Date Posted: 02/17/2024

The hierarchy of hazard controls pyramid is a systematic workflow to provide the most effective control measure for workplace hazards. The tool is used worldwide and prescribes a method to always begin with eliminating any hazards you identify in the workplace.

Updated: 2024

According to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), WAC 296-155-012, a competent person is "One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective action to eliminate them.”

Date Posted: 01/30/2024

Each day, countless workplaces are subjected to the risk of falling objects. According to a recent survey conducted by the Center for Construction and Research and Training (CPWR), in 2022, falling/flying objects accounted for approximately 30% of injuries on construction sites.

Date Posted: 04/21/2020

The national Safety Council states, that one out of four accidents occur because of bad backing up techniques and procedures. The report also states backing-up accidents account for 500 deaths and 1,500 injuries each year. (2014 study)

Date Posted: 04/21/2020

Creating a respectful workplace is the cornerstone for the success and continued growth of a company. Respectful workplaces create safer jobsites, healthier company cultures and increased productivity.

Date Posted: 09/21/2016

Concrete is used on most construction sites. There are hazards resulting from the act of forming, placing and finishing concrete.

Date Posted: 09/21/2016

Concrete pumping is an economical and efficient means of placing concrete on most jobs in the construction industry today. Every person on the job-site should understand the hazards that can occur when air is compressed in the hose. Following proper safety guidelines enables a safe, successful and profitable concrete pour.

Date Posted: 09/20/2016

Construction Material Salvage typically requires the deconstruction of a building in a way that preserves building materials for future reuse. The salvage of lumber, bricks, steel, windows, stone, floor coverings, ornamental items, etc. are common, if in good condition, for the reuse in new structures. It is becoming more necessary as virgin materials are more expensive. The reuse of salvaged materials also reduces unnecessary landfilling.

Date Posted: 09/19/2016

This talk applies to all types of cranes, including mobile cranes, overhead or gantry cranes and jib cranes. It is important to understand the characteristics and methods to operate your crane safely. The U.S. Department of Labor cites an average of 82 deaths per year due to crane accidents at construction sites alone.

Date Posted: 09/18/2016

Demolition is high-risk work and adequate preparations are required. Falls and premature collapse of structures are the greatest risk. Communication is the best line of defense to reduce injury.

Date Posted: 09/17/2016

Workers who handle drywall sheets are at high risk of overexertion and fall injuries. Drywall installers spend most of the day standing, bending, or stretching. This work is physically demanding.

Date Posted: 09/16/2016

Not everyone on a given project is directly involved with trenching. However, many people work near trenches and excavations. Excavation safety is not just for workers in the hole. If you observe an unsafe act, stop work and save someone’s life. (WAC 296-155 Part N)

Date Posted: 09/15/2016

An exit route is a continuous and unobstructed path from any point within a workplace to a place of safety.

Date Posted: 09/13/2016

(MUTCD Signaling & Flaggers 296-155-305 Part E)

Flaggers are to be used only when other means are not adequate to control traffic. All workers are required to have a jobsite orientation. This requirement also applies to flaggers who are working on the jobsite and any workers who will perform flagger duties. Please use MUTCD for specific requirements.

Date Posted: 09/13/2016

Traffic control is needed at almost every job-site. This often involves the use of a flagger and a stop/slow paddle. Placing a flagger near traffic is considered a high hazard job and deserves attention.

Date Posted: 09/12/2016

Night work flaggers are faced with more challenging and dangerous situations than flaggers working during daylight hours. Nighttime drivers are more inattentive due to driver fatigue from the completion of the day. It is important for flaggers to remain alert and watch traffic approaching from both directions.

Date Posted: 09/12/2016

Gasoline can be used on job-sites for some tools and equipment. Improper handling of gasoline increases the workers risk for serious injuries and even fatalities.

Date Posted: 09/12/2016

Geo Thermal Wells can be horizontal at 5-10 feet deep but most often they are vertically drilled 150-300 feet deep into the ground. The closed loop wells are filled with HDPE pipe carrying water that leverages the earth’s constant 55 degree temperature to reduce building heating and cooling demands. The majority of the mechanical system is essentially buried underground instead of a large cooling tower and chiller. The result is a very small mechanical room, minimal wiring, materials and safety hazards after installation.

Date Posted: 09/11/2016

Guardrails offer a level of protection that is above personal fall arrest. When installed properly, guardrails prevent falls from happening. (WAC 296-155-24615)

Date Posted: 09/10/2016

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update will provide a common and clear approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information: