~ Crystalline Silica Safety Crystalline silica is a common mineral that is found in construction materials such as sand, stone, concrete, brick, and mortar. When workers cut, grind, drill, or crush materials that contain crystalline silica, very small dust particles are created. These tiny particles can travel deep into workers’ lungs and cause silicosis, an incurable and sometimes deadly lung disease. Respirable crystalline silica also causes lung cancer, other potentially debilitating respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease. In most cases, these diseases occur after years of exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Roughly 2.3 Million people are exposed to Silica at work, some without ever knowing. How to prevent inhalation of Silica: - Written exposure control plan which will outline tasks that will expose you to Silica. Also, will outline work practices,... » Read more

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Posted 03/06/26 01:29:32 PM

Aerial lift safety is a set of practices that companies and employees follow to reduce the chances of aerial lift accidents in the workplace. There are around 26 aerial lift accidents annually, which accounts for over 3% of construction-related deaths. This vehicle-mounted equipment has extended platforms and are used to elevate employees. This helps them reach high objects like power lines or ceilings, especially when scaffolding isn’t an option. Here are some reasons why construction workers are killed or injured every year while using this equipment:   - They were not wearing a harness and fell off the equipment. - They fell with the equipment when it tipped over. - They were electrocuted when the equipment touched a power line or electrical wires.   While operating an aerial lift:... » Read more

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Posted 02/13/26 10:32:55 AM

Situational awareness is being aware of what is happening around you in terms of where you are, where you are supposed to be, and whether anyone or anything around you is a threat to your health and safety. Our knowledge, experience and education enable us to understand what is going on around us and helps us to determine if it is safe. This means that everyone's situational awareness is individual and potentially different. We use our situational awareness to make decisions at home and at work.... » Read more

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Posted 12/05/25 11:06:28 AM

In the middle of the city, out in the suburbs, and perhaps even in the middle of nowhere, there is a pretty good chance that one or more utility line or other underground installation is buried beneath the surface. Striking a buried utility while excavating the soil can not only cause disruption of services to the general public, it could also result in someone getting seriously injured or killed. So today we will review some steps to help prevent striking underground utility installations at excavation sites. ·         Never dig... » Read more

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Posted 08/15/25 10:37:38 AM

All parts of the Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) need to be inspected prior to each use in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Read the product insert to learn of any specific inspection requirements or guidelines. The PFAS should be inspected for wear, damage, and other deterioration. Defective components should be removed from service. Inspect all new harnesses, lanyards, and other connectors prior to their first use on the job site. There may be defects that would require replacement. No PFAS should be modified or changed unless recommended by the manufacturer. Remember the ABC's for PFAS Inspection. A – Anchor Point •Must support 5,000 lbs per worker for non-engineered anchor points. •Select an anchor point to minimize free fall distance and swing radius. •Position above head level to prevent dangerous swinging in a fall. •Shorter tie-offs reduce fall distance. •Do not anchor to handrails, conduits... » Read more

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Posted 04/17/25 01:34:42 PM