Pinnacle Industrial Sales Corporation

WORKER SAFETY SERIES

Construction
Nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the nation on any given day. The fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for all industries.

Potential hazards for workers in construction include:

Falls (from heights);
Trench collapse;
Scaffold collapse;
Electric shock and arc flash/arc blast;
Failure to use proper personal protective equipment; and
Repetitive motion injuries.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov

Hazards & Solutions
For construction, the 10 OSHA standards most frequently included in the agency's citations in FY 2004 were:

Scaffolding
Fall protection (scope, application, definitions)
Excavations (general requirements)
Ladders
Head protection
Excavations (requirements for protective systems)
Hazard communication
Fall protection (training requirements)
Construction (general safety and health provisions)
Electrical (wiring methods, design and protection)
Construction Worker

Scaffolding
Hazard: When scaffolds are not erected or used properly, fall hazards can occur. About 2.3 million construction workers frequently work on scaffolds. Protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents would prevent an estimated 4,500 injuries and 50 fatalities each year.

Solutions:

Scaffold must be sound, rigid and sufficient to carry its own weight plus four times the maximum intended load without settling or displacement. It must be erected on solid footing.
Unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks or concrete blocks must not be used to support scaffolds or planks.
Scaffold must not be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision of a competent person.
Scaffold must be equipped with guardrails, midrails and toeboards.
Scaffold accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs or ladders that are damaged or weakened from any cause must be immediately repaired or replaced.
Scaffold platforms must be tightly planked with scaffold plank grade material or equivalent.
A "competent person" must inspect the scaffolding and, at designated intervals, reinspect it.
Rigging on suspension scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before each shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity to ensure that all connections are tight and that no damage to the rigging has occurred since its last use.
Synthetic and natural rope used in suspension scaffolding must be protected from heat-producing sources.
Employees must be instructed about the hazards of using diagonal braces as fall protection.
Scaffold can be accessed by using ladders and stairwells.
Scaffolds must be at least 10 feet from electric power lines at all times.
Construction Worker

Fall Protection
Hazard: Each year, falls consistently account for the greatest number of fatalities in the construction industry. A number of factors are often involved in falls, including unstable working surfaces, misuse or failure to use fall protection equipment and human error. Studies have shown that using guardrails, fall arrest systems, safety nets, covers and restraint systems can prevent many deaths and injuries from falls.

Solutions:

Consider using aerial lifts or elevated platforms to provide safer elevated working surfaces;
Erect guardrail systems with toeboards and warning lines or install control line systems to protect workers near the edges of floors and roofs;
Cover floor holes; and/or
Use safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems (body harnesses).
Construction Worker

Ladders
Hazard: Ladders and stairways are another source of injuries and fatalities among construction workers. OSHA estimates that there are 24,882 injuries and as many as 36 fatalities per year due to falls on stairways and ladders used in construction. Nearly half of these injuries were serious enough to require time off the job.

Solutions:

Use the correct ladder for the task.
Have a competent person visually inspect a ladder before use for any defects such as:
Structural damage, split/bent side rails, broken or missing rungs/steps/cleats and missing or damaged safety devices;
Grease, dirt or other contaminants that could cause slips or falls;
Paint or stickers (except warning labels) that could hide possible defects
.
Make sure that ladders are long enough to safely reach the work area.
Mark or tag ("Do Not Use") damaged or defective ladders for repair or replacement, or destroy them immediately.
Never load ladders beyond the maximum intended load or beyond the manufacturer's rated capacity.
Be sure the load rating can support the weight of the user, including materials and tools.
Avoid using ladders with metallic components near electrical work and overhead power lines.
Stairways
Hazard: Slips, trips and falls on stairways are a major source of injuries and fatalities among construction workers.

Solutions:

Stairway treads and walkways must be free of dangerous objects, debris and materials.
Slippery conditions on stairways and walkways must be corrected immediately.
Make sure that treads cover the entire step and landing.
Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches must have at least one handrail.
Construction Worker

Trenching
Hazard: Trench collapses cause dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries each year. Trenching deaths rose in 2003.

