SAFETY MOMENT, FEBRUARY 17

Use the right waste containers

See today's safety moment How to give a safety moment

Safety moment, February 17

A messy work area leads to slips, trips, cuts, falling objects and fires. Clutter can also block an exit or an extinguisher right when you need it. A mess that looks minor can have serious consequences, so good housekeeping is part of the job, not a once-a-week cleanup.

SAFETY MOMENT

February 17

The hazard

A messy work area leads to slips, trips, cuts, falling objects and fires. Clutter can also block an exit or an extinguisher right when you need it. A mess that looks minor can have serious consequences, so good housekeeping is part of the job, not a once-a-week cleanup.

The action

On construction sites, containers must be provided for waste, trash, oily and used rags and other refuse. Containers for garbage and oily, flammable or hazardous waste need covers, and waste must be disposed of at frequent and regular intervals. Keep break areas and restrooms clean, and get food waste into the trash so it does not draw pests. (29 CFR 1926.25(c))

ASK THE CREW

Is anything blocking an exit, an extinguisher or an electrical panel right now?

From the talk: Housekeeping. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

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