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Write a toolbox talk on workplace safety, identifying hazards

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Published by SALUS

Workplace Safety: Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, Control Measures, PPE, and Reporting Unsafe Conditions ================================================================================================================

Date: 2026-07-28

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

To reinforce how workers identify hazards, assess risk, apply the hierarchy of controls, use PPE correctly, follow safe work practices, comply with OSHA requirements, and report unsafe conditions and near misses before they cause injuries.

Introduction

Workplace incidents are rarely caused by a single mistake. More often, they result from a combination of hazards, unsafe conditions, and unsafe acts that were not recognized or controlled in time. A strong safety culture depends on every worker knowing how to spot hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and take action using the most effective controls available. This toolbox talk focuses on practical steps that reduce injuries, prevent near misses from becoming serious incidents, and support OSHA-compliant work practices. It also emphasizes that hazard reporting is not optional—it is a critical part of preventing the next injury.

Presenter Note: Open by asking workers to name one hazard they saw this week. Use their answers to connect the talk to current site conditions and reinforce that reporting hazards early prevents incidents.

Key Points

  • 1\. Identify hazards before starting work: A hazard can be an object, material, substance, condition, process, or behavior that can cause harm. Workers should look for obvious hazards such as unguarded machinery, exposed electrical parts, fall hazards, and struck-by risks, as well as less obvious hazards such as poor housekeeping, slippery surfaces, repetitive tasks, or changing weather conditions. Hazard identification should happen before work begins and continue throughout the shift as conditions change. [1]

[2]

  • Inspect the work area, tools, equipment, and access routes.
  • Pay attention to changes in weather, lighting, traffic, and nearby work.
  • Treat near misses as warning signs that a hazard still exists.
  • 2\. Use job hazard analysis to assess risk: A job hazard analysis breaks a task into steps, identifies the hazards in each step, evaluates who may be exposed, and considers the severity and likelihood of harm. This process helps determine whether the task can be done more safely, whether different tools or methods should be used, and what controls are needed. A good JHA is a living document that should be reviewed with the crew and updated when conditions change. [2]

[2]

  • Break the job into clear task steps.
  • Identify hazards, exposure, and possible consequences for each step.
  • Review the analysis with the workers doing the job.
  • Update the JHA when site conditions or work methods change.
  • 3\. Apply the hierarchy of controls first: The hierarchy of hazard controls is the preferred method for controlling workplace hazards. Start with elimination, then substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally PPE. PPE is important, but it is the least effective control by itself and should be used as the last line of defense or in combination with stronger controls whenever possible. [1]

[3]

  • Eliminate the hazard if the task or exposure can be removed entirely.
  • Substitute a less hazardous material, process, or method.
  • Use engineering controls such as guards, barriers, or isolation.
  • Use administrative controls such as procedures, signage, training, and exposure limits.
  • Use PPE to reduce residual risk after higher-level controls are in place.
  • 4\. Control hazards through safe work practices and housekeeping: Safe work practices reduce exposure by changing how the job is done. Good housekeeping is part of daily safety, not an end-of-shift cleanup only. Keep walkways clear, store materials properly, secure cords and hoses, maintain access to exits and emergency equipment, and remove debris that could cause slips, trips, falls, cuts, or struck-by incidents. Safe work planning should also include the correct tools, proper setup, and clear communication before work starts. [6]

[4]

  • Keep work areas organized and free of clutter.
  • Store materials so they cannot topple, roll, or block access routes.
  • Maintain clear access to exits, fire equipment, and emergency equipment.
  • Use the correct tool and equipment for the task.
  • Stop work and reassess if conditions become unsafe.
  • 5\. Understand employee responsibilities and reporting expectations: Every employee is responsible for working safely, following procedures, using required PPE, and reporting unsafe conditions, hazards, injuries, incidents, illnesses, and near misses. Reporting is essential because near misses often reveal the same hazard that could cause a serious injury later. Workers should also speak up when controls are missing, damaged, or not working as intended, and they should not continue work until the hazard is addressed or the risk is controlled. [1]

[1]

  • Report hazards immediately to the supervisor or designated contact.
  • Report near misses even when no one was hurt.
  • Do not bypass guards, remove barriers, or ignore warnings.
  • Participate in inspections, briefings, and JHA reviews.

Hazard Identification

Common workplace hazards can appear in almost every job site. The key is to recognize them early, understand the likely consequences, and choose controls that reduce exposure before an incident occurs.

  • Slips, trips, and falls caused by clutter, wet surfaces, uneven walking surfaces, cords, or poor housekeeping.: Sprains, fractures, head injuries, lost-time incidents, and serious injury from same-level or elevated falls. [6]

[12]

(Risk: High)

  • Struck-by hazards from moving vehicles, equipment, falling objects, swinging loads, or airborne materials.: Crush injuries, fractures, head trauma, fatalities, and property damage. [5]

[5]

(Risk: High)

  • Fall hazards from unguarded edges, roofs, scaffolds, ladders, openings, or elevated work surfaces.: Severe injury or death from falls to a lower level, impact with structures, or impalement hazards. [7]

[9]

(Risk: High)

  • Electrical hazards from energized equipment, exposed conductors, or improper work near electrical systems.: Shock, electrocution, burns, arc flash injuries, fire, and secondary injuries from falls or startled movement. [1]

[4]

(Risk: High)

  • Poorly controlled hazardous energy or unsafe maintenance activities when equipment is not isolated before work begins.: Unexpected startup, crushing, entanglement, lacerations, amputations, and fatal injuries. [4]

(Risk: High)

Presenter Note: Use the hazard list to ask workers where each hazard exists on the site today. Encourage them to identify one control for each hazard before moving on.

Control Measures

Use the hierarchy of controls to choose the strongest practical protection. Eliminate the hazard when possible, substitute a safer material or method, install engineering controls to isolate people from the hazard, use administrative controls to change how the work is performed, and rely on PPE only as the final layer of protection. The goal is to reduce exposure at the source rather than depending only on worker behavior. [1] [3]

  • Eliminate the hazard whenever feasible.: Redesign the task, remove the hazard, or complete the work from a safer location so exposure is no longer necessary. [1]

[1]

  • Substitute a less hazardous material, tool, or process.: Replace hazardous products or methods with safer alternatives, such as lower-toxicity materials or less risky work methods. [1]

[1]

  • Install engineering controls to isolate workers from the hazard.: Use guards, guardrails, barriers, machine guarding, test boxes, or other physical controls that separate people from the hazard. [1]

[4]

  • Use administrative controls to change how the work is performed.: Apply written procedures, job briefings, signage, exposure limits, scheduling changes, and training to reduce risk and improve consistency. [1]

[2]

  • Maintain good housekeeping and clear access routes.: Keep floors, walkways, stairs, exits, and emergency equipment areas free of debris, cords, waste, and stored materials that could create slip, trip, fall, or access hazards. [6]

[6]

  • Report unsafe conditions and near misses immediately.: Stop and notify supervision when a hazard cannot be controlled right away. Document near misses so the team can correct the underlying cause before someone is injured. [1]

[1]

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Conduct a pre-task review of the job hazard analysis, site conditions, and required controls before starting work. [2]
  2. Inspect the work area, tools, equipment, access routes, and surrounding conditions for new or changing hazards. [1]
  3. Verify that guards, barriers, warning signs, and other engineering controls are in place and functioning. [1]
  4. Use the correct work method and equipment for the task, and do not improvise with damaged or unsuitable tools. [2]
  5. Stop work and reassess if conditions change, such as weather, lighting, traffic, or the work sequence. [2]
  6. Report hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly so corrective action can be taken before the next exposure. [1]

Presenter Note: Walk through the steps as a simple field checklist: review, inspect, control, work, reassess, report. Ask the crew where the process could fail if someone rushed or skipped a step.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Head Protection: Wear a hard hat when there is a risk of overhead objects, exposed pipes or beams, or energized electrical equipment. Select the correct type of head protection for the hazard and ensure it fits securely and is in good condition before use. [13]

[13]

  • Inspect for cracks, UV damage, or missing suspension parts.
  • Replace damaged head protection immediately.
  • Use electrical-rated head protection where required.
  • Eye and Face Protection: Use safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield when there is a risk of flying particles, dust, splashes, or impact to the eyes and face. Choose the protection that matches the hazard and wear it consistently, not only when the task seems risky. [3]

[8]

  • Use goggles for splash or dust hazards.
  • Use a face shield with eye protection when impact or splash exposure is possible.
  • Keep lenses clean and replace scratched or damaged PPE.
  • Hand Protection: Select gloves based on the hazard, such as general-purpose, chemical-resistant, electrical-rated, or heat-resistant gloves. Gloves must fit properly and allow the worker to maintain grip and dexterity without creating a new hazard. [3]

[8]

  • Match glove material to the task.
  • Inspect gloves for tears, punctures, or contamination.
  • Remove damaged gloves from service immediately.
  • Foot Protection: Wear appropriate safety footwear to reduce the risk of slips, trips, punctures, and crushing injuries. Footwear should be selected for the work environment and kept in good condition so it provides traction and protection throughout the shift. [3]

[11]

  • Use slip-resistant soles where walking surfaces may be slick or uneven.
  • Use safety-toe or steel-toe boots where crushing hazards exist.
  • Keep footwear clean and dry when possible to preserve traction.

PPE is essential, but it does not remove the hazard. Workers must understand what each item protects against, wear it correctly, inspect it before use, and replace it when damaged or no longer effective. PPE works best when combined with elimination, engineering controls, and safe work practices. [3] [3]

Real-World Example or Case Study

A common incident pattern involves a worker noticing a hazard but continuing work because the task seems minor or the schedule is tight. For example, a crew may see debris, cords, or an unguarded edge and assume someone else will fix it later. In many serious incidents, the warning signs were present earlier as a near miss. If the crew had stopped, reported the condition, and applied a control such as housekeeping, barricading, or a guardrail, the injury could have been prevented. The lesson is simple: near misses are not harmless—they are early warnings that the next event could be worse. [1] [6]

Presenter Note: Use this example to ask the group whether they have seen a near miss that was not reported. Reinforce that reporting is a prevention tool, not a blame exercise.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What hazards in our work area could injure someone today if they were not controlled?
  2. Which control measure would be the strongest option for one of those hazards: elimination, engineering, administrative, or PPE?
  3. What is one unsafe condition or near miss you should report before the end of the shift?

Presenter Note: Pause after each question and let workers answer with site-specific examples. Capture one action item from the group and assign ownership before ending the talk.

Emergency Procedures

  1. Stop work immediately if a serious hazard, injury, or near miss occurs and make the area safe if it can be done without exposing anyone to additional danger. [1]
  2. Notify supervision and follow the site emergency response procedure for medical aid, evacuation, or isolation of the hazard as required. [4]
  3. If electrical or other hazardous energy is involved, isolate the equipment using the appropriate lockout/tagout or hazardous energy control procedure before anyone approaches the hazard. [4]

Questions and Answers

Questions are encouraged. If something is unclear, ask before work starts or before conditions change. Safety improves when workers speak up early and often. [2]

  • Q: Why is hazard identification so important?

A: Because hazards are the starting point for prevention. If workers identify hazards early, the team can choose the right controls before someone is injured or a near miss becomes a serious incident. [1]

  • Q: What should I do if I see an unsafe condition or near miss?

A: Report it immediately, stop work if necessary, and help make the area safe if you can do so without creating additional risk. Near misses should be investigated because they often reveal the same hazard that could injure someone next time. [1]

  • Q: Is PPE enough by itself?

A: No. PPE is the last line of defense and should be used after stronger controls such as elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls have been considered and applied where practical. [3] [1]

Summary

Recap of main points:

  • Identify hazards continuously, not just at the start of the job. [1]
  • Use the hierarchy of controls to choose the strongest practical protection. [1]
  • Wear the correct PPE, but remember it is the last line of defense. [3]
  • Report unsafe conditions and near misses immediately so the hazard can be corrected before someone gets hurt. [1]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

  1. Inspect your work area and identify at least one hazard before starting the task. [1]
  2. Confirm the control measures in place and speak up if a stronger control is needed. [1]
  3. Wear the required PPE correctly and replace damaged PPE before use. [10]

[3]

  1. Report unsafe conditions, injuries, incidents, illnesses, and near misses without delay. [1]

Remember: See it, assess it, control it, report it.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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Sources used for this answer