Solutions:

Never enter an unprotected trench.
Always use a protective system for trenches feet deep or greater.
Employ a registered professional engineer to design a protective system for trenches 20 feet deep or greater.
Protective Systems:
Sloping to protect workers by cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined away from the excavation not steeper than a height/depth ratio of 11 2 :1, according to the sloping requirements for the type of soil.
Shoring to protect workers by installing supports to prevent soil movement for trenches that do not exceed 20 feet in depth.
Shielding to protect workers by using trench boxes or other types of supports to prevent soil cave-ins.
Always provide a way to exit a trench--such as a ladder, stairway or ramp--no more than 25 feet of lateral travel for employees in the trench.
Keep spoils at least two feet back from the edge of a trench.
Make sure that trenches are inspected by a competent person prior to entry and after any hazard-increasing event such as a rainstorm, vibrations or excessive surcharge loads.
SLOPING. Maximum allowable slopes for excavations less than 20 ft. (6.09 m) based on soil type and angle to the horizontal are as follows:

Cranes
Hazard: Significant and serious injuries may occur if cranes are not inspected before use and if they are not used properly. Often these injuries occur when a worker is struck by an overhead load or caught within the crane's swing radius. Many crane fatalities occur when the boom of a crane or its load line contact an overhead power line.

Solutions:

Check all crane controls to insure proper operation before use.
Inspect wire rope, chains and hook for any damage.
Know the weight of the load that the crane is to lift.
Ensure that the load does not exceed the crane's rated capacity.
Raise the load a few inches to verify balance and the effectiveness of the brake system.
Check all rigging prior to use; do not wrap hoist ropes or chains around the load.
Fully extend outriggers.
Do not move a load over workers.
Barricade accessible areas within the crane's swing radius.
Watch for overhead electrical distribution and transmission lines and maintain a safe working clearance of at least 10 feet from energized electrical lines.
Hazard Communication
Hazard: Failure to recognize the hazards associated with chemicals can cause chemical burns, respiratory problems, fires and explosions.

Solutions:

Maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical in the facility.
Make this information accessible to employees at all times in a language or formats that are clearly understood by all affected personnel.
Train employees on how to read and use the MSDS.
Follow manufacturer's MSDS instructions for handling hazardous chemicals.
Train employees about the risks of each hazardous chemical being used.
Provide spill clean-up kits in areas where chemicals are stored.
Have a written spill control plan.
Train employees to clean up spills, protect themselves and properly dispose of used materials.
Provide proper personal protective equipment and enforce its use.
Store chemicals safely and securely.
Hazard Communication

Forklifts
Hazard: Approximately 100 employees are fatally injured and approximately 95,000 employees are injured every year while operating powered industrial trucks. Forklift turnover accounts for a significant number of these fatalities.

Solutions:

Train and certify all operators to ensure that they operate forklifts safely.
Do not allow any employee under 18 years old to operate a forklift.
Properly maintain haulage equipment, including tires.
Do not modify or make attachments that affect the capacity and safe operation of the forklift without written approval from the forklift's manufacturer.
Examine forklift truck for defects before using.
Follow safe operating procedures for picking up, moving, putting down and stacking loads.
Drive safely--never exceed 5 mph and slow down in congested or slippery surface areas.
Prohibit stunt driving and horseplay.
Do not handle loads that are heavier than the capacity of the industrial truck.
Remove unsafe or defective forklift trucks from service.
Operators shall always wear seatbelts.
Avoid traveling with elevated loads.
Assure that rollover protective structure is in place.
Make certain that the reverse signal alarm is operational and audible above the surrounding noise level.
Forklift

Head Protection
Hazard: Serious head injuries can result from blows to the head.

Solution:

Be sure that workers wear hard hats where there is a potential for objects falling from above, bumps to their heads from fixed objects, or accidental head contact with electrical hazards.
Construction Worker

Safety Checklists
The following checklists may help you take steps to avoid hazards that cause injuries, illnesses and fatalities. As always, be cautious and seek help if you are concerned about a potential hazard.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eye and Face Protection
Safety glasses or face shields are worn anytime work operations can cause foreign objects getting into the eye such as during welding, cutting, grinding, nailing (or when working with concrete and/or harmful chemicals or when exposed to flying particles).
Eye and face protectors are selected based on anticipated hazards.
Safety glasses or face shields are worn when exposed to any electrical hazards including work on energized electrical systems.
Foot Protection

Construction workers should wear work shoes or boots with slip-resistant and puncture-resistant soles.
Safety-toed footwear is worn to prevent crushed toes when working around heavy equipment or falling objects.
Hand Protection
Gloves should fit snugly.
Workers wear the right gloves for the job (for example, heavy-duty rubber gloves for concrete work, welding gloves for welding, insulated gloves and sleeves when exposed to electrical hazards).
Head Protection
Workers shall wear hard hats where there is a potential for objects falling from above, bumps to their heads from fixed objects, or of accidental head contact with electrical hazards.
Hard hats are routinely inspected for dents, cracks or deterioration.
Hard hats are replaced after a heavy blow or electrical shock.
Hard hats are maintained in good condition.
Scaffolding
Scaffolds should be set on sound footing.
Damaged parts that affect the strength of the scaffold are taken out of service.
Scaffolds are not altered.
All scaffolds should be fully planked.
Scaffolds are not moved horizontally while workers are on them unless they are designed to be mobile and workers have been trained in the proper procedures.
Employees are not permitted to work on scaffolds when covered with snow, ice, or other slippery materials.
Scaffolds are not erected or moved within 10 feet of power lines.
Employees are not permitted to work on scaffolds in bad weather or high winds unless a competent person has determined that it is safe to do so.
Ladders, boxes, barrels, buckets or other makeshift platforms are not used to raise work height.
Extra material is not allowed to build up on scaffold platforms.
Scaffolds should not be loaded with more weight than they were designed to support.

Work on new and existing energized (hot) electrical circuits is prohibited until all power is shut off and grounds are attached.
An effective Lockout/Tagout system is in place.
Frayed, damaged or worn electrical cords or cables are promptly replaced.
All extension cords have grounding prongs.
Protect flexible cords and cables from damage. Sharp corners and projections should be avoided.
Use extension cord sets used with portable electric tools and appliances that are the three-wire type and designed for hard or extra-hard service. (Look for some of the following letters imprinted on the casing: S, ST, SO, STO.)
All electrical tools and equipment are maintained in safe condition and checked regularly for defects and taken out of service if a defect is found.
Do not bypass any protective system or device designed to protect employees from contact with electrical energy.
Overhead electrical power lines are located and identified.
Ensure that ladders, scaffolds, equipment or materials never come within 10 feet of electrical power lines.
All electrical tools must be properly grounded unless they are of the double insulated type.
Multiple plug adapters are prohibited.
Floor and Wall Openings

Floor openings (12 inches or more) are guarded by a secured cover, a guardrail or equivalent on all sides (except at entrances to stairways).
Toeboards are installed around the edges of permanent floor openings (where persons may pass below the opening).
Elevated Surfaces
Signs are posted, when appropriate, showing the elevated surface load capacity.
Surfaces elevated more than 48 inches above the floor or ground have standard guardrails.
All elevated surfaces (beneath which people or machinery could be exposed to falling objects) have standard 4-inch toeboards.
A permanent means of entry and exit with handrails is provided to elevated storage and work surfaces.
Material is piled, stacked or racked in a way that prevents it from tipping, falling, collapsing, rolling or spreading.
Hazard Communication
A list of hazardous substances used in the workplace is maintained and readily available at the worksite.
There is a written hazard communication program addressing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), labeling and employee training.
Each container of a hazardous substance (vats, bottles, storage tanks) is labeled with product identity and a hazard warning(s) (communicating the specific health hazards and physical hazards).
Material Safety Data Sheets are readily available at all times for each hazardous substance used.
There is an effective employee training program for hazardous substances.
Crane Safety
Cranes and derricks are restricted from operating within 10 feet of any electrical power line.
The upper rotating structure supporting the boom and materials being handled is provided with an electrical ground while working near energized transmitter towers.
Rated load capacities, operating speed and instructions are posted and visible to the operator.
Cranes are equipped with a load chart.
The operator understands and uses the load chart.
The operator can determine the angle and length of the crane boom at all times.
Crane machinery and other rigging equipment is inspected daily prior to use to make sure that it is in good condition.
Accessible areas within the crane's swing radius are barricaded.
Tag lines are used to prevent dangerous swing or spin of materials when raised or lowered by a crane or derrick.
Illustrations of hand signals to crane and derrick operators are posted on the job site.
The signal person uses correct signals for the crane operator to follow.
Crane outriggers are extended when required.
Crane platforms and walkways have antiskid surfaces.
Broken, worn or damaged wire rope is removed from service.
Guardrails, hand holds and steps are provided for safe and easy access to and from all areas of the crane.
Load testing reports/certifications are available.
Tower crane mast bolts are properly torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.
Overload limits are tested and correctly set.
The maximum acceptable load and the last test results are posted on the crane.
Initial and annual inspections of all hoisting and rigging equipment are performed and reports are maintained.
Only properly trained and qualified operators are allowed to work with hoisting and rigging equipment.
Forklifts
Forklift truck operators are competent to operate these vehicles safely as demonstrated by their successful completion of training and evaluation.
No employee under 18 years old is allowed to operate a forklift.
Forklifts are inspected daily for proper condition of brakes, horns, steering, forks and tires.
Powered industrial trucks (forklifts) meet the design and construction requirements established in American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for Powered Industrial Trucks, Part II ANSI B56.1-1969.
Written approval from the truck manufacturer is obtained for any modification or additions which affect capacity and safe operation of the vehicle.
Capacity, operation and maintenance instruction plates, tags or decals are changed to indicate any modifications or additions to the vehicle.
Battery charging is conducted in areas specifically designated for that purpose.
Material handling equipment is provided for handling batteries, including conveyors, overhead hoists or equivalent devices.
Reinstalled batteries are properly positioned and secured in the truck.
Smoking is prohibited in battery charging areas.
Precautions are taken to prevent open flames, sparks or electric arcs in battery charging areas.
Refresher training is provided and an evaluation is conducted whenever a forklift operator has been observed operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner and when an operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck.
Load and forks are fully lowered, controls neutralized, power shut off and brakes set when a powered industrial truck is left unattended.
There is sufficient headroom for the forklift and operator under overhead installations, lights, pipes, sprinkler systems, etc.
Overhead guards are in place to protect the operator against falling objects.
Trucks are operated at a safe speed.
All loads are kept stable, safely arranged and fit within the rated capacity of the truck.
Unsafe and defective trucks are removed from service.

