Weekly Safety Training Topic No. 2630
Compliance and safety 101
Would you like to
| Save time? |
Reduce insurance claims? |
| Prevent injuries? |
Do the job right the first time? |
| Prevent equipment breakdowns? |
Minimize the potential for OSHA Citations? |
Safety and compliance issues are often challenging and take planning to prevent incidents. There are however a significant amount of safety and compliance issues that could be prevented by asking one question first, “Are you using the right tool for the job?” Using the right tool and using it correctly are part of being a professional.
Compliance questions usually start with “What does OSHA say about using this tool or piece of equipment to do X Y or Z?” Resolving safety concerns and implementing best practices commonly includes answering, “Are you using the right tool for the job?”
So how do you know if you are using the right tool for the job?
- Locate, read and maintain access to the manuals provided by the manufacturer.
- Once you know the limitations and correct ways to use the tool or equipment, this will minimize safety and compliance issues.
- OSHA inspectors commonly look at manuals and instructions for a tool or piece of equipment. If you are following the manufacturers’ guidance, you will be following OSHA regulations most of the time.
Using the right tool for the job and as it’s designed also prevents injuries. Think about the injuries that have occurred on work sites during your career. A common variable in these incidents is the misuse of tools and equipment.
- Standing on a bucket.
- Using a knife as a screwdriver.
- Drills used without utilizing the clutch settings.
- Saws and grinders used without guards in place.
- Using a personnel lift in place of a forklift to hoist material.
Download and print this Weekly Safety Training Topic with sign-in sheet. For the Spanish version, click here.
The information and recommendations contained in this “Weekly safety training topic” have been compiled from various sources believed to be reliable and represent the best current opinion on the subject. The Builders, a chapter of the AGC, in no way guarantees, insures or warrants the absolute correctness or sufficiency of any information contained within. The Builders expressly disclaims all liability and assumes no responsibility therewith. For more information, please call 816.55.4158.