November 2020 – BLM Construction & Remodeling, LLC

Toolbox Talk: First Aid for Burns

November 30, 2020

A burn can be painful or painless, according to the degree. The degree of a burn is determined by its location on the body and the number of skin layers affected. A burn can be caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. The first response in a burn situation is to stop the heat source or break contact between the heat source and the skin. The body holds in the heat and continues to burn until the skin cools. In many cases you can cool the burn with water. Unless told to by a medical professional, never use butter or ointments; they seal in heat and may cause infection. If blisters form, they should not be broken because they protect the burn from infection.

For heat or thermal burns, rinse the burn (without scrubbing) or immerse the affected area in cool water until the pain is gone. With a sterile cloth pat the burn area dry then cover. For accidents involving drenching by a hot liquid, remove the liquid-soaked clothing or place clothed victim in water bath or shower. Smother any burning clothing by dropping the victim to the ground and rolling them. Never peal stuck clothing from a burn.

In cases of electrical burns, turn off the electric power at the source. Do not touch the victim until all wires are clear. Avoid contact with the electric current while removing the victim. Make sure the victim’s breathing and heartbeat are regular. Treat the victim for shock and make sure they get medical attention. Check places where the electricity entered and exited the victim’s body. Treat minor burns with cool water and have the victim seek medical attention.

With chemical burns, locate the chemical container and follow the label directions for emergencies. Consult the chemicals Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or call the Poison Control Center. Remove any contaminated clothing. If the eyes have been affected, flush them for 30 minutes. For acid chemicals, immediately flush the affected area for 15-20 minutes. For dry chemicals, brush the chemical off the skin then flush the area for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the victim seeks medical attention.

The severity of a burn may not be obvious for up to 24 hours and infection may occur if improperly treated.

Always seek medical help if the victim:

shows symptoms of shock
has head or neck burns or has trouble breathing
has burns on the hands, feet or groin (making muscle and ligament damage more likely)
if second or third degree burns are present
if victim is over age 60 or under 5 years of age

Before an accident happens, know the location of the first aid kit, the nearest telephone, and medical facility. Burns can be painful and cause irreparable damage in seconds. You must be able to respond appropriately and get medical help as quickly as possible.

Source: https://www.statefundca.com/Home/StaticIndex?id=https://content.statefundca.com//safety/safetymeeting/SafetyMeetingArticle.aspx?ArticleID=45

Toolbox Talk: Drywall Safety

November 20, 2020

Drywallers put the finishing touches on our home and office interiors by installing and finishing sheetrock walls. Physical stamina is required to lift, cut, and maneuver heavy sheets of drywall and fix them in place. Finishing and sanding seams is also an ergonomic and physical challenge.

Lifting and maneuvering tools and heavy, awkward sheets of drywall pose an ergonomic risk for drywallers. Maintaining good physical condition and using proper lifting techniques can reduce the chance of injury and strain. Working in pairs makes it easier to lift, position, and control sheetrock. Seam taping and sanding tools with spring-assisted or powered systems makes overhead finishing work easier by reducing the force that workers must apply. Completing work one task at a time (hanging, taping, finishing, etc.) may be efficient, but is harder on the body; completing one area at a time allows workers to rotate tasks and give muscles a break.

Because drywallers work at heights to install tall walls and ceilings, they need to use extra caution to prevent falls. Workers can use ladders if the work can be done safely from them, but they should follow ladder safety rules. Lean-to or jack scaffolds, shore scaffolds, nailed brackets, loose tile, loose brick, loose blocks, and other unstable objects cannot be used as working platforms or for their supports. Stilts should never be used due to their instability. Sturdy scaffolds or steps that are at least 20 inches wide provide safe, stable working platforms when installed and used correctly.

Dust is a hazard for drywallers at the beginning and end of every job. When sheetrock is cut, the gypsum dust that is released can be irritating to the eyes and lungs. Dust from dry mixing joint compound can be an irritant; pre-mixed compounds can reduce worker dust exposure. Sanding finished joints can also create a lot of dust. Whenever job tasks may create dust, safety glasses and respirators or dust masks should be used to protect workers’ eyes and lungs. Proper ventilation on the jobsite can reduce dust in the air.

Electrical safety should be considered when drywallers are fastening sheetrock to wall frames. Workers should use caution around interior wall wiring and ensure that electric boxes have proper shielding to prevent screws and nails from penetrating them. Powered nail guns, fasteners, and drills should be properly grounded and in good working order to reduce the risk of electric shock. Other tools, especially cutting tools, should be in good working order and used properly.

Because drywalling is usually one of the last tasks on a construction job, it is often done under deadline pressure. However, the need for speed is never an excuse to forget safety. Good planning and safety procedures give a drywalling job a smooth finish.

Source: https://www.statefundca.com/Home/StaticIndex?id=https://content.statefundca.com//safety/safetymeeting/SafetyMeetingArticle.aspx?ArticleID=325

Toolbox Talk: Common Workplace Injuries

November 13, 2020

Injuries in the workplace nationwide number approximately three million every year1. This amounts to roughly 8,000 injuries per day, 350 per hour, or six injuries per minute. Workplace injuries cause pain, wage loss, inconvenience, and time off from work. Employers lose valuable workers, productivity, and an estimated $50 billion dollars as a result2. Some of the most frequent injuries are back injuries, falls, and struck by accidents.

Back injuries are the most frequent type on the job. Others are hitting or striking objects and machine-related incidents. Learning how these types of injuries occur can help protect you so that you do not become a statistic.

Back injuries can occur due to overexertion and improper posture. Every time you lift an item, bend over, or lean forward, you are putting stress on your back. Over time, this can lead to fatigue and injury. Follow these tips to prevent back injuries:

Use proper lifting techniques by pulling the load close to you, lifting with your leg muscles, and keeping your back straight.
Use lifting devices, carts, and team lifts whenever possible.
Watch your posture! Keep your back straight whether you are working standing up or sitting down. Avoid twisting your back during work tasks.
Organize work and storage spaces to eliminate lifts from the ground or overhead.
Sit all the way back into your chair so the seatback supports your spine. Don’t “perch” on the edge of your chair, slouch, or lean forward.
Maintain your overall health and fitness. Strong abdominals and back muscles support your spine and posture.
Warm up your muscles before you begin work each day with light stretching or movements.

Falls can occur on level surfaces (usually slips and trips) or from a height. Prevent these injuries with the following safety practices:

Wear proper footwear: slip resistant soles for slippery flooring, boots with heels for climbing, boots with ankle support for uneven surfaces, etc.
Keep floors swept and clean of debris and liquids that can cause slips.
Maintain flooring by anchoring floor mats, smoothing uneven surfaces, and clearing clutter to prevent trips.
Proper lighting in the workplace helps you see where you are walking.
Use handrails on stairs.
Walk slowly and deliberately at work; rushing can lead to accidents.
Don’t jump off equipment or vehicles.
Use proper ladder and scaffold setup and work practices.
Use fall restraint systems or wear fall protection equipment when required.

Hitting against or being struck by objects in the workplace can cause serious trauma. These injuries can result from vehicle collisions, falling objects, dropped tools, unstable loads, flying debris from power tools and compressed air use. Precautions include:

Stack, move and, use materials in storage areas in a stable and secure manner.
Designate safe walking paths around the job site and facility.
Watch for moving equipment and vehicles at all times.
Tether or use toeboards to secure tools and materials used overhead.
Stack, secure, and rig material loads properly and stay clear of them when they are in motion.
Wear visibility clothing and keep the jobsite well lit.
Wear a hardhat, safety boots, protective eyewear, and other gear to protect from flying, falling, and dropped objects.

Machine related incidents include caught and crush injuries resulting from moving machinery. These injuries are preventable if workers follow these steps:

Inspect machinery frequently and keep it well maintained.
Always keep safety interlock devices, shields, and guards in place.
Use lockout/tagout to prevent injuries while accessing moving parts for maintenance or repair.
Tie up loose hair, wear fitted clothing, and remove jewelry around moving equipment.
Never put yourself between or under moving pieces of equipment without proper blockout procedures.
Use proper shoring procedures for excavation work to prevent cave-ins.

Source: https://www.statefundca.com/Home/StaticIndex?id=https://content.statefundca.com//safety/safetymeeting/SafetyMeetingArticle.aspx?ArticleID=796

Toolbox Talk: Chainsaw Safety

November 6, 2020

Any tool powerful enough to slice through wood can do the same to human flesh, so chainsaw injuries are often serious. Before you operate a chainsaw, make sure you read and understand the operator’s manual and make sure you have the right chainsaw for the job. The instruction manual should describe the saw’s capabilities. If you rent a saw, be sure to get a demonstration of how it works, including its safety features. Then make sure your saw is sharp, properly tensioned, and in good condition.

When you’re going to use a chainsaw, wear protective clothing which includes a hard hat, safety goggles, gloves to give you a good grip, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes with nonslip soles, and trim-fitting clothes that won’t get caught in the chain.

Start your chainsaw according to the manual’s direction. Clear the work area so the chain won’t touch anything but the wood you want to cut and place the saw on a level surface; never rest a saw on your leg or drop-start it. Stand to the side of the saw so you won’t follow the cut through into your leg and stand on the uphill side of your work so it won’t roll into you. Hold the saw parallel to the ground with your left arm straight for better control and to reduce the chance of the saw pushing into you if it kicks back.

Keep both hands on the saw while it’s running. Work slowly, don’t rush. Let the chainsaw do the work; never force it. Avoid cutting above mid-chest height. Never attempt to cut a tree with a diameter greater than the length of the chainsaw blade and watch for branches that may spring back as you cut. Always be aware of what is in the saw’s downward path after the cut. It’s a good idea to take frequent breaks from cutting so you don’t operate the saw when you’re tired.

Although some chainsaw injuries are caused by operator error, kickback is the greatest cause of chainsaw injuries. In kickback, the upper chain “grabs” in the wood or an obstruction and forces the saw backward, causing operator to either lose control of the saw or lose balance, bringing the saw into contact with the body. Some chainsaws have chain brakes that are designed to instantly stop the saw after kickback. While these don’t prevent kickback, they can reduce the severity of injury from it.

Carry the saw below your waist, with the engine off and the guide bar pointed to the rear, so if you trip the saw drops behind you.

If your saw is electric, make sure you use an extension cord that’s approved for outdoor use and don’t use the saw in a damp environment. Fuel gasoline-powered chainsaws outdoors, being careful not to overfill or spill the fuel. Never refuel a hot saw. Let it cool down first, and have a fire extinguisher nearby.

It’s dangerous to work alone with a chainsaw. Have a companion within calling distance, but keep bystanders and helpers at a safe distance from operation so that they will not be injured by the saw, flying chips, sawdust or by what you’re working on.

Source: https://www.statefundca.com/Home/StaticIndex?id=https://content.statefundca.com//safety/safetymeeting/SafetyMeetingArticle.aspx?ArticleID=15