[1] Toolbox Talk: Slips, Trips, and Falls

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# SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS Date Posted: 01/30/2024 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly one-third of reportable injuries and 40% of fatalities in construction result from slips, trips, and falls nationally. These injuries result in 50% more days away from work than other injuries. Slips, trips, and falls are among the top three causes of work-related injury. A worker doesn't have to fall from a high level to suffer fatal injuries; 136 workers were killed in falls on the same level in 2020. However, each of these describes a slightly different kind of incident: • Slips happen when traction's lost between the bottom of your shoe and whatever you're stepping on. This can be caused by uneven terrains like wet ground, ice, or mud; wet or greasy surfaces; poor footwear; and other issues. In addition, slips are more likely to occur when a worker hurries or runs, wears the wrong footwear or ignores where they're walking. • A trip is when someone catches their foot against an object or uneven terrain, causing them to trip and fall. Poor lighting misplaced tools, debris like gravel or nails, and improper safety gear also cause tripping hazards. A fall is a much more severe injury where someone lands too hard on their feet, torso, or head and is knocked over. NOTE: CARRYING, PUSHING, OR PULLING ITEMS THAT ARE HEAVY OR AWKWARD CAN ALSO MAKE SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS MORE LIKELY. THESE ACTIONS CAN AFFECT THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN BALANCE AND THE AMOUNT OF TRACTION NEEDED WHERE THE FEET MEET THE GROUND. ## COMMON CAUSES OF SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL ACCIDENTS - Slick spots or oily spots on walking surfaces • Clutter - Debris • Unsafe stairs or ladders • Improperly secured ladders or scaffolding parts • Improperly sloped walking surfaces • Loose or unsecured flooring • Ramps without skid or slip-resistant surfaces - Accessing/Egressing vehicles and equipment - Loose surfaces such as gravel or crushed rock • Weather-related hazards • Uncovered or unse…

[2] Toolbox Talk: The Fatal Four in Construction – Struck By

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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…

[3] Toolbox Talk: Housekeeping

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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…

[4] Toolbox Talk: Fall Protection

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# FALL PROTECTION Date Posted: 09/15/2016 ## FALL PROTECTION Falls are the most frequent cause of fatalities in construction and annually account for one of every three construction-related deaths. Fall protection trigger heights will vary depending on the task being performed. The "trigger height" is the minimum height at which fall protection is required. Know the trigger heights for your work and use fall protection as required. ## FALL PROTECTION REQUIRED REGARDLESS OF HEIGHT WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] - Open sided floors, walkways, platforms, or runways above or adjacent to dangerous equipment. • Floor holes or floor openings into which persons can accidentally walk. • Falls into or onto impalement hazards, such as reinforcing steel (rebar), or exposed steel or wood stakes used to set forms. • Working from boom supported elevated work platforms. WAC 296-869-[redacted postal code] • Working in confined spaces. WAC 296-809-[redacted postal code] ## FALL PROTECTION AT FOUR FEET OR MORE WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] • When employees are exposed to fall hazards of four feet or more to the ground or lower level when on a walking/working surface. • Walking/working surface is any area whose dimensions are 45 inches or greater in all directions, through which workers pass or conduct work. • When employees are using stilts • Where employees are working on platforms above the protection of a guardrail system, • While placing or tying reinforcing steel on a vertical face. • While working on a roof with a pitch greater than four in twelve (4:12) • While engaged in work, other than roofing work or leading edge work, on low pitched roofs • While working on a hazardous slope ## FALL PROTECTION AT TEN FEET OR MORE WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] • Engaged in roofing work on a low pitched roof (4:12 or less) • Constructing a leading edge. • Working on any surface that does not meet the definition of a walking/working surface • Engaged …

[5] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Assessment Tool

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OSHA Oregon OSHA PPE hazard assessment tool Department of Consumer and Business Services [redacted street address]. NE Salem, OR [redacted postal code] Phone: [redacted phone] •Toll-free: [redacted phone] • osha.oregon.gov Fill in this document to certify that you completed a hazard assessment of your workplace, and keep it on file. Oregon OSHA recommends regular hazard assessments to keep your workplace safe. Survey as often as necessary to identify changing safety and health hazards that require personal protective equipment (PPE). Workplace assessed: <empty> Name/position of the person certifying the assessment: <empty> Signature of the person certifying the assessment: <empty> Date: <empty> ## PPE required at this workplace includes (check all that apply): Fall protection: [ ] Torso protection: [ ] Eye and face protection: [ ] Head protection: [ ] Foot protection: [ ] Leg protection: [ ] Hand protection: [ ] Hearing protection: [ ] Respiratory protection: [ ] 440-5871 (07/23/COM)

