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- Most accidents can be avoided by using common
sense, not being lazy and tidying up.
- Make sure that sharp tools stay sharp,
Stanley knife blades are replaced frequently etc. Blunt tools
are responsible for lots of accidents as more pressure needs to
be exerted to achieve cuts etc.
- A clean site is a safe site. This old
building trade proverb has always been true. Clean up as you go
and clean up before you stop work for the day. Turning up to
work in an untidy environment is not only dangerous but soul
destroying day after day.
- All the safety aids are designed for a
purpose. You get 1 pair of eyes, 1 pair of ears, 1 pair of lungs
etc. Goggles, ear protectors or plugs and dust masks. Using
these plus hard hats, steel toe capped boots, luminous vests and
gloves will help you stay safe.
- Working on scaffolding should be safe as long
as the scaffold has been erected by a professional company.
Ladders will usually be fixed to scaffolding, but if using free
standing ladders, they need to be secured with a tie rope at the
top if possible or at least some sand bags placed at the bottom
to stop backward movement. They must also be put up in the
correct proportion which is a ratio of 4:1 which means for
example the base of the ladder would be 1 metre away from the
wall while the top of the ladder would be 4 metres up on the
wall.
- Digging holes. Make sure these are not
accessible to children and animals by covering with heavy boards
and marking with a warning sign, road cone or similar and
installing a night light, Restricting access with temporary net
barriers attached to steel spikes hammered into the ground will
help.
- Temporary lighting may sometimes be a wise
choice to avoid dangers at night or in dark places.
- Keep clear of machinery and make sure the
work area is visible with warning tape and signs.
- Use the right tools for the job. Don't knock
nails in with a brick. Don't slide down ladders. Don't smash out
old glass with a brush or shovel. Don't throw debris over your
shoulder. These are some things I've seen over the years. It
would be interesting to see those individuals again to check if
they've still got two of everything.
- Look after tools and equipment and put them
away when not in use. They'll remain in better condition and
will serve you longer. Apart from that nobody will fall over
them or accidentally sweep them up.
- Don't rush around.. Work calmly. Be
professional. Be safe.
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