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SAFETY MOMENT, MARCH 5

Fix what winter broke

See today's safety momentHow to give a safety moment

Safety moment, March 5

Fix what winter broke

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 5

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

Freezing and thawing can crack concrete, shift scaffold footings and damage cords, hoses and ladders. Inspect tools, equipment and the site before the busy season, and take damaged gear out of service. In construction, safety programs must provide for frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials and equipment by competent persons (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2)). During spring cleanup, read the label before using cleaning chemicals, and never mix them. (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2))

ASK THE CREW

Where does water collect on this site after a rain, and who checks it?

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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