Housekeeping Housekeeping seems minor but leads to many accidents and injuries. It is far easier to work safely in a clean, organized jobsite. Keep work areas clear of debris that creates a tripping hazard. Walkways to the work area must be clear. At least a 3-foot wide path. Pay special attention to stairways, doorways, entrances and ladder access areas. Keep them clear of debris and trip hazards. No material or tools stored on stairs and landings. Route electrical cords to the side of walking paths and keep them out of doorways to avoid damage to the cord and trip hazards. Nails in...

Housekeeping at Work “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” Never has this phrase been so true as when it comes to housekeeping at work. The negative impressions and implications of poor housekeeping can affect you and co-workers for a long time to come. Morale is lowered for most people who must function every day in a messy, disorderly work environment, although they may not be aware of the cause. Safety is an even more critical issue. If your housekeeping habits are poor, the result may be employee injuries – or even death, citations by OSHA (or...

Floor Buffer Safety Floor buffer machines come in many styles and power levels from the standard electric stick model to battery and propane - powered walk-behinds and ride-ons. They use different pad types and abrasive factors to clean, wax, buff, and strip hard surface floors. Because floor maintenance involves using powered machinery and concentrated chemicals, it is important to keep safety in mind. Get training and read the manufacturer’s instructions for your floor machine. Read the safety data sheets (SDS) for all floor maintenance chemicals and get training on the use and proper mix ratios. Because these chemicals are sold in concentrated...

Housekeeping on Construction Sites Lack of proper housekeeping on the job is one safety hazard common to all construction projects until after final cleanup. Good housekeeping is one item that can help improve not only the safety on the job, but also the morale and productivity of the job. Guide for Discussion The following “General Rules” should be covered in any discussion on housekeeping: Keep scrap lumber with protruding nails separate from other debris; Bend nails over or remove from lumber. Keep all waste debris in neat piles and away from the immediate work area. Remove debris from the job on a regular...

Fire Protection and Control Most fires are a result of inattention to the job site operations and surrounding conditions. This lack of attention or protection can result in the loss of life and property. All fires can be easily extinguished if caught soon enough and the proper extinguishing tools are handy. Guide for Discussion Steps to Remember When a Fire Starts: Sound an alarm—yell if necessary. Warn those near the fire. If possible and the fire is small, try to extinguish it. Call the Fire Department if the fire can’t be easily and quickly extinguished. Evacuate the area if the fire can’t be...