1. Subpart M – Fall Protection – 1926.501 Duty to Have Fall Protection.
Number of Citations Issued in FY2015: 7,133

Duty to have fall protection is the most cited standard in the construction industry and is one of the leading causes of worker deaths in construction. Employers need to do a better job of assessing job sites and implementing fall protection systems to protect workers.

Workers: Workers should familiarize themselves with all potential fall hazards on a job site. Never work in an area where fall protection systems have yet to be installed. Workers using personal fall arrest systems should inspect them before each use to ensure they are working properly and are free of damage. The lanyard or lifeline should be short enough to prevent the worker from making contact a lower level in the event of a fall. This means taking into account the length of the lanyard, length of dynamic elongation due to elastic stretch and the height of the worker.

Employers: Employers are required to provide fall protection systems to protect their workers on walking or working surfaces with unprotected edges or sides that are six feet above a lower level. Fall protection can include guardrails, safety net systems and personal fall arrest systems. Guardrails are the only method approved that actually prevents falls from occurring. Safety nets and personal fall arrest systems prevent workers from falling a great distance.

Fall protection includes protecting workers from falling into holes such as elevator shafts and skylights as well as excavations. Employers are also required to protect workers from falling objects by requiring hard hats be worn by workers and by installing toeboards, screens or guardrails, erecting canopies or barricading the area to keep workers out.

ss22. Subpart L – Scaffolds – 1926.451 General Requirements.
Number of Citations Issued in FY2015: 4,492

Approximately 65% of all construction workers perform work on scaffolds. Employees performing work on and around scaffolding are exposed to falls, electrocutions and falling object hazards.

Workers: Hard hats should be worn when working on, under or around a scaffold. Workers should also wear sturdy, non-skid work boots and use tool lanyards when working on scaffolds to prevent slips and falls and to protect workers below. Workers should never work on scaffolding covered in ice, water or mud. Workers are prohibited from using boxes, ladders or other objects to increase their working height when on a scaffold.

Workers should never exceed the maximum load when working on scaffolds. Never leave tools, equipment or materials on the scaffold at the end of a shift. Workers should not climb scaffolding anywhere except for the access points designed for reaching the working platform. Tools and materials should be hoisted to the working platform once the worker has climbed the scaffold.

If personal fall arrest systems are required for the scaffold you will be working on, thoroughly inspect the equipment for damage and wear. Workers should anchor the system to a safe point that won’t allow them to free fall more than six feet before stopping.

Employers: All scaffolding should be designed, erected and disassembled by a competent person. A competent person should also inspect scaffolding before the start of work each day to ensure that it is safe for use.

Scaffolding should be erected on solid footing, fully planked and at least 10 feet away from power lines. Scaffolding should be erected with guardrails, midrails and toeboards to protect employees working on, under and around scaffolding.

ss33. Subpart X – Stairways and Ladders – 1926.1053 Ladders.
Number of Citations Issued in FY2015: 2,662

Improper ladder use is one of the leading causes of falls for constructions workers resulting in injury or death. Reasons for ladder falls include incorrect ladder choice, failure to properly secure the ladder and attempting to carry tools and materials by hand while climbing.

Workers: Always maintain three points of contact while ascending and descending a ladder, that’s both feet and at least one hand. Portable ladders should be long enough to be placed at a stable angle extend three feet above the work surface. Workers should tie ladders to a secure point at the top and bottom to avoid sliding or falling. Tools and materials should be carried up using a tool belt or a rope to pull things up once you’ve stopped climbing. Never load ladders beyond their rated capacity, including the weight of the worker, materials and tools.

Employers: A competent person should inspect all ladders before use each day. Defective ladders should be marked or tagged out and taken out of service until they can be properly repaired. Workers should be trained on ladder safety and know how to select the proper ladder for the job. All ladders on the construction site should conform to OSHA standards. This includes job-made ladders, fixed ladders and portable ladders, both self-supporting and those that aren’t. If workers are using energized electrical equipment, ladders should have nonconductive side railings.

ss44. Subpart M – Fall Protection – 1926.503 Training Requirements.
Number of Citations Issued in FY2015: 1,584

It’s not a surprise that the top four most frequently cited OSHA standards in construction have to do with protecting workers from falls. Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction, accounting for nearly 40% of all worker deaths. Providing proper and ongoing training to workers can go a long way in reducing the number of falls suffered at the construction site.

Workers: Workers should be able to recognize the hazards of falling and know the procedures to follow to minimize hazards and prevent falls.

Employers: A competent person is required to provide training to all employees that might be exposed to fall hazards. Again, this should cover all employees because at some point nearly everyone on the construction site is exposed to a fall hazard of some type. Topics of the training program should include the nature of fall hazards present on the construction site, proper erection, inspection and maintenance of fall protection systems, use of fall protection systems and personal fall arrest systems and the role of the employee in safety monitoring and the fall protection plan.

Employers are also required to maintain certification records of fall protection planning for all employees. Retraining is required for changes that render prior training obsolete and instances where it is apparent that a worker has not retained enough knowledge from the training program to ensure their safety.

ss55. Subpart E – Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment – 1926.102 Eye and Face Protection.
Number of Citations Issued in FY2015:1,349

OSHA recently updated their standard covering eye and face protection in construction with the new rule going into effect in April 2016.

OSHA requires that workers be provided with and wear face and eye protection when there are eye or face hazards present from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gasses or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. These hazards are present when doing a variety of task on the job site such as welding, chipping, grinding, masonry work, sanding, woodworking and drilling. When flying object hazards are present, eye protection must be equipped with side protection or be fitted with detachable side protectors.

Workers: When wearing eye and face protection, workers should make sure that they don’t interfere with their movements and fit snugly on their faces. Eye and face protection should be kept clean and in good repair. Workers should inspect face and eye protection before use to ensure it is free of cracks, chips and other damage. Eye and face protection that becomes damaged should be replaced immediately.

Employers: Employers are required to provide eye and face protection to workers free of charge. Eye and face protection must meet one of the following consensus standards: ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R01998), ANSI Z87.1-2003 or ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010 requirements. Employers should issue eye and face protection to workers based on an assessment of anticipated hazards. If workers have prescription lenses, employers are required to make sure that they have eye protection that incorporates the prescription or that can be worn over the corrective lenses without disturbing them.

ss66. Subpart E – Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment – 1926.100 Head Protection.
Number of Citations Issued in FY2015: 1,143

Hard hats are commonplace at the construction site. They protect workers a number of hazards such as falling and flying objects, electrical shock and other impacts.

Workers: Workers are required to wear head protection wherever there is the potential for being struck in the head, which is basically the entire time you are on the construction site. Possible scenarios include falling tools or debris, accidental nail gun discharge, contact with electrical hazards or swinging construction equipment. Workers should inspect their hard hat for any cracks, dents or any signs of deterioration. Hard hats should fit snugly on your head and not come loose during normal movements or work activities.

Employers: Employers are responsible for providing all employees with head protection that meets consensus standards outlined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or is constructed in accordance with one of those consensus standards. Employers are not allowed to charge employees for the cost of head protection or require them to provide their own hard hat unless they do so voluntarily. Hard hats should be kept in good condition and be replaced immediately if they suffer a heavy blow or electric shock.

ss77. Subpart Z – Toxic and Hazardous Substances – 1910.1200 Hazard Communication.
Number of Citations Issued in FY2015: 1,001

This is a general industry standard that focuses on requirements for employers that have hazardous chemicals in their workplace. Some examples of hazardous materials commonly found at construction sites include lead, silica, asbestos and treated wood or wood that will be cut and generate dust. Certain building materials also contain hazardous chemicals such as zinc, cadmium, beryllium and mercury.

Workers: Workers should be able to read and use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any hazardous chemical being used at the construction site. Employees should wear proper PPE when handling hazardous chemicals and should clean up any spill when they occur.

Employers: Employers are required to implement a written hazard communication program that includes an inventory of all hazardous chemicals used at the site. All container of hazardous substances must have a hazard warning and be labeled. Employers should have an MSDS available for each hazardous substance. Employees should be trained regarding the risk of all hazardous chemicals along with proper handling instructions.

ss88. Subpart C – General Safety and Health Provisions – 1926.020 General Safety and Health Provisions.
Number of Citations Issued in FY2015: 932

The purpose of this standard is to protect construction workers from being required to “work in surroundings or under working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to his health or safety” by contractors and subcontractors.

Workers: The key takeaway from this standard for workers is that they should know that there are protections in place for their safety while working on the construction site. This includes receiving proper training for specific job duties and being provided with personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers should never operate any machinery or equipment if they have not been properly and adequately trained on its safe operation.

Employers: Employers are required to implement safety programs in order to protect workers and prevent accidents. A competent person(s) is required to provide inspections of job sites, equipment and materials and includes ensuring that non-compliant tools and machinery are taken out of use by locking or tagging or removing them from the job site Construction standards take precedence over any similar or applicable general industry standard.

In addition to providing necessary PPE to employees at no cost, employers are also required to provide training to all employees on hazards and all related matters for construction standards applicable to a worker’s job duties.

ss99. Subpart L – Scaffolds – 1926.453 Aerial Lifts.
Number of Citations Issued in FY2015: 857

Aerial lifts fall under scaffolding and are vehicle-mounted devices used to elevate workers such as articulating and extendable boom platforms, vertical towers and aerial ladders. Hazards associated with the use of aerial lifts include fall and ejections from the lift platform, tip-overs and structural failures of the lift, electric shock, contact with overhead objects or ceiling and being struck by objects falling from lifts.

Workers: Workers must be trained and authorized in order to operate an aerial lift. Inspect all vehicle and lift components based on the manufacturer’s recommendations before operating an aerial lift to ensure it is in safe working condition. Never operate a lift if any component is missing, damaged or appears defective.

Always stand on the floor of the lift platform or bucket when working, never use a ladder or other device to increase your working height. Make sure that your harness or restraining belt and lanyard are securely attached to the boom or bucket and that they are in good working condition.

Never exceed the load capacity or the vertical and horizontal reach limits of the lift. Lower the lift platform when driving the lift and stay at least 10 feet away from overhead lines.

Employers: Employers should ensure that all workers operating aerial lifts receive proper training before being authorized to use them and provide retraining in the event a worker has an accident while operating a lift, hazards are discovered, a different type of lift is being used or if the workers are observed improperly operating a lift.

In addition to ensuring that all aerial lifts are in good operating condition, employers are also responsible for having work zones inspected for hazards including holes or unstable surfaces, overhead obstructions, inadequate ceiling heights and slopes or ditches. Employers should also have power lines de-energized when possible when workers are in the vicinity.

ss1010. Subpart M – Fall Protection – 1926.502 Fall Protection Systems Criteria and Practices.
Number of Citations Issued in FY2015: 759

This standard covers all of the requirements and provisions for the different types of fall protection required by OSHA. It covers items like guardrail height requirements and minimum tensile strength for components of personal fall arrest systems. This standard also covers requirements for covers over holes and openings and provisions for establishing controlled access zones.

Workers: Workers should be aware of potential fall hazards as well as what fall protection systems have been put in place to protect them. If workers are using personal fall arrest systems, they should inspect them for wear and ensure that all components are in good working order and that the harness properly fits.

Employers: Employers are required to install all required fall protection systems before any employees begin work. Employers should remember that they are also responsible for protecting workers from falling objects with either toeboards, canopies or guardrails. If using a safety monitoring system, the safety monitor should be a competent person who remains on the same walking or working surface and in visual sight and hearing distance from the worker they are monitoring. They should be able to identify fall hazards and warn workers when they are working unsafely or may be unaware of a fall hazard.

