Safety is everyone's responsibility
Definitions
Safety is free from risk and danger.
Accidents is defined as an unexpected and desirable event resulting in damage or harm.
Hazards is an unsafe condition or activity, that if left uncontrolled can contribute to an accident.
Risk is the assessment of 'probability of loss' and potential amount of loss'.
Physical hazards
Physical hazards are different types of energy which may be hazardous to workers.
- Noise
- Vibration
- Temperature extremes
Biologocial hazards
Exposure can occur during demolition, renovation, sewer work, work on air handling systems, or other construction work from contact with contaminated or disease carrying
- Soil
- Water
- Bird Droppings
- Animals
- Structures
Types of Accident measurements
- Death
- Fatal injury (broken legs, hips, amputation)
- Non fatal injury (finger cut)
- Occupational accidents (MSD, hearing loss)
- Absence from work
- Near misses
- Working days lost
Chemical hazards
Chemicals can exist in the form of
- Dusts, fumes, fibers (solids)
- Liquids, mists
- Gases, vapors
Examples of chemical hazards found in contruction work:
- Asbestos
- Lead
- Carbon monoxide
- Welding fumes
- Spray paints
- Solvents
Ergonomic Hazards
Physical
- Heavy, frequent, or awkward lifting
- Repetitive tasks
- Awkward grips, postures
- Using excessive forice, overexerction
- Using wrong tools for the job or using tools improperly
Personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE)
- Legal requirements
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Face protection
- Head protection
- Hand protection
- Foot protection
Direct costs
The direct costs are insurance, liability and property damage insurance
Indirect costs
Wages paid to injured worker for time not worked, fall behind deadlines, other staff needed, clean up, repair, reputation
Impact of overall performance
- Time
- budget
- Absenteeism
- Low mo
- rale
Health and safety on sites
Reactive measures
- Accident recording and reporting
- Accident investigations
Proactive measures
- H&S safety policy
- H&S safety induction / training
- Toolbox talk
