SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week
Good Housekeeping
Regardless of whether you are in the workplace, at home, or "at play", you need to follow standard Good Housekeeping principles.
Below is a Good Housekeeping Tip that I have used throughout my career. Your challenge is to consider your home as your workplace.
Think about your work bench at home, your kitchen, the mess you make while your cooking, even your clothes closets, etc.
A clean and orderly workplace is more likely to be a safe workplace than an area full of dirt, debris and clutter.
Less junk means fewer things to fall over, set fire to or get poisoned by. With less dirt there are fewer places for hazards to hide.
Jobsite housekeeping is everyone's responsibility each day. Cleaning up spills and scrap, returning tools to their storage locations and keeping materials safely arranged are on-going tasks requiring your co-operation.
When you think about it, once an area gets untidy or messy it takes longer to find the things you are looking for than it would be to clean it in the first place.
How is the housekeeping in your work area? Try this checklist:
• Is the area free of trash and scrap? Are trash receptacles emptied regularly?
• What about dirt? Are work surfaces cleaned frequently to remove dust, grime and grease?
• Are windows kept clean for good lighting? Is there enough light in the first place?
• Do you report burned-out lights so they can be replaced promptly?
• Do you clean up after yourself in the lunchroom and washroom, helping keep these areas dry and sanitary?
• Do you help keep unnecessary materials, tools and equipment removed from the work area to reduce clutter? Damaged tools should be tagged so they can be repaired or discarded.
• Are traffic lanes kept free of obstructions such as stored materials, cords and cables?
• Do you watch for damage to steps and stairways? Report any hazards such as torn carpet, slippery treads or shaky handrails.
• What about ladders? If defective, they should be tagged and removed from service.
• Does everyone keep an eye on the condition of electrical equipment? Frayed cords, damaged insulation and other defects can result in shock or fire.
• Is a regular maintenance schedule followed for equipment to prevent breakdowns?
• Are there enough fire extinguishers of the correct size and type for your workplace. Are they serviced regularly? Is firefighting equipment easily accessible and not blocked by materials or equipment?
• Are stairwells and exits kept free of flammable and combustible materials which could prevent escape in case of a fire?
Keeping your work station clean and orderly is more than a matter of personal pride. It is an important measure for protecting your safety and that of your fellow workers.
From the Courts
A construction company, was fined $65,000 for violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a routine inspection. Additonally, a supervisor with the company, was fined $2,000 in relation to the same inspection.
The company was constructing a hotel and retail space when a Ministry of Labour inspector conducted a routine inspection of the project. The inspector noticed that the entranceways to and from the work area were obstructed and issued an order to keep the routes clear.
When the inspector visited the site the next day, the entranceways were still not clear.
The company was found guilty of failing, as a constructor, to keep the routes to and from the work area clear of obstructions and fined $40,000.
The supervisor was found guilty of failing, as a supervisor, to ensure the same and fined $2,000.
The company was also found guilty of failing to comply with an order or a requirement by an inspector and fined $25,000.
Picture of the Week
Knew I shouldn't have parked my truck here.
