Top 5 Construction Safety Tips For Working Around The House

Construction ranks as one of the most dangerous lines of work in the U.S. Slips and falls, exposure to harmful substances, falling objects, and fires are just a few of the potential hazards construction workers face on a daily basis. We all know that construction workers take safety seriously when completing their tasks, but what about when you are working around the house? Here are 5 safety tips to help you stay safe when you tackle your next DIY project at home.
 

1. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR TEAM

Hold a brief safety meeting with your team before starting any new task. Discuss what work will be done to complete the task, what role each team member will play and how to perform the work safely.
 
Provide your team members with the appropriate safety gear to complete the task before beginning work and make sure that each team member is comfortable with completing their assigned task.

2. USE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

When working, the potential for injuries is all around us. Using the correct PPE for the task can drastically reduce the chances of a minor or even major accident taking place. Some standard PPE is below:

• Hard Hat
• Safety Glasses
• Earplugs or Earmuffs
• Dust masks or Respirators
• Fall Protection Equipment
• High Visibility Vests
• Work Pants
• Work Boots

Utilizing PPE, even when working around the house, can help prevent sudden injuries and even injuries that take place over an extended period of time such as hearing loss.

3. USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE TASK

Carefully planning what tools you need for each task will make it easier to get the job done quickly while also reducing damage to equipment and potential injury. High-quality tools are engineered from the ground up to complete tasks both safely and efficiently.

4. INSPECT YOUR TOOLS AND RENTAL EQUIPMENT

We all inspect our rental cars for dents and scratches before driving off, but how many of us inspect rental equipment before using it? Inspecting equipment before using it is an essential part of completing any tasks. It is also important to inspect your own tools before using them. Here are some important items to check:

• Are there any knicks or cuts in the electrical cord?
• Is there any exposed wiring?
• Are all of the prongs still fully attached to the electrical plug?
• Is the saw blade still sharp?
• Is there any fluid (oil, gas or hydraulic fluid) leaking?
• Does the equipment beep when put in reverse?
• Are all of the mirrors still attached and properly angled for the driver to see?
• Are the safety guards still installed on power tools?

5. KEEP YOUR WORK AREA CLEAN

Cluttered work areas can create unnecessary safety hazards, especially for slips, trips, and falls. Ensure that designated walking areas are clear of debris and slippery substances. Be sure to clean up your work area after completing each task so that debris doesn’t begin to pile up over the day. If a hazardous material spills, immediately consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for that substance and begin proper cleanup procedures.

 

 

Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels