Write a toolbox talk on safety

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Construction Prevent Falls: Guardrails Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Falls are a leading cause of construction injuries and fatalities. Workers can fall from ladders, scaffolds, vehicles, heavy equipment, aerial lifts, platforms, and roofs, and through holes or openings in floors or roofs. Guardrails can prevent a fall. ## Bill's Story Bill was repairing an air conditioning unit on the roof of a three-story building. He was about a foot from an unguarded edge. When he stood up, he lost his balance. Bill fell 23 feet to the cement floor below and died. *What caused this incident? - How could this have been prevented? * Have you ever fallen because of a missing guardrail, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent fall injuries? ## Remember This • Your employer must provide every employee with training on how to recognize a fall hazard and on fall protection. • Guardrails, safety nets, and/or personal fall-arrest systems must be in place if there is a risk for falls. • Guardrails are required on work surfaces where workers are at risk of falls greater than 6 feet. - Guardrails must be 42 inches high (+/- 3") and have a mid-rail. • Body harnesses with lanyards and secure attachment points provided by employers must be used if guardrails cannot be provided. OSHA Standards: 1926.501 and 1926.503 CD C National and Health NIOSH® CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION CPWR 【O THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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# THE FATAL FOUR IN CONSTRUCTION - STRUCK BY ## Date Posted: 12/12/2023 According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), struck-by incidents occur when a moving object strikes a worker. These struck-by incidents are a leading cause of death among construction workers. The four most common struck-by hazards are struck by a flying, falling, swinging, or rolling object, both large and small, from vehicles and heavy machinery to rocks, gravel, and tools. Construction workers have two times the risk of struck-by injuries than all other industries. ## CATEGORIES AND EXAMPLES OF STRUCK BY HAZARDS? A struck-by hazard is anything at your worksite that could produce injuries by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object or equipment. Struck-by fall into four categories: risks ## FLYING OBJECT According to OSHA, "a flying object hazard exists when something has been thrown, hurled, or is being propelled across space." It can include instances when a piece of separates from a tool, machine, or other equipment, striking a worker and resulting in injuries or fatalities. Examples of struck-by-flying object hazards: material • A piece of material separates from a tool, machine, or other equipment and strikes a worker. • An object is ejected under power by a tool or equipment usually designed for that purpose, such as a nail from a nail gun. • Compressed air used to power tools or clean surfaces causes flying object hazards. ## FALLING OBJECT Struck-by-falling object hazards involve objects falling from an elevation to a lower level. Injuries from these hazards include instances where the injured person is crushed, pinned, or caught under a falling object. Examples of struck-by-falling object hazards: - A worker is struck by a load, or parts of a load, that falls from a vehicle or other equipment. • A crane boom, or another piece of equipment, breaks, collapses, and strikes a worker. • A section from a structur…

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# SCAFFOLD SAFETY Date Posted: 08/27/2016 Every year nearly 100 fatalities and 10,000 injuries occur on scaffolding across the country, despite numerous safety regulations aimed to prevent such incidents. There are a number of different scaffold types, having different rules and regulations surrounding their assembly, fall prevention requirements, and inspection procedures. ## GENERAL RULES FOR ALL SCAFFOLDING • All employees who work on scaffolding must receive training from their employer. • A competent person shall be clearly identified for all scaffolding work. • Guardrails & toeboards shall be installed on all open sides/ends of scaffolding platforms 10 feet or more above ground or floor level. • Employees shall not climb cross braces or end frames unless end frames are designed and constructed to be climbed. An access ladder, stair tower equivalent safe access shall be provided for all scaffolding. or • - Do not use a ladder or other device on scaffolding platforms to increase height or reach. • Never use scaffolding until it is inspected and signed off by the competent person. ## INSPECTIONS • At the beginning of each shift scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person. In addition, scaffolding must also be inspected after an event that may have compromised the structural integrity of the system. ## ASSEMBLING AND DISASSEMBLING SCAFFOLDING. • Scaffolding must be plumb, level, erected and used on a firm, level surface and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without settling or displacement. • Wheels or base plates must be used to establish a firm, level base. • - Mud sills must be used if the scaffolding is constructed on soft or unstable ground. • Where people are required to work or pass under or near any scaffolding, a mesh screen shall be provided between the toeboard and the top guardrail. • Planks shall not extend over the end supports less than 6 inches or more than 12 inches. • Free-standing scaffolding towers shal…

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Trench Safety When a trench caves in, the weight of the dirt can trap and kill workers. One cubic yard of dirt can weigh 3,000 pounds or more. Each year, trench collapses seriously injure or kill construction workers. In 2016, for example, 23 workers were killed in trench collapses. ## Jim, Nico, and Jose's Story Three laborers were working in an 8-foot-high wall trench. The walls were not shored-up. One side caved in, burying Nico and partially burying Jim. Jose managed to escape unharmed. Jim was pulled out. Nico suffocated and died. - How could this incident have been prevented? - Have you ever been in a trench cave-in? If so, what happened? : ## Remember This ➤ Never enter an unprotected or uninspected trench, even for a short task. A trained, competent person must inspect the trench and surroundings first. ➤Make sure you understand your employer's trench emergency program. ➤ Make sure rocks and dirt are kept at least 2 feet away from the top of the trench. - Never work alone in a trench and never without a lookout standing by. ➤ Make sure trench protection is provided by your employer. OSHA allows benching or sloping ground, shoring, or shielding with supports or trench boxes. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to promote trench safety? 1. 2. OSHA Regulation: 1926.651(k)(1) ©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. CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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# LOCK OUT TAG OUT (LOTO) DANGER LOCKED OUT DO NOT REMOVE DAN ER DON IT OPER Date Posted: 05/29/2024 The release of uncontrolled energy causes thousands of injuries each year. Each year, approximately 3,000 workers suffer lost-time injuries from being caught in dangerous parts of equipment or machinery during maintenance or cleaning, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Further, each year, there are approximately 60 fatalities from similar exposures. ## WHAT IS LOTO? A lockout tag-out (LOTO) is a set of safety procedures to prevent personal injury or property damage when working with, near, or on machines, tools, or equipment. Also called LOTO procedures, they involve manually adding locks and tags to parts of machines to make all employees aware of the maintenance work and prevent accidents. Employees involved in the lockout tag-out place locks on machines to prevent others from turning the machine on, and they place tags as warning signs of the current maintenance. LOTO aims to protect workers from accidental injury or death caused by unexpected equipment start-up or the release of stored energy. At the same time, maintenance or servicing is performed. The procedure involves locking or tagging the equipment's energy-isolating devices, such as switches or valves, and preventing the release of hazardous energy until the work is completed and the equipment is deemed safe to operate again. ## What Sorts of Energy Should I be Concerned about in Construction? According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Energy sources, including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other sources in machines and equipment, can be hazardous to workers. During the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment, the unexpected startup or release of stored energy can result in severe injury or death to workers. Kinetic and potential are two encompassing forms of energy prevalent in the construction industry…

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA CAL OSHA DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health Publications Unit # SETTING UP A TAILGATE/TOOLBOX SAFETY MEETING January 2020 Job site tailgate and toolbox safety meetings are brief meetings, proven to prevent accidents, illnesses, and on-the- job injuries by improving the safety culture at your job site. Refer to the referenced Title 8, California Code of Regulations (T8CCR) sections for details on the requirements for these safety meetings. ## Why Have Tailgate/Toolbox Safety Meetings? They are required for the construction (T8CCR Section 1509) and tunneling (T8CCR Section 8406) industries. In addition, all California employers must have an Injury and Illness Prevention Program that includes employee training in safe work practices (T8CCR Section 3203). Tailgate/Toolbox meetings can help reinforce that training. ## What to Talk About? Work practices, machinery, tools, equipment, materials, attitudes, and anything else that may cause or contribute to a work-related accident or illness. Keep the topic relevant to the job or tasks that workers perform. Address existing job site problems by drawing on workers' real-life experiences. Review and discuss: • OSHA Log 300 records. • Findings from safety inspections and accident and near miss investigations, including corrective actions taken. Supervisors or foremen should remind all employees - especially newer ones - of the dangers of working with particular kinds of machinery, tools, equipment, and materials. You should also carefully observe your workplace and employees' work activities for potential safety hazards. For example, if you notice that spills are not being cleaned up promptly, discuss housekeeping policies. If an accident or near-accident occurred at your job site, share the details and corrective actions. Try to answer the following questions at the meeting: • What happened? • Where did …

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# HOUSEKEEPING Last Review: 08/01/2025 Date Posted: 05/13/2025 # Housekeeping Maintaining a clean and tidy work area is a crucial practice on construction sites. Every individual working on the job site plays an essential role in ensuring good housekeeping. It refers to a workplace that is free from hazards and is organized and clutter-free. Good housekeeping is an integral part of daily work activities and plays a vital role in ensuring a safe working environment. All employees at all levels are responsible for maintaining good housekeeping standards, and it is an ongoing process that everyone must contribute to. ## HAZARDS OF POOR HOUSEKEEPING According to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), poor housekeeping is a leading cause of workplace accidents and injuries. A construction site with poor housekeeping can pose several hazards and risks to workers. When tools and materials are left lying around, it can create tripping hazards that can cause slips, trips, and falls. Clutter and debris can also obstruct walkways, causing workers to bump into objects, resulting in cuts, bruises, and other injuries. Good job site housekeeping is not just about cleanliness; it is a fundamental element for job site accident and fire prevention. It requires attention to detail, such as job site layout, internal job site travel routes, identification of potential hazards, and ensuring adequate storage areas and waste disposal areas. Poor housekeeping be a cause of accidents, such as: the can • Tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs, and platforms. - Being struck by falling objects. - Slipping on wet, oily, or dirty surfaces. - Striking against projecting, poorly stacked items, or misplaced materials. - Cutting, puncturing, or tearing the skin of hands or other parts of the body on projecting nails, wire, or steel strapping. ## HAZARD PREVENTION To avoid workplace hazards, maintain good housekeeping practices throughout the workday. Regular…

