SJ Carpentry Blog: What protocols should I be following for proper construction safety?

Even for the smallest of renovations, following proper construction safety precautions is one of the key factors in executing every phase of the process without hurting yourself or causing unnecessary damage. According to Nationwide Insurance, some common workplace injuries can include falling from a ladder, inhaling lost of dust, and electrical shock. Let’s go over some proper safety precautions that are both mandated and are a good idea to follow:

Before You Start:  Pre-Renovation Planning for Construction Safety

It’s important to be intentional about your planning before you even pick up the demolition tools. The majority of the prudence you’ll exercise with safety is planned out here. Let’s review a few:

• Create a safety plan. This outlines all of the safety precautions you’ll be taking and any equipment you’ll be using to keep yourself and others safe.

• Wear protective equipment (PPE). Wearing protective equipment, such as goggles, a hard hat, and a safety vest ensures you’re minimising any risk of injury.

• Confirm you have all the right permits. In order to be in compliance with Massachusetts town and state regulations, ensure you research and apply for all of the right permits for your renovation.

• Communicate your plan with other parties involved. If you’re doing the project yourself, communicate the construction safety plan with other members of your household. If you’re a contractor, communicate the safety plan with the homeowners and any subcontractors.

Wearing Protective Equipment

Here’s some helpful items that will equip you with the necessary protection to be safe in a construction zone:

• Hard hat: A hard hat will help protect you against any objects that may fall on your head and against any impact from falling from a high place. If there are straps you can attach to ensure the hard hat stays on, be sure to use them so that the hard hat has a better chance of staying on.

• Safety glasses/goggles: Safety goggles help protect your eyes from glass, wood chips, or any other small objects that may go flying during a renovation. Even if you think you don’t need to wear eye goggles, please be sure to keep them on.  Often times small objects will come flying at your head and hit your eye when you’re least expecting it. Eye goggles are preferred because of the band that goes around your head.

• Face shield: For extra protection, it’s a good idea to wear a face shield as well. This protects your entire face, not just your eyes.

• High-visibility clothing: This is especially important when you’re working at night or in dark spaces. Even if you’re working alone, it’s good to ensure you’re visible. Wearing work clothing that is durable is important as well. Don’t sacrifice durability just to get highly visible clothing.

• Work boots: Wear work boots that are heavy-duty, and are water proof as well. You never know when you’ll run into a project where you’re knees deep in water. Purchase boots that are puncture proof as well, to protect yourself against sharp falling objects. If you can, get steel-toed boots so that if heavy objects fall on your feet, they will be protected from the weight.

• Earplugs or earmuffs: Good for loud construction zones, or when you’re using power tools.

Hazards to Watch Out For

Here are some common hazards found in construction zones, and how to approach them so that you don’t get injured:

• Opportunities to slip, trip, and fall: Watch out for uneven and slippery ground. Mark off areas where you might run into a hazard that causes you to lose your balance.

• Getting struck by an object: Be aware of moving objects, or objects that have little to no support and could fall at a moment’s notice.

• Getting pinned between two objects: Be clear of where moving objects are at all times, and communicate with others that may be operating equipment where you could get pinned.

• Project site has collapsed: Be cautious when spending time in unsupported or incomplete structures or excavation sites. If you work alone, consider bringing a companion along to ensure you don’t get trapped under collapsed debris.

• Getting electrocuted: Identify exposed or faulty wiring, or any power tools that may be plugged in. Turn off electricity before touching outlets. Unplug items that you’re not actively using.

• Exposure to toxic chemicals: Wear protective equipment. Consider having an inspector look at the project site before demolition to eliminate risk of exposure to chemicals from the home, such as asbestos, lead paint, etc.

Helpful Safety Tools

• Ladders: Use a ladder to reach a high place, such as a roof or a room with a tall ceiling, instead of climbing another structure.

• Fall zones: Set up padding below you when using a ladder to catch you if you fall. Set up a large fall zone that covers multiple scenarios: if you fall straight down, to the left or right, or if the ladder tips backwards.

• Safety fences: Set up some barricades to prevent unwanted guests from entering into unsafe zones during construction.

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