If conventional fall protection methods laid out by OSHA are infeasible or create a greater hazard and a worker is performing leading edge work, precast concrete erection or residential construction work, the employer must have a fall protection plan. The plan must be site specific and developed by a qualified person. In areas where conventional methods cannot be used must be classified as controlled access zones and only workers designated to perform work there are allowed to enter.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes all clothing and
accessories designed to protect against workplace hazards. In some
situations the only available protection for employees will be the use
of PPE and often in emergencies, PPE will be required for the safety
of the workers.
As required by federal and state regulations, personal protective
equipment is essential for the protection of eyes, ears, face and other
body parts when working around hazardous machinery and
equipment. All PPE must meet established standards (ANSI, NIOSH,
OSHA, etc).
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided by XYZ
Manufacturing Company. Employees are not allowed to provide their
own PPE unless authorized by the Safety Director. As a general rule,
only company provided PPE is allowed.
Hazard Assessments have been completed throughout the
production and warehouse areas of XYZ Manufacturing Company.
PPE is required in the following areas:
Warehouse
All employees and visitors are required to wear approved hard hats
and eye protection. Steel-toed shoes/boots required of warehouse
workers.
Welding Shop
All employees and visitors are required to wear approved eye
protection. Approved hard hats required of all welders. Approved
hearing protection required of all welders. Welders are also required
to don approved PPE in the form of goggles, helmet, leather coat,
apron, steel-toed work boot, gloves, no cuff pants and other
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equipment as deemed necessary by the Safety Director. Mechanical
ventilation is required at all welding stations.
Paint Shop
All employees and visitors are required to wear approved eye
protection. Spray painters are required to wear company provided
work clothing (disposable shirt/pants). Approved respirators are
required during those times when spray painting, mixing, or clean-up
is taking place. Steel-toed boots/shoes required of paint sprayers. All
spray painting is to be conducted within the paint spray booth.
Mechanical ventilation system is to be in operation when spray
painting takes place.
General Production Areas
Approved eye protection required of all who enter shop.
Visitor glasses (eye protection) are available in main office as well as
next to loading dock door and warehouse entrance.
XYZ Manufacturing Company will reimburse employee (maximum -
$100) each 24 months for the purchase of approved steel-toed
boot/shoe.
XYZ Manufacturing Company will provide prescription eye wear
(approved safety eye protection) for those individuals requesting
same. See Safety Director for additional information.
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SAFETY RULES
All safety rules must be obeyed. Failure to do so will result in strict
disciplinary action.
 All injuries must be reported as soon as possible.
 No horseplay, alcohol, or drugs allowed on premises.
 No alcohol usage allowed during lunch break.
 PPE must be worn as prescribed by management.
 All tools/equipment must be maintained in good condition.
 Only appropriate tools shall be used for specific jobs.
 All guards must be kept in place.
 No spliced electrical cords/wiring allowed.
 Only authorized personnel can operate forklift vehicles.
 Smoking allowed only in lunchroom.
 Seat belt use required of all drivers/passengers.
 All OSHA Safety Standards will be followed for job processes
requiring respiratory protection. *SEE SEPARATE WRITTEN
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM.
 All OSHA Safety Standards concerning Lockout/Tagout of
energized equipment will be followed. *SEE SEPARATE
WRITTEN LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROGRAM.
 All OSHA Safety Standards concerning Hazard
Communications will be followed. *SEE SEPARATE WRITTEN
HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM.
13
 All OSHA Safety Standards concerning Forklift Safety will be
followed. *SEE SEPARATE WRITTEN FORKLIFT SAFETY
PROGRAM.
*These sample written safety programs can be found on the
Frankenmuth Safety Services Website. They can be downloaded as
a PDF or Microsoft Word file.
14
SAFETY COMMITTEE
The primary purpose of the Safety Committee is to promote safety
awareness and reduce the potential for injury/loss throughout XYZ
Manufacturing Company.
The Safety Committee is to be chaired by the Safety Director and
include representatives from each department (total number of
committee members not to exceed five individuals). Members can be
volunteers or appointed. Membership is limited to two terms (1 year
each) during any four year period.
Meetings are to be scheduled, when possible, for the same day each
month (2nd Tuesday of each month – 2:00 p.m.). All meetings are to
take place in the conference room. Each meeting should have a set
agenda and minutes of each meeting recorded. A copy of the
minutes shall be forwarded to the Executive Vice-President within 48
hours of meeting.
Each Safety Committee Meeting shall include a review of the prior
month’s minutes as well as a review of the prior month’s injury/illness
log and investigations of losses/claims. Past injuries/claims/losses
need to be reviewed for any patterns or trends.
General functions of the Safety Committee can include:
(1) Identifying workplace hazards
(2) Enforcement of Safety Rules
(3) Measuring safety performance
(4) Reducing frequency/severity of injuries
(5) Creating safety policies
(6) Developing and monitoring safety programs
Specific tasks of the Safety Committee can include:
(1) Conducting self-inspections of the workplace
(2) Review employee reports of hazards
(3) Assist in safety training
(4) Creating safety incentive programs
(5) Publish/distribute safety newsletter
(6) Inspect PPE
(7) Post safety posters/slogans on bulletin board
(8) Identify Light Duty Jobs
The Safety Committee of XYZ Manufacturing Company was formed
to promote safety throughout our organization. The benefits of a
Safety Committee are numerous and XYZ Manufacturing believes
that this is a forum for problem solving. The Safety Committee has an
open door policy and welcomes suggestions.
16
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place to ensure employee
safety from fire and other emergency. At the time of an emergency,
all employees should know what type of evacuation is necessary and
what their role is in carrying out the plan. In some emergencies total
and immediate evacuation will be necessary. In other emergencies
only partial evacuation may be necessary.
When a fire is detected it is necessary that the fire alarm pull station
be activated as soon as possible. The fire alarm will notify the
emergency response team who will perform assigned duties. The
activation of the alarm will also notify the local fire department.
In the event of bomb threat, toxic chemical release, hazardous
weather, or other emergencies – notification will be made over the
public address system.
In the event of fire, bomb threat, or toxic chemical release; employees
are to proceed to the nearest available and safe exit and leave the
building as soon as possible. Floor plans (maps) and exits have been
posted in each department.
It is of critical importance that all employees and visitors are
accounted for.