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# PLANNING AHEAD FOR FALL PROTECTION Date Posted: 02/17/2024 According to the Labor and Industries Department of Safety and Health (DOSH), Falls are the number one serious hazard for workers in most industries that can result in injuries or even death and accounted for 17 fatalities from 2017-2022 in Washington State. From a national perspective and according to statistics published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 351 workplace fatalities in construction nationally due to falls to a lower level in 2020. ## HOW AND WHERE FALLS ARE OCCURRING According to a recent national survey conducted by the BLS: - 17% of the workers who fell were loading and unloading material when the fall occurred. • 13% of the workers who fell were involved in operating, repairing, cleaning, or installing equipment. • 10% of the workers were performing carpentry tasks. • The remaining activities that resulted in falls included painting, welding, roof work, sheet metal work, and bricklaying. The BLS study also asked participants to describe their specific movements during the fall. - 28% percent of the workers who fell said they were climbing up or down from an elevated position or location. • 13% of the workers were walking at the time they fell. • 11% of the workers were stepping from one surface to another. - 10% of the workers were moving backward. Adequate fall protection and equipment use could have prevented most of the fatalities and injuries reported in the BLS study. ## UNSAFE ACTS AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS The risk of falls is virtually present in every single workplace. However, the factors that can lead to a fall vary greatly. Many unsafe acts by employees as well as unsafe conditions, lead to fall incidents. Falls often result from series of contributing factors. They are often the result of multiple dangerous conditions and hazardous actions combined. Because of this, it is essential to look at unsafe conditions and unsafe acts to recognize dange…

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Head Protection The hard hat is one of the most widely used and important pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job. Hard hats protect workers from head injuries due to falling objects and overhead hazards. ## Bob's Story Bob and his crew were putting a new roof on a house. During his lunch break, Bob was on the ground eating a sandwich. A worker on the roof dropped his hammer. The falling hammer struck Bob's hard hat. Although Bob had some pain and discomfort, he did not need hospitalization. - Have you or someone you know ever had their hard hat prevent an injury? If so, what happened? - How could this incident have been prevented? ## Remember This ➤ On a jobsite, always wear a hard hat that fits properly. ➤ Always wear your hard hat with the bill facing forward. Certification by ANSI does not cover hard hats worn backwards. ➤ Always avoid contact between the hard hat and electric wires. ➤ Always keep the space between the shell and the head clear. For example, don't wear a ball cap or other object under your hard hat. Never alter its shell or suspension, because that could drastically reduce the protection it gives. ➤ Never use a cushion-support suspension that is intended for use with a different hard hat shell or that is made by a different manufacturer. ➤ If you wear eye protection, use a kind designed to work with hard hats. Be sure to follow the maker's instructions for use. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to promote hard hat use and prevent head injuries? - 1. - 2. OSHA Regulation: 1926.100 ©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 an…

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Housekeeping Housekeeping refers to making sure materials are in good condition and keeping the areas we work in and walk in clean, orderly, sanitary, and dry. Bad housekeeping is dangerous at any time. It can lead to production delays, property damage, and higher costs. ## Sharon's Story Sharon, a carpenter, was doing framing for a custom-sized space on the second story of a house. A lot of wood pieces, scraps, and sawdust had accumulated around the sawhorses, power tools, cords, and piles of materials. When leaving for the day, she tripped over some of the items on the floor and fell down the stairwell, injuring her neck. - What could have been done to prevent this incident? - Does your worksite have a lot of lumber, debris, or flammable materials lying around? - How often are materials organized and placed where they belong? ## Remember This - Keep floors dry, clean, and clear of waste. - Keep workplaces well-lighted. - Keep hoses, power cords, and welding leads out of heavily travelled walkways or areas. - Keep materials away from openings, roof edges, excavations, and trenches. - Keep all work areas, walkways, and stairs in and around buildings or other structures clear. - Don't allow materials or garbage to build up. Remove unused materials. - Don't block emergency exits, fire equipment, or first aid stations. ➤ Don't store chemicals and gases near heat sources or electrical equipment. - Place, stack, or store materials and equipment where they will not cause injury to workers. - Provide separate, covered containers for collecting different wastes, such as trash, oily rags, dry rags, and flammable or hazardous materials (acids, harsh or harmful dusts, etc.). How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to promote housekeeping? 1. 2. OSHA Regulation: 1926.25 ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR …

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Preventing Falls CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK From Scaffolding When scaffolds are not upright or used properly, falls can occur. Protecting workers from scaffold- related accidents would prevent many deaths and more than 4,000 injuries each year. ## Here is an Example Willie, a construction worker, fell 20 feet from an unsecured scaffold. He had been helping to install metal frames on the outer wall of a residential building when the accident happened. The leaning scaffold was not tied off and had been moving away from the building while Willie was working. He fell to the ground, hitting his head on the second story, and died. 1. Why did this tragedy happen? How could it have been prevented? 2. Have you ever had an injury due to falling from scaffolding, or have you heard of anyone who has fallen from scaffolding? 3. If so, what happened? ## Preventing Falls from Scaffolding • Provide an access ladder. • Only use scaffold-grade lumber. • Install guardrails and toeboards on all scaffolding 10 or more feet above the ground. • Make sure the scaffold is able to support four times the maximum intended load (including the weight of the scaffold). • Make sure the scaffold is level by using screw jacks on base plates and mudsills. • Keep scaffold within 14 inches of the building. ## What Are We Going to Do Today? What will we do here at the worksite today to prevent injuries from scaffolding? - 1. 2. - 3. ## OSHA REGULATIONS: 1926.451 ©2013, CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research, training, and service arm of the Building and Construction Trades Dept., AFL-CIO, and works to reduce or eliminate safety and health hazards construction workers face on the job. Production of this card was supported by Grant OH009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necess…

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# Trench Safety (cont.) ## Remember This (cont.) CPWR TOOLBOX RESEARCH AND TRAINING THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION TALK # Trench Safety Keep rocks and dirt at least 2 feet away from the top of the trench. - Make sure trench protection is provided by your employer. OSHA allows sloping and benching, shoring, and shields. * Never work alone in a trench and never without a lookout standing by. - Make sure rocks and dirt are at least 2 feet away from the top of the trench. ©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. CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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CPWR TOOLBOX RESEARCH AND TRAINING THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION TALK Being struck by falling objects is a leading cause of construction fatalities. Even a small object, falling from a height, can cause serious or fatal injuries. ## Ted's Story Ted was picking up debris at a construction site. A forklift was lifting a pile of lumber to the second floor next to him. The lumber was not secure and fell from the forklift. One board struck Ted in the head. He was wearing a hard hat, but the incident left him with a concussion. - What could have been done to prevent this incident? * Have you or someone you know ever been injured by a falling object on a job site? # Equipment: Falling Objects ## Remember This ➤ Do not hoist loads or allow them to pass over people. ➤ Secure loads before lifting them by forklifts. ➤ Secure all tools in elevated work areas if they are close to leading edges. ➤ Always wear a hard hat. ➤ Ask your employer to place toe boards on all scaffolding and open elevations to protect workers below from falling materials. ➤ Stack materials neatly to keep them from toppling over. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent workers from being struck and injured by falling objects? 1. 2. OSHA Standard: 1926.250 ©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. CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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# SKYLIGHTS Date Posted: 08/22/2016 Skylights are openings in the roof that allow daylight to enter a given space. The biggest concern with skylights are trip and fall hazards before during and after installation, always keep openings covered. Access - How will workers get to the skylight installation? Is there stair access? Will scaffolding or a ladder be required? Will it be accessed from below? Fall Protection - All employees working on the skylight install should be tied off unless additional safety features such as catch platforms have been installed. Overhead Protection - Will work be taking place beneath the skylight installation? If so, what steps have we taken to prevent materials or equipment from falling through the roof openings and striking workers below? Do workers beneath the installation know that there is overhead work taking place? Do workers involved with the skylight installation know there is work below? Scheduling - If possible, the skylight installation should be scheduled in a way that minimizes risks associated with additional trades work. ## MATERIAL DELIVERY • Rigging - It is important to ensure glazing and framing is properly secured during rigging so nothing drops when it is being hoisted to the roof. • Point Loading - Roof structures can only withstand a specific weight load. If we are hoisting all of our material onto one location, has that location been designed to bear all of that extra weight? • Pinch points/Caught between - When rigging materials to be hoisted to the roof it is important to be aware of the pinch points (i.e. between glass panels, at anchors, etc.). When dropping materials it is important to ensure there is a safe and designated area that will be clearly marked to prevent employees from being struck by or caught between the materials. • Rescue & Retrieval - Have safety protocols been put into place for rescue and retrieval in case someone falls through the system? Fall protection is one thing, but e…

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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 …