Write a toolbox talk on are you fit for work

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# PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Date Posted: 09/03/2016 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is gear that can be worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It can be worn to help prevent sudden injuries or injuries occur over time. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE and verifies that it fits properly. that ## When to Wear PPE • Before you resort to PPE, you should first: • Use administrative controls • Implement Engineering Controls • Use local exhaust or general ventilation vs. a respirator • Control dust with a wet process vs. dry • Install sound reducing devices to mechanical equipment • When these other two means of protection are exhausted you then will need to select the appropriate PPE. - Often times PPE will be used in conjunction with administrative and engineering controls for added protection. ## BASIC TYPES OF PPE Head: Hard hat, welders cap Hearing: Earmuffs, ear plugs or canal caps Face/Eye: Safety glasses, face shield, safety goggles. Hand: Gloves for general use, chemical use, electrical work or hot work. Body: Chaps, leathers, coveralls Foot Protection: Leather boots, Safety toe/steel toe boots Personal Protective Equipment is gear that is worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE, verifies that the PPE fits properly and is adequate for the work to be performed. Remember: PPE is the last line of defense against a hazard. LEARN MORE ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • Does the PPE you wear to perform your work fit properly and is it in good working condition? What can be done in your work area to improve the use of PPE? • What improvements can be made to reduce the need for PPE? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers …

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# Shiftwork, Long Work Hours, and Fatigue (cont.) ## Remember This (cont.) CPWR TOOLBOX RESEARCH AND TRAINING THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION TALK # Shiftwork, Long Work Hours, and Fatigue * Pay attention to how tired you feel. If you feel tired or distracted, take a break. * Eat healthy snacks and drink water. - Don't drive or operate equipment if you feel sleepy. ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. CPWRO THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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# SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS <table><tr><th>Heat-Related Illness</th><th>Symptoms and Signs</th></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Confusion</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Slurred speech</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Unconsciousness</td></tr><tr><td>Heat stroke</td><td>• Seizures</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Very high body temperature</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Rapid heart rate</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Fatigue</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Irritability</td></tr><tr><td></td><td> Thirst</td></tr><tr><td>Heat exhaustion</td><td>• Nausea or vomiting</td></tr><tr><td></td><td> Dizziness or lightheadedness</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Heavy sweating</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Elevated body temperature or fast heart rate</td></tr><tr><td></td><td> Muscle spasms or pain</td></tr><tr><td>Heat cramps</td><td>• Usually in legs, arms, or trunk</td></tr><tr><td></td><td> Fainting</td></tr><tr><td>Heat syncope</td><td> Dizziness</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Clusters of red bumps on the skin</td></tr><tr><td>Heat rash</td><td> Often appears on the neck, upper chest, and skin folds</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Muscle pain</td></tr><tr><td>Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)</td><td>• Dark urine or reduced urine output • Weakness</td></tr></table> ## HEAT STRESS CONTROLS Engineering Controls - The best way to prevent heat-related illness for indoor workers is to make the work environment cooler. Wherever possible, use air conditioning to cool the work area. Alternatively, increase the general ventilation as much as possible by opening windows or doors. When available, use cooling fans to aid in increasing ventilation. Safe Work Practices - Employees working outdoors or indoors without air conditioning or ventilation take scheduled breaks in cool and shaded areas. Ensure plenty of cool water to drink, and take water breaks as needed. Immediately report any problems to a supervisor. Supervisors should consider scheduling the …

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# ALCOHOL USE Date Posted: 05/09/2025 ## Alcohol Use Alcohol consumption is a common issue in the United States, and the construction industry seems to be affected by it at an even higher rate. Working in construction is a stressful and physically demanding job that involves many safety hazards. Workers not only face physical risks but also mental health challenges. They have to deal with tight deadlines, material shortages, and a shortage of workforce. Moreover, working in the field is physically exhausting and dangerous. Many workers in the construction industry use drugs and alcohol to cope with stress or to relieve physical pain. The fact that over 90% of construction workers are male may play a role in this as well. According to a study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), men are more likely to drink alcohol, have drinking problems, use illegal drugs, and develop substance abuse disorders. According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use, around 15% of all construction workers in the United States have a substance abuse disorder, compared to 8.6% of the general population of adults. ## WHAT IS THE RISK ON THE JOB SITE? The construction industry is a high-risk work environment for employees due to the hazardous nature of the job. According to statistics, construction workers are six times more likely to suffer fatal injuries at work compared to workers in other industries. When combined with drug and alcohol abuse, the dangers only increase, leading to more workplace accidents and possible fatalities. Even the slightest lapse in attention or focus can have serious consequences, especially when working with heavy machinery or at heights. When workers show up to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol (or even just hungover), they may make poor decisions, act recklessly, disregard safety practices, or take unnecessary risks. This combination can result in an increase in accidents, injuries, and fa…

