Archive for category: Tool Box Talks

Compressed air is a staple for almost any shop or site location. Along with powering our pneumatic tools like drills, air hammers and die grinders, it’s great for removing debris from a work surface. Despite its common use among trades people, this seemingly harmless helper can be quite the opposite if used incorrectly. Here is what you can do to keep yourself and others safe.

I know when you’re covered in sawdust or a day’s worth of grinding dust, it might seem like a good idea to quickly blow it off with an air hose… But don’t! Even set at a low PSI, compressed air can cause serious injuries. Such as puncturing the skin and causing an air embolism or hemorrhage (which can lead to death), permanent sight loss, brain damage, hearing loss, or if you’re lucky, just bruises and lacerations. Make sure anytime you are using compressed air that you are wearing proper PPE. Always do your pre-work inspection, checking the hose for holes and kinks and the quick connect for leaks. Check the maximum rating of the hose, make sure it’s compatible with the equipment. Keep the hose off the floor. This prevents tripping hazards as well as unnecessary wear on the hose. When using compressed air to clean something (other than yourself, others or anything touching yourself or others ie: clothing) you must use an approved air nozzle. The PSI should be lower than 30. Remember to never point a nozzle at anyone, no matter how low you think the PSI is… It could be deadly.

A lot of workers think that compressed air is harmless… It’s just air right? However, even if you’re just blowing off some debris from your coveralls or goofing off with a work buddy, the effects of air under pressure can be catastrophic. So keep that nozzle away from yourself and all your coworkers.

Most people think strokes only happen to the elderly but that’s not the case. Anyone can suffer from a stroke, no matter your age, gender or race. With a Canadian suffering from a stroke every 9 minutes, there is a good chance you may witness someone showing signs of a stroke or it could possibly even be you. So we better know the drill.

The most common signs of a stroke are sudden numbness or weakness of the leg, face or arms,  it’s usually on one side of the body, but not always. Having troubles seeing out of one or both eyes, dizziness, loss of balance, hard time communicating or understanding and a sudden headache. If you or anyone else is even just having one or two of these symptoms, get help. It’s better to be over cautious than not get help for a stroke. Every minute counts. Strokes are the third leading cause of death in Canada and the majority of survivors are left with some kind of disability. The faster a victim is treated, their rate of survival and likelihood of not having any lasting effects goes up. So act quickly. Call 911 or your site emergency crew.  Take note of the time as this could help doctors. Stay with the victim and keep them calm.

There are a few things to try and prevent a stroke such as, exercising, not smoking and drinking only in moderation. If you have high blood pressure, lower it and properly treat existing ailments such as diabetes. Sadly, there is a good chance that we will all be in a situation where we or someone else we are with is showing signs of a stroke. Make sure to be act quickly.

For those times you do need a quick stop, and there will be many, don’t slam on your breaks, you will spin out like a player in Mario kart. Try pumping your brakes instead, this will prevent you from locking up. Stay alert and keep your focus. If you need to pull over and compose yourself or clean your windows or lights, do so. Just do  it safely, make sure you’re out of the way and your hazard lights are on. Most importantly, use common sense, don’t get behind the wheel if you’re super fatigued. This can impair your reaction times just as much as drinking. And I should not even have to say this but never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or using narcotics. This isn’t just while the roads are bad, this is for anytime you drive.

Unfortunately, winter driving is a part of life if you’re Canadian. It’s a part of us just as much as poutine, Tim Hortons and bacon. While on the road, we need do our best to drive safely and lookout for our fellow drivers. If it’s that bad out, consider staying in for the day. If you have go out, take care and don’t speed… After all it doesn’t matter how fast you get to the Tim Hortons drive through, there will be a line up.

Use universal precautions. Always treat the situation as if the blood were infected. Make sure to wear the proper PPE for administering first-aid, not the same as your regular PPE but just as important if not more. This means gloves, face shield if needed, and use a pocket mask while ministering CPR. Housekeeping is a big one for steering clear of these microorganisms.  Clean up after, make sure to disinfect anywhere the blood has touched and properly dispose of anything containing the blood. If cleaning glass or anything else sharp, do not use your bare hands, try a broom and dustpan. Remember to always act as if the the blood is infected.

If you have exposure from a cut, needle stick or splash, immediately wash and scrub with warm soapy water. If you have sustained an injury whether a cut or needle stick, press the skin to push blood outward. This will help less infected blood from entering your bloodstream.

Again, use universal practices of always treating the situation as if the blood were infected. This could save you from contracting any of these bloodborne pathogens. Remember to always protect yourself first before administering first-aid.

Every job has a deadline. Every project manager, general manager and foreman is trying to make that deadline. Missing these deadlines can cost exorbitant amounts of money or even future jobs. As frontline workers, us trades people definitely feel the pressure too. However rushing too much is where injuries skyrocket. So where’s the balance?

Here’s a few things to help take the pressure off. Plan ahead. Make sure you have the necessary tools, a good understanding of the task at hand, the correct PPE and the right personnel Start your task when you get it. Don’t slack off till the day before your foreman expects it done, then work like crazy to finish it. Open the line of communication with supervisors. If a deadline is unrealistic, explain that. Maybe offer alternatives. Gentle reminder to your supervisors that rushing a job is unsafe and also affects quality. As for yourself, take time to do the job safely and properly. This doesn’t mean stand around idle, or take a short nap. It means work at a safe and efficient pace. Don’t kill yourself for deadline.