OSHA construction toolbox topics include personal protective equipment and ladder safety.
Continuing safety training as part of an effective safety program reduces accidents and injuries and makes safety awareness a top priority. The construction industry presents many opportunities for a wide range of avoidable accidents and injuries that cost employer and employees money and productivity. Weekly or monthly worker training, called toolbox talks or toolbox training, presents safety information in a brief format to construction employees on a variety of topics encountered in construction work. OSHA standards and regulations regarding construction work present many toolbox topics for training.
Personal Protective Equipment
OSHA requires employers to provide personal protective equipment for employees to work safely, and employees are required to wear necessary personal protective equipment. Personal protective equipment in construction work includes ear plugs when operating or working around loud equipment, safety glasses and respiratory protection when working around operations that produce particles or potentially airborne material and hard hats in heavy construction areas. OSHA has specific requirements for hearing protection, fall protection, machine guarding and many other safety hazards in construction that are prevented with the use of protective items and gear. Employees should be trained on the requirements for personal protective equipment, obtain equipment and use it.
Housekeeping
OSHA has a housekeeping requirement in its construction general safety and health provisions. OSHA advocates keeping construction work areas clear of scrap, debris, unused equipment, electrical cords and trip hazards and requires construction rubble and debris to be removed regularly. Employees should be trained in housekeeping requirements and hazards.
Signs, Signals and Barricades
Signs, signals and barricades are necessary in work areas that are loud and busy with many people engaged in different work activities. OSHA requires visible signs and symbols to be in place when work is being performed, including danger signs, caution signs, exit signs, directional signs, traffic signs and accident prevention tags and signs. OSHA has specific requirements for different kinds of signs. Danger signs for immediate hazards must be red with black borders, caution signs must be yellow and exit signs must have red lettering. Employees should be trained in OSHA's signage requirements, what signs mean and what situations require signs.
Scaffolds and Aerial Lifts
OSHA's requirements regarding scaffolds and aerial lifts are designed to prevent falls, prevent dropping items from heights, provide regular inspection and security of scaffolding equipment and ensure safe access to work at heights. Some requirements of scaffolding include weight bearing capacity of scaffolding and ropes, training for those assembling and dismantling scaffolding, inspection of scaffolding for stability and wear and tear, appropriate scaffold supports and environmental conditions of scaffolding such as ice, snow and rain. OSHA requires employers to train employees on proper use of scaffolding and handling of materials on it, who is authorized to put scaffolding equipment together and the nature of scaffold hazards.
Ladders and Stairways
OSHA's requirements for ladders and stairways include frequent inspections, removal from use if broken or defective, proper use, clearance of debris and fall hazards. OSHA requires training on ladders and stairways so employees recognize and avoid hazards.
Tags: construction work, OSHA requires, protective equipment, Employees should, Employees should trained