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# Is fatigue a workplace issue? Everyone should be concerned about the impact of fatigue as it can be considered a form of impairment, making fatigue a workplace hazard. However, fatigue levels are not easily measured or quantified; therefore, it is difficult to isolate the effect of fatigue on incident and injury rates. Workplace factors that may influence fatigue are shift rotation patterns, balanced workloads, timing of tasks and activities, availability of resources, and the workplace environment (e.g., lighting, ventilation, temperature, etc.). However, be sure to consider other factors beyond a lack of sleep including mental fatigue, such as mental workloads, demanding mental activities or stress, long periods of anxiety, or long periods of monotonous tasks, etc. Many studies focus on the amount of sleep required. Some research studies have shown that when workers have slept for less than 5 hours before work or when workers have been awake for more than 16 hours, their chance of making mistakes at work due to fatigue are significantly increased. Research has shown that the number of hours awake can be similar to blood alcohol levels. One study reports the following: - 17 hours awake is equivalent to a blood alcohol content of 0.05 21 hours awake is equivalent to a blood alcohol content of 0.08 (legal limit in Canada) - 24-25 hours awake is equivalent to a blood alcohol content of 0.10 Fatigue is regarded as having an impact on work performance. Government of Alberta, Labour* reports that most incidents occur when people are more likely to want sleep - between midnight and 6 am, and between 1 to 3 pm. Government of Alberta, Labour also reports that fatigue affects people differently but it can increase a worker's hazard exposure by: - reducing mental and physical functioning, - impairing judgement and concentration, - lowering motivation, - slowing reaction time, and - increasing risk-taking behaviour. *Source: Fatigue, Extended Work Hours, a…

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# BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH Date Published: 05/14/2025 ## Barriers to Mental Health Construction work is a hazardous activity that is prone to unsafe conditions and behaviors. If these are not controlled, they can lead to injuries or even fatalities. In the construction industry, workers need to be aware of various hazards to ensure they go home safely at the end of each day. Unfortunately, the combination of inherently dangerous hazards and the industry's high suicide rate makes it challenging to keep workers injury-free and mentally healthy. ## WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH? Mental health refers to a person's psychological well-being, which includes both emotional and behavioral health. It can be affected by various serious illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. Although mental health is primarily internal and emotional, it can also manifest itself in physical symptoms such as a decreased ability to focus, lower quality of sleep, loss of appetite, and difficulty interacting with coworkers and management. Mental illness can also increase the risk of more severe physical health issues like panic attacks, heart attacks, and strokes. These physical symptoms can increase the likelihood of workplace injuries, putting both the employee and those around them in danger. ## WHY IS CONSTRUCTION AT HIGH RISK FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS? The construction industry is one where mental health issues are more prevalent than in other industries. This is due to several factors, one of which is the historical cultural expectations of the industry. Being a male-dominated industry (89%), the construction sector is built on a culture of stoicism and self-reliance. Since people, especially men, don't often ask for help, they don't want to appear to be weak or incapable of performing their assigned tasks. Men are generally less likely to report their mental health issues, which means that they are less likely to receive any treatment. It's no surprise that men are also…

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# HOLISTIC SAFETY - AN INTEGRATED APPROACH Date Posted: 05/13/2025 ## Holistic Safety - An Integrated Approach Our home life can easily spill over into our professional life, and vice versa. This can have both positive and negative effects. If we're not careful, stressors at home can pile up and affect our work. Even though some stress may be severe enough for the worker experiencing it to stay away from work, most stress can be managed so that it doesn't create a hazardous situation. A safety culture that takes care of the physical, social, and emotional needs of your workforce can make a significant difference. A holistic approach is more than just about preventing and treating injuries on a job site. It involves looking after the entire person. Conversations on the job site should be more than just reviewing a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) or discussing schedules. A holistic approach allows workers to discuss not only the physical hazards they face at work but also the mental health hazards they may encounter both at and away from work. This doesn't mean managers and supervisors should interfere with workers' privacy and ask personal questions. It simply means being mindful that each person is more than just the work they can do on the job site and that their mental health is also an important aspect. ## PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH . Physical Safety Measures: Ensuring physical safety at work requires implementing strict safety protocols, conducting regular risk assessments, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE). This approach helps prevent accidents, injuries, and long-term health issues, fostering a secure and productive work environment. • Workplace Culture and Mental Health: Organizations are realizing the significance of mental health in the workplace, beyond just physical safety. A workplace culture that encourages open communication, reduces stigma around mental health issues, and offers resources for employees can greatly contribute to a saf…