SAFETY & HEALTH GOALS
The following goals have been established for XYZ Manufacturing
Company:
(1) Provide workers with a safe work environment.
(2) Conduct routine/regular workplace inspections.
(3) Provide Personal Protective Equipment.
(4) Develop and implement safe work procedures and rules.
(5) Provide on-going safety training
(6) Enforce safety rules and appropriate discipline.
(7) Provide on-going property conservation practices.
5
NEW EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION
All new employees must attend our Safety Orientation Session prior
to starting work within their assigned area. This session will be
conducted under the direction of the Safety Director and in
coordination with Human Resources.
Upon completion of the Safety Orientation Session, each new
employee will be required to acknowledge that they have received,
understand, and will abide by the XYZ Company Safety Program. All
participants must sign a statement verifying that they have completed
the session. This report will be filed in the employee’s personnel file.
The following topics will be covered in the Safety Orientation Session:
 Company History
 Safety Program/Policy & Work rules
 Responsibilities
 Safety Education/Training
 Safety Audit/Inspections
 Accident Reporting/Investigation Requirements
 First Aid & Bloodborne Pathogens
 Personal Protective Equipment
 Tool & Equipment Use
 Material Handling
 Lockout-Tagout
 Machine Guarding
 MVR Requirements
 Hazard Communication
 Emergency Action
 Return-to-work & Light Duty Assignments
All new hires will be provided an opportunity to ask any question that
pertains to their job duties and employment at XYZ Manufacturing
Company.
6
SAFETY & TRAINING
All in-house Safety & Training sessions will be coordinated by (Name
of Safety Director).
Foremen and Assistant Foremen are required to be trained in
Accident Investigation Procedures by the Safety Director.
Operators of forklift trucks are to be trained in-house in accordance
with federal/state requirements. Operators must attend classroom
instruction as well as “behind the wheel training”.
All employees who work with, or are exposed to, hazardous
chemicals are to be trained in Hazard Communication, in accordance
with federal and state regulations.
All employees who don respirators are to be trained in accordance
with federal and state regulations. Those individuals who don
respirators are required to have annual physicals.
Machine operators and maintenance personnel are to be trained in
Lockout/Tagout procedures. Individual locks/keys will be assigned to
those individuals participating in the LOTO program.
All employees who don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be
trained in the proper use of such equipment.
First-aid training and Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training will be
conducted by (Name of Hospital) and the local chapter of the
American Red Cross.
Machine/Equipment operators are to be trained in-house. Emphasis
is to be placed on point of operation guarding. No employee is
allowed to operate a machine unless it is properly guarded.
Employees who operate company vehicles are required to participate
in an in-house Defensive Driving Program.
7
All production, shipping, and warehouse employees are required to
attend a 4 hour in-house safety training session on an annual basis.
This partial day session is held each January in the conference room.
The Safety Director will decide the topic material; however each
annual session is to place emphasis on material handling and
machine guarding.
All employees, at time of hire, are to be trained in Emergency Action
and proper evacuation of building in case of an emergency. Each
employee is to be given instruction/training on where to exit and
where to locate in the event of an emergency.
Foremen and Assistant Foremen are to meet with the Safety Director
on a quarterly basis to discuss training needs and goals.

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