[6] Toolbox Talk: Job Hazard Analysis

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# JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS the ease e, plea e, our organ our a a Risk Assessment plea organ include Hazard Chemical Date Posted: 05/13/2025 # Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) A job hazard analysis (JHA) analyzes a task's associated hazards and risks and focuses on identifying and controlling hazards. Utilizing the JHA will provide a process for analyzing the work activities that will determine the tools, materials, and equipment needed to develop work methods and procedures for accomplishing the task. The process will identify existing and potential hazards, assess the risk, and identify ways to eliminate or protect against the hazard. ## STEPS FOR COMPLETING A JHA In accordance with WAC 296-800-[redacted postal code] - Hazard Assessment for PPE, a hazard assessment must be conducted to identify hazards or potential hazards and determine if PPE necessary on the job. Additionally, this hazard assessment must be documented according to WAC 296-800-[redacted postal code]. The steps required for completing a quality hazard assessment are as follows: is • Involve the Right People in the Process: Employees who do the job know the job best at the frontline level, and their knowledge is valuable in identifying hazards and coming up with solutions to mitigate hazards. - Define the core tasks and Break the Hazard Analysis into Steps: In the first step, separate each job into all the individual segments of the job. The simplest way to do it is observe the worker doing the task and list the individual steps. to - Observe the work: Watch employees perform the task in question. • Record steps: Break down tasks into a reasonable number of steps. • • - Review your findings: Review your task lists with the employees you observe. Are you missing any necessary steps? - Identify specific hazards in Each Step: With all the steps outlined, identify each hazard associated with each step. Some hazards will be obvious (risk of laceration, fall, struck by, caught in or between, etc.…

[7] Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment

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# What are Oregon OSHA's requirements for PPE hazard assessments? If you are a general industry, construction, or agricultural employer you must determine if your workplace has hazards you cannot eliminate or control without PPE. If there are such hazards, you must: • Select the PPE that protects your employees from the hazards • Communicate your selection decisions to each affected employee • Ensure the PPE fits each employee • Require your employees to use their PPE when they are exposed to the hazards General industry employers must also prepare a document that says they have done the hazard assessment. The document must include: • A heading that says the document is a "certification" of the hazard assessment • The name of the workplace evaluated • The name of the person certifying the hazard assessment was completed • The date of the hazard assessment ## Oregon OSHA's hazard assessment rules • General industry: [redacted phone](1), Hazard assessment and equipment selection. Appendix B to Subdivision 2/1 has guidelines for conducting a hazard assessment. • Construction: [redacted phone](1), Hazard assessment and equipment selection. Appendix B to Subdivision 2/1 has guidelines for conducting a hazard assessment. • Agriculture: [redacted phone](2), Hazard assessment and protective equipment selection. Appendix A to Subdivision 4/1 has a sample hazard assessment form. 3

[8] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Assessment Tool

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# Hazard assessment worksheet: Eye and face protection (cont.) ## PPE required (cont.) OSHA Oregon OSHA Department of Consumer and Business Services # Hazard assessment worksheet: Head protection Salem Central Office [redacted street address]. NE Salem, OR [redacted postal code] Phone: [redacted phone] Toll-free: [redacted phone] osha.oregon.gov Work task: Date ## Potential hazards No hazards requiring head protection Overhead objects that could fall Exposed pipes or beams (less than 6.5 feet overhead) Energized electrical equipment Other hazard: <table><tr><th>PPE required</th></tr><tr><td>None required</td></tr><tr><td>Impact Type I</td></tr><tr><td>Impact Type II</td></tr><tr><td>Electrical Class G (general)</td></tr><tr><td>Electrical Class E (electrical)</td></tr><tr><td>Electrical Class C (conductive)</td></tr><tr><td>Other PPE:</td></tr></table> 440-5871 (07/23/COM)

[9] Toolbox Talk: Slips, Trips, and Falls

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# SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS (cont.) ## CONSTRUCTION AREAS AT HIGH RISK FOR SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL ACCIDENTS (cont.) • Material storage: All materials should be stored away from walkways, not block doors or exits. Be sure that items are not impeding the flow of people. Ensure that things are not stacked so high that they become hazardous. OSHA has requirements for particular types of materials and how they will be stored. ## HOW CAN SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS BE PREVENTED? • Maintain Good Housekeeping - Keep Walking and Working Areas Clear of Debris: Don't leave trip hazards in the work area. Keep your work area clear of debris on the ground, gravel, loose materials, and anything else that could cause someone to step wrong. Debris can be hazardous if it includes nails or other sharp objects. You may need to allocate time for cleaning up messy walking areas throughout the day. Outdoor surfaces should be kept clean and dry. They may be treated with sand, salt, and anti-skid adhesive when necessary. Indoor surfaces should be secured with non-slip floor mats that allow people to clean their shoes. Heavily treaded construction work boots and shoes can track in nails and other potential hazards. • Identify and Take Precautions for Wet and Slippery Conditions: During certain seasons, construction sites can be especially hazardous due to ice, snow, and other wet weather conditions. Clear walkways regularly-at least once every 12 hours during snowfall or icy conditions and periodically in dryer months if water is allowed to collect. Keep walkways and other surfaces as free of slippery materials like mud and precipitation as possible, and implement a "wet floor" signage policy where wet areas are restricted from access until made non-hazardous. • Use the Right Footwear: Using proper footwear is one of the most effective ways of preventing slips, trips, and falls onsite. Regarding work boots, stick to ones with slip-resistant soles, as these offer the best traction on smooth or…

