contacting your skin, breathing in, or ingesting. So make sure you follow the MSDS and steer clear of these chemicals.

 

Let’s talk Fire Extinguisher Maintenance. On site you can have all the fire safety training in the world but if your extinguisher has not been maintained… What’s the point? Yet, some workers may neglect the monthly, annually or any inspections. Fire extinguishers need to be maintained just like anything else on site. A matter of fact it’s the law in Canada. Here’s some good rules of thumb to go by when a fire extinguisher is needed in your work area.

Even a brand new fire extinguisher must be inspected before it goes onto site for use. These inspections continue…you will need to do an inspection every 30 days. Check the tag to make sure it’s up to date and signed off by a certified technician, make sure the tamper seal is intact, the pin is in place and there are no signs of damage such as corrosion. A trained professional will do an inspection every 12 months along with hydrostatic testing. Depending on the type of extinguisher the hydrostatic testing could be at the 12 year mark. If you’re using the most common extinguisher for work sites (ABC dry chemical) it will need to be recharged every 6 years.

Let your supervisor know if you have an out of date extinguisher. Always have extinguishers available in work areas and do your part to keep them in good working order. Keeping on top of your maintenance and inspections will give you peace of mind that you’re extinguisher will work if ever needed.

In order to reduce our footprint, most oil sites will be returned to their natural state once the oil collection is complete. To do this, we need to be careful not to contaminate the environment we are working in. Even a small spill can have a lasting effect on the wildlife and vegetation. So kicking dirt on top of spill and walking away just won’t do. Here are a few things you can do.

Most sites use drip trays for any type of vehicle or equipment. This is a large plastic tray you can put under your truck, EWP, welder or anything else that has the potential to leak fluids. Make sure to use them. Check the fluids in your vehicle and equipment regularly to prevent a leak. Always check that equipment and vehicles have a spill kit close by. Note the inspection date on the kits, and make sure they are up to date. Now if a spill or leak does occur you need to act quickly. Every site has different protocol, make sure you know it. Call the appropriate people. If you don’t know who that is, tell your foreman, they will. If you don’t know the source of the leak… Find it and stop it. You cannot contain a leak if it keeps coming. Make sure you are wearing the proper PPE for the spill at hand. If the spill is flammable, clear all ignition sources. Once safe, begin containing. Your spill kit will tell you which absorbents to use depending on the chemical that has spilled. Most sites will have a spill crew that will come and take over, but if not, make sure to properly dispose of your absorbents that have been soiled with hazardous materials.

Never try and cover up a spill, the damage caused could be irreversible. Not to mention the fines that can come along with it. It’s not just worrying about the environment (which is kind of a big deal), it’s your safety as well. Make sure to do your part!