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# FATIGUE Date Published: 05/14/2025 ## Fatigue Many people ignore or do not recognize the symptoms of fatigue. Fatigue results from the body being physically or mentally exhausted; in extreme cases, it can significantly reduce a person's physical and mental abilities. It is one of the leading causes of injury in the workplace and at home. On construction sites, long work hours and irregular work shifts are common in our society, and worker fatigue is increasingly recognized as a problem affecting the workforce. Research from the National Safety Council (NSC) shows that 13% of workplace injuries can be attributed to fatigue, a dangerous byproduct of a society that operates 24 hours a day. Many American workers work more than 40 hours a week, and almost 15 million work evening, night, rotating, or other irregular shifts. Work schedules like these can cause worker fatigue. ## WHAT IS FATIGUE? According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Fatigue has been described as "a feeling of weariness, tiredness or lack of energy." Fatigue reduces a person's ability to work safely and effectively. As a result, fatigue increases the risk of injuries or other accidents, even though someone's fatigue may result from work and off-work factors. Fatigue is extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness. Fatigue can leave workers performing at lower levels, exposing them to a higher risk and potential injury. Fatigue can have disastrous consequences in the workplace, especially in the construction, industrial, and manufacturing sectors, where hazards are more prevalent and the consequences more severe. When a worker's alertness level is diminished, the chance of incidents increases. Some statistics and data regarding workplace fatigue are: • Approximately 20% of workers are sleep deprived. • Poor sleep habits can lead to increased stress. • Injuries occur over three times more often in workers with less than 5 hours of…

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# HEAT STRESS ## Date Posted: 09/08/2016 Washington State can be known for its extreme temperatures. The temperature can change 20 degrees from one day to the next. Excessive heat can contribute to accidents in many ways. It becomes more difficult to concentrate on the job and this can lead to errors in judgment. It is important to be aware of the danger signs. When wearing restrictive clothing, even lower temperature can be dangerous. ## HEAT EXHAUSTION SYMPTOMS • Person is dazed, staggers, or becomes dizzy. • Person may present symptoms of nausea or vomiting and the person can feel chilly. • Person's face looks pale. • Person has weak pulse and body temperature is below normal. • Person is heavily sweating with clammy/moist skin. ## HEAT EXHAUSTION PREVENTION • Avoid ice water while working - Drink plenty of liquids, preferably water, every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty • Avoid heavy, fatty-type foods • Wear light colored clothing • Avoid fatigue; get plenty of rest REMEMBER: Alcohol consumption off work hours can still contribute to dehydration the next day. ## WHAT TO DO • Move person to a cooler place. Do not leave alone. • Loosen and remove heavy clothing that restricts evaporative cooling . If conscious, provide small amounts of cool water to drink • Remember three simple words: water, rest, shade. ## HEAT STROKE • More severe symptoms of heat exhaustion • Sweating may or may not be present • Red or flushed, hot, dry skin • Bizarre behavior • Mental confusion or losing consciousness ## WHAT TO DO • Call 911 for emergency medical assistance • Keep the victim lying down with their head lower than their feet. • Loosen the victim's clothing. • Give fluids if possible. Avoid ice water and alcohol. Salt solutions are best. Remember: Heat illness can be life threatening. The body is reacting to a life threatening situation. Do not take chances. Prevent Heat illness by being proactive.