[10] Toolbox Talk: Hierarchy of Hazard Controls

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# HIERARCHY OF HAZARD CONTROLS ELIMINATION SUBSTITUTION ENGINEERING CONTROLS ADMINIGOLS TIVE PPE MOTIVE LESS EFFECTIVE Date Posted: 02/17/2024 The hierarchy of hazard controls pyramid is a systematic workflow to provide the most effective control measure for workplace hazards. The tool is used worldwide and prescribes a method to always begin with eliminating any hazards you identify in the workplace. The hierarchy of controls is helpful to aid workers in identifying the most effective way to control a particular hazard. Employers can use the hierarchy of controls to ensure they take the most effective measures to protect their employees from hazards. When faced with a specific hazard in the workplace, use the hierarchy of hazard control as a step-by-step process to determine the best action for controlling or eliminating the hazard. The hierarchy of controls is also helpful for developing a hazard control plan, where you can implement the selected controls in the workplace. The hierarchy of controls is an inverted pyramid with five levels, from most effective to least effective: • Elimination - The physical removal of the hazard. • Substitution - Replacing something that produces a hazard. • Engineering Controls - Isolate people from the hazard. • Administrative Controls - Change the way people work. • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Protect the workers with personal protective equipment (PPE). ## WHAT IS A HAZARD? A hazard can be an object, a material, a substance, a condition, a process, or even a behavior. Some examples are falling from rooftops or heights, unguarded tools or machinery, being struck by heavy equipment, being caught in between hazards (such as unprotected trench or excavation), temperature extremes, and exposed electrical circuits or parts that may cause shock or electrocution. ## HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT ACTIONS Below are some hazard identification and assessment actions that should regularly be undertaken: • Id…

[11] Toolbox Talk: Personal Protective Equipment

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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 …

[12] Toolbox Talk: Guardrails: General Fall Protection and Awareness

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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

[13] Toolbox Talk: Arc Flash Hazards

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# ARC FLASH HAZARDS (cont.) ## HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE HAZARDS OF ARC FLASH? (cont.) • De-energizing would create a more significant hazard, or it is necessary for the interests of health and safety that the electrical work is carried out while the equipment is energized (e.g., it may be required for life-saving equipment to remain energized and operating while electrical work is carried out on the equipment). • It is necessary that the electrical equipment to be worked on is energized for the work to be carried out correctly. • It is necessary for testing or troubleshooting. • There is no reasonable alternative means of carrying out the work. ## NOTE: USE APPROPRIATE LOCKOUT, TAGOUT, AND HAZARDOUS ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES TO ISOLATE ENERGIZED EQUIPMENT WHEN A CIRCUIT BREAKER OR OTHER DISCONNECT TURNED OFF. THE BEST ARC FLASH PROTECTION IS TO DE-ENERGIZE EQUIPMENT BEFORE WORKING ON IT! IS Second Best Choice for Arc Flash Protection: Use appropriately rated personal protective equipment (PPE). Arc flash personal protective equipment (PPE) is a combination of clothing and safety equipment worn for protection from arc flash and shock hazards by a person performing electrical work. Primarily, arc flash PPE is divided into the following subgroups: • Head, face, neck, and chin protection • Eye protection • Hearing protection • Body protection • Hand and arm protection • Foot and leg protection ## GENERAL ELECTRICAL SAFE WORK PRACTICES All employees working on or near electrical equipment shall follow general safe work practices, including: • Maintain housekeeping procedures in the work area, e.g., prevent slip trips and falls; eliminate fire hazards; control dust; prevent falling hazards; clear clutter. • Plan and analyze each step of a work task to ensure safety. • - Maintain appropriate work boundaries for qualified electrical workers (QEW) and unqualified workers. • Use properly rated and tested test equipment (e.g., multimeter). …

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