SAFETY DESK: Common Sense
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Is common sense... common?
According to safety studies, workers not being sensible and taking unnecessary risks on the job account for four out of five serious injuries.
Common sense on the job is irreplaceable, yet most of us have worked with people who are accident-prone during our careers.
The questions is: Why?
Did they take a shortcut?
Did they not understand the process?
Or was there a lack of training?
Injuries can be prevented if we take the time to ask if what we are doing makes sense.
Take the time to be safe, use common sense, and remember our safety vision: That every employee returns safely to their family at the end of their shift.
ALLEN MYERS
Lyman-Richey Corporation Safety Director
COMMON SENSE FALL SAFETY
Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it's important to plan ahead, assess the risk and use the right equipment. First, determine if working from a height is absolutely necessary or if there is another way to do the task safely.
- Discuss the task with coworkers and determine what safety equipment is needed
- Make sure you are properly trained on how to use the equipment
- Scan the work area for potential hazards before starting the job
- Make sure you have level ground to set up the equipment
- If working outside, check the weather forecast; never work in inclement weather
- Use the correct tool for the job, and use it as intended
- Ensure stepladders have a locking device to hold the front and back open
- Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder
- Place the ladder on a solid surface and never lean it against an unstable surface
- A straight or extension ladder should be 1 foot away from the surface it rests on for every 4 feet of height and extend at least 3 feet over the top edge
- Securely fasten straight and extension ladders to an upper support
- Wear slip-resistant shoes and don't stand higher than the third rung from the top
- Don't lean or reach while on a ladder, and have someone support the bottom
- Never use old or damaged equipment; check thoroughly before use