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Shiftwork, Long Work Hours, and Fatigue Working evening or early morning shifts makes it hard to get enough quality sleep. Lack of sleep and long work hours can make you tired (fatigued) at work. Tired workers can have a harder time focusing, putting them at higher risk for injury. ## Henry's Story Henry was working the night shift on a large office building ¦ construction project. One night he almost severed a finger while operating a table saw. He had been working four 10- hour night shifts for 3 weeks to wrap up work on the project. * Have you ever felt too tired to work? - What do you do to stay alert at work? ## Remember This - Signs of fatigue include - Poor sleep 。 Feeling tired or falling asleep at work ○ Lack of energy or motivation; a 'do not care' attitude; moodiness; or poor judgment ○ Difficulty focusing on work ○ Slowed reactions - Increased anger or irritability ➤ Take action ○ Take breaks at least every 1 to 2 hours or spend time working on another task. ○ Eat healthy snacks often, such as fruit and nuts. Candy, chips, and other processed and sugary foods make you feel more tired. ○ Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. - If possible, stay or go frequently into brightly lit areas to improve alertness. ○ Don't drive or operate machinery if overly tired. Drowsiness increases your risk of a car crash or other incident. ➤ Make changes ○ Rest on your days off, and have at least one day off per week. ○ Limit use of caffeine, especially 5 hours or more before bed. ○ Make your sleeping space comfortable, dark, and quiet. Avoid lighted screens of cell phones, tablets, computers, etc., 60 to 90 minutes before bed. ○ Get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each day (most people need this much). See a doctor if you are having trouble sleeping or if you fall asleep at work. Remember, getting enough sleep can save your life. How can we sta…

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# SUBSTANCE ABUSE Date Posted: 05/13/2025 ## Mental Health Series - Substance Abuse Construction is a physically demanding job that can take a toll on the body. It's not surprising that many people in the industry turn to alcohol and drugs to relax and alleviate pain. Unfortunately, this often leads to addiction and dependence. Many construction workers use drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress or to self-medicate physical pain. According to the American Addiction Centers (AAC), the rate of substance abuse among construction industry workers is almost twice the national average, with approximately 15% of all construction workers in the United States having a substance abuse disorder compared to 8.6% of the general population. Some of the reasons that construction workers turn to substances include: - Long workdays • Physical pain and injury • Stress • Work-related disability - Mental illness ## CONSTRUCTION AND THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC Chronic pain is a significant factor that affects the use of opioids among construction workers. The physical demands of manual labor can take toll on the body, and it is common for workers in this industry to seek pain relief after experiencing an injury or due to regular wear and tear. Unfortunately, the construction industry has one of the highest injury rates in the United States, which has led to a common practice of prescribing opioids to treat the pain caused by these occupational injuries. However, the use of opioids has resulted in addiction and overdose deaths, making it critical for workers to understand the risks and alternatives available to them. Opioid use and abuse have posed an incredibly challenging problem in the construction industry. Due to the high injury rates, workers are often prescribed opioids for pain relief. Research has shown that approximately 15% of individuals who take these drugs become long-term users, increasing their chances of developing an addiction by more than ten times. #…

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# HOLISTIC SAFETY - AN INTEGRATED APPROACH (cont.) ## RECOGNIZING STRESS ON THE JOB SITE (cont.) • Sleep disruption and or insomnia. • Visible changes in mood, such as being withdrawn, irritable, tearful, or aggressive. • Frequent health issues such as headaches and fatigue. • Increased instances of anxiety. • Panic attacks. ## METHODS OF COPING WITH STRESSORS Learning how to cope with stress is essential to ensuring that individuals maintain their physical and mental health. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with stress. Some quick thoughts on coping with stressors, whether at work or away from work: • Identify the source(s) or stress: The first step to coping with stress is recognizing its triggers. Once you identify the sources of stress, you can try to address them or find ways to reduce their impact. • Take action to mitigate or eliminate the stressor(s): Not all stressors can be eliminated, but our reaction to them and how we face stressors can be improved. • Communicate: You don't have to deal with stress alone. Sometimes, stress relief on the job can come from having someone to talk to and vent frustrations or feelings that are usually internalized. • Practice self-care: Stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health, so taking care of yourself is essential. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol and drugs. • Have hobbies and coping mechanisms: Everyone needs a mental break from work and any stress caused at home. Healthy coping strategies include exercise, relaxation techniques, and social support. Exercise has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function. ## REFERENCES Total Worker Health® | Total Worker Health | CDC

