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SAFETY MOMENT, MARCH 4

Know the plants and animals on site

See today's safety momentHow to give a safety moment

Safety moment, March 4

Know the plants and animals on site

Spring brings thawing ground, heavy rain, sudden storms and a busy schedule all at once. Soil that held firm all winter can turn soft, trenches can fill with water, and winter damage shows up on ladders, scaffolds and equipment. Many crews add new and returning workers in spring, so it is a good time to reset habits.

SAFETY MOMENT

March 4

The hazard

Spring brings thawing ground, heavy rain, sudden storms and a busy schedule all at once. Soil that held firm all winter can turn soft, trenches can fill with water, and winter damage shows up on ladders, scaffolds and equipment. Many crews add new and returning workers in spring, so it is a good time to reset habits.

The action

Warm weather brings out ticks, stinging insects, snakes and plants like poison ivy. Where harmful plants or animals are present, employees who may be exposed must be told about the hazards, how to avoid injury and the first aid to use (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(4)). Wear long sleeves and pants in brush, check for ticks after work, and tell the foreman if you are allergic to stings. (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(4))

ASK THE CREW

What did winter damage that we have not fixed yet?

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

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

  1. Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
  2. Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
  3. Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
  4. 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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