Developing Work Safety Procedures?

To avoid construction accidents, it is important to develop and follow good safety procedures. Additionally, maintaining equipment in good repair, preparing for emergency situations and properly training employees are necessary components of avoiding work place injuries. The following information, provided by a Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia construction accident lawyer firm, is intended to assist you in avoiding construction accidents and maintaining a safe work place.

General Safety Tips

• Maintain a clean work area at all times
• Avoid unnecessary hazards
• Maintain all machinery in good working order
• Implement a strong preventative maintenance plan
• Provide clear work procedures and safety instructions
• Keep an accurate OSHA incident log and focus on preventing common incidents
• Prevent exposures to dangerous situations rather than relying on personal protective equipment (PPE)

Ladder/Scaffold Safety

• Use sturdy ladders that can be secured firmly on a base
• Inspect the ladders and scaffolds before each time you use them
• Place defective ladders and scaffolds out of commission
• Use ladders and scaffolds only for their intended purposes
• Block off traffic in areas around where ladders and scaffolds are used
• When climbing, face the ladder and hold on with both hands
• Do not stand on the top two rungs of any ladder
• Set all caster brakes on scaffolds before use
• Secure scaffolding with cables, chains, wires or ropes
• Never move ladders or scaffolds with people on them

Construction Site Burns and Fire Safety

• Keep firefighting and first aid equipment within 100 feet of every construction site
• Have firefighting and first aid equipment inspected regularly
• Keep use of internal-combustion, engine-powered equipment away from combustible material
• Store combustible materials at least 10 feet from all structures
• Train all construction workers on proper fire safety techniques

Electrical Safety

• Locate and identify utilities prior to beginning a project
• Maintain a safe distance from power lines
• Inspect all electrical cords and outlets for cracks, fraying or other damage to avoid potential fires
• Ensure that appliances and tools are turned off prior to plugging them into an outlet
• Do not overload outlets
• Properly ground or double insulate portable electric tools
• Identify and avoid electrical hazards when working on ladders or scaffolds

Avoiding Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of construction accident injuries. To avoid slip and fall accidents, follow these guidelines from a Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC burn lawyer:

• Wear personal fall arrest equipment
• Implement ladder and scaffold safety procedures
• Ensure that all work areas are well-lit
• Cover floor opening and label opening covers
• Install and maintain perimeter protection
• Use proper lifting techniques when lifting heavy objects
• Clean up all spills immediately

Other Safety Tips

• Never position yourself between moving and fixed objects
• Wear high-visibility clothing at all times
• Ensure that trenches and excavations are protected by sloping, shoring, benching or trench shield systems
• Wear the proper protective equipment, including hard hats, steel toe boots and safety goggles
• Never trespass on construction sites
• Make sure that you understand how to use heavy machinery prior to operating
• Provide earplugs for employees if working in an environment with a high noise level
• Modify tools to reduce vibration and avoid carpal tunnel syndrome

If You Have Been Injured in a Construction Accident