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# HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES Date Posted: 09/09/2016 To provide and maintain a safe and healthy worksite, owners, contractors, employers, supervisors, and workers must accept and follow their own level of responsibility. ## HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS • Understand and follow the safety program and jobsite work procedures. • Wear appropriate clothing and use all required personal protective equipment. • Not take unnecessary risks and not endanger other workers through practicaljokes or horseplay. • Not use any broken tools or unsafe equipment; unsafe tools and equipment must be removed from service. • Stay off the worksite if impaired by drugs (medical or illegal) or alcohol or allow others to do so. • Refuse - to carry out any work activity that could result in harm to themselves or any other employee. • Maintain good housekeeping conditions • Report all injuries immediately to first aid, the supervisor, or the employer. ## LEARN MORE ## SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES • All workers are familiar with and follow the company safety program. • Workers are properly trained and follow safe jobsite work procedures, and the applicable work and safety regulations. • The jobsite is evaluated and hazards are eliminated. If hazards are not controlled, the employer must develop special work procedures to prevent the risk worker injury or disease. of • Workers wear appropriate clothing and the required personal protective equipment. • Appropriate tools, equipment, and materials are available and used. • Emergency jobsite procedures are developed and made known to workers. ## EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES • Develop, implement, and maintain a safety program designed to prevent injuries and disease in the workplace. • Evaluate worksite hazards and take necessary steps to protect workers • Plan the work to be done, ensuring that the right tools, equipment, and materials are available when needed. • Ensure that supervisors train workers in safe work practice…

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# Option 2 with the affected employee and supervisor and fill out the appropriate columns on the hazard assessment form. a. Rate the SEVERITY of injury (I-IV) that could result from the employee's exposure to the hazard during the task step. Estimate the most serious injury or illness that each hazard could reasonably cause and enter on the form. For example, contact with an unguarded table saw blade could be more serious than a cut; it could cause amputation of a finger or hand. - Factors increasing severity include • working at elevation • speed • amount of energy • temperature • toxicity • weight • physical fitness, etc. b. Rate the PROBABILITY of an accident actually happening (A-E). Estimate the likelihood for employee exposure to the hazard, considering such factors as • How often does exposure occur? How often does the hazard exist? • How many employees are exposed? - How far away is the hazard? How close do they get to the hazard? • What other conditions make injury or illness more or less likely? - Factors increasing probability include - frequency of exposure to the danger point • duration of exposure • number of employees involved • factors causing stress • lack of training • physical and mental capability of the worker. 26

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# FATIGUE (cont.) ## TIPS FOR MANAGING FATIGUE AT WORK AND HOME Because fatigue is a serious issue and can lead to accidents and injuries, it is essential to know how to combat fatigue. Some methods used to combat the effects of fatigue are as follows: • Take appropriate rest breaks. • If possible, try to sleep at the same time each day. • Workers who sleep during the day should find a dark, cool, quiet place and use earplugs to block noise. • Vary work tasks so that you stay alert. - Using machinery to assist with tasks, where appropriate. • Staying hydrated and drinking enough fluids. - Job/task rotation. - Get regular sleep. 6-8 hours a night is recommended. • Do not rely on stimulants. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes, as they can all cause sleep disturbances. • Eat a balanced diet with foods that provide long-lasting energy. • Exercise regularly, as this can aid in falling asleep faster. ## REFERENCES Long Work Hours, Extended or Irregular Shifts, and Worker Fatigue - Additional Resources | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov) Work and Fatigue | NIOSH | CDC Fatigue - National Safety Council (nsc.org)

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# What should be done if impairment is suspected? (cont.) Recall it is not the employer or supervisor's duty to diagnose an employee, or to know if they have a disability. Employers can observe changes in an employee's attendance, performance, or behaviour. They can initiate a discussion about the issue(s) as related to work, and discuss possible solutions. The discussion between the employer and employee may need to occur more than once. Document all discussions. Provide support and practice empathy, not sympathy. Focus on solutions, but if disciplinary action is necessary, it is important to follow through ## What is meant by fit for work? An employer's concern is centred on the individual's ability to do their tasks safely. Also known as fit (or fitness) for work, this concept describes the ability to perform assigned duties safely and to an acceptable level. Fit for work usually applies to a time period, such as that task or that day. This measure may be used in many situations, including fatigue, alcohol or other substance use, mental health, or medical fitness. If a worker is considered unfit for work, options include to: - Assess the situation - Assess if work duties may be contributing to the observations - Arrange for medical assessment if necessary Note: While fit for work is used for a time period or task, there may also be a process called "fit to work which often refers to a process involving a medical assessment done when an employer wishes to be sure a worker can safely do a specific job or task. Fit to work assessments are most often done to determine medical fitness after an illness or injury. ## How can concerns about impairment and safety be stated? The supervisor or a delegated person should have a conversation with any individual who is suspected of being impaired at work. It is best to explore the situation and gather information before coming O conclusions. Stating the concerns should be done in an unbiased and factual manner. Do not…