Date Posted: 05/31/2024

The term “Lone Worker” is used to describe any worker who is working remotely and without direct supervision. A Worker could be considered a lone worker at any time when their regular duties require them to work where they cannot be seen or heard by another person; they cannot expect a visit from another worker or member of the public during the ordinary course of their work; and where assistance is not readily available. While working alone is not always hazardous, it can be when other circumstances are present.

Date Posted: 05/30/2024

Powered industrial trucks (PIT) are essential material handling tools, better known in the work environment as forklifts. PITs help save time and reduce material handling efforts when maintained and used safely. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), from 2011 to 2017, 614 workers lost their lives in forklift-related incidents, and more than 7,000 nonfatal injuries with days away from work occurred every year.

Date Posted: 05/29/2024

WAC 296-155-650 defines an excavation as “Any person-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth's surface, formed by earth removal.” A trench is “A narrow excavation in relation to its length made below the surface of the ground.

Date Posted: 05/29/2024

Incident investigation is determining the root causes of incidents, on-the-job injuries, property damage, and close calls to prevent them from occurring again. An incident investigation should lead you to the real cause of why something happened, and armed with that knowledge, you can take affirmative steps to prevent future incidents from occurring.

Date Posted: 05/11/2024

Concrete is a common building material used regularly in the construction industry. Concrete is generally made by combining cement, sand, aggregate (small stones), and water.

Date Posted: 05/11/2024

Flagging traffic is both a critical and a potentially hazardous part of providing a safe work zone for workers, the general public, and motorists. According to an OSHA Fact Sheet, “transportation incidents and workers struck by vehicles are responsible for the highest number of fatal work injuries,” according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Date Posted: 05/11/2024

In 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised the existing Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) standard and aligned it with the United Nations (US) Globally Harmonized System (GHS). The GHS includes criteria for the classification of health, physical, and environmental hazards, as well as specifying what information should be included on labels of hazardous chemicals and safety data sheets.

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.

Date Posted: 02/09/2024

According to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), WAC 296-155-012, a competent person is "One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective action to eliminate them.”

Date Posted: 01/30/2024

Each day, countless workplaces are subjected to the risk of falling objects. According to a recent survey conducted by the Center for Construction and Research and Training (CPWR), in 2022, falling/flying objects accounted for approximately 30% of injuries on construction sites.

Date Posted: 04/21/2020

The national Safety Council states, that one out of four accidents occur because of bad backing up techniques and procedures. The report also states backing-up accidents account for 500 deaths and 1,500 injuries each year. (2014 study)

Date Posted: 04/21/2020

Creating a respectful workplace is the cornerstone for the success and continued growth of a company. Respectful workplaces create safer jobsites, healthier company cultures and increased productivity.

Date Posted: 09/21/2016

Concrete is used on most construction sites. There are hazards resulting from the act of forming, placing and finishing concrete.

Date Posted: 09/21/2016

Concrete pumping is an economical and efficient means of placing concrete on most jobs in the construction industry today. Every person on the job-site should understand the hazards that can occur when air is compressed in the hose. Following proper safety guidelines enables a safe, successful and profitable concrete pour.

Date Posted: 09/20/2016

Construction Material Salvage typically requires the deconstruction of a building in a way that preserves building materials for future reuse. The salvage of lumber, bricks, steel, windows, stone, floor coverings, ornamental items, etc. are common, if in good condition, for the reuse in new structures. It is becoming more necessary as virgin materials are more expensive. The reuse of salvaged materials also reduces unnecessary landfilling.

Date Posted: 09/19/2016

This talk applies to all types of cranes, including mobile cranes, overhead or gantry cranes and jib cranes. It is important to understand the characteristics and methods to operate your crane safely. The U.S. Department of Labor cites an average of 82 deaths per year due to crane accidents at construction sites alone.

Date Posted: 09/18/2016

Demolition is high-risk work and adequate preparations are required. Falls and premature collapse of structures are the greatest risk. Communication is the best line of defense to reduce injury.

Date Posted: 09/17/2016

Workers who handle drywall sheets are at high risk of overexertion and fall injuries. Drywall installers spend most of the day standing, bending, or stretching. This work is physically demanding.

Date Posted: 09/15/2016

An exit route is a continuous and unobstructed path from any point within a workplace to a place of safety.

Date Posted: 09/13/2016

(MUTCD Signaling & Flaggers 296-155-305 Part E)

Flaggers are to be used only when other means are not adequate to control traffic. All workers are required to have a jobsite orientation. This requirement also applies to flaggers who are working on the jobsite and any workers who will perform flagger duties. Please use MUTCD for specific requirements.