Let's give a tool man's salute to ladders, which are among some of the simplest tools we use.
Planning and care should be taken in order to avoid potential accidents.  Unfortunate incidents occur every year because of improper ladder use, some even resulting in death.  Before using, placing or moving a ladder, always review safe ladder work practices.

• Prior to using a ladder, inspect it for loose or damaged rungs, steps, rails or braces. Check for loose screws, bolts, hinges and other hardware.
• Always make sure you face the ladder and hold on to it with both hands when climbing or descending.
• If you need tools, wear a tool apron/belt or use a hand line to raise and lower materials.
• Do not place ladders on objects that can move suddenly.
• Open step ladders completely prior to use; do not lean against  walls.
• Keep the ladder free of mud, oil, grease or other slipping hazards.
• To avoid slipping, check the rungs and bottom of your shoes for slippery substances.
• Do not move, shift or extend a ladder while occupied.
• Do not stand on the top or second from the top rung of a step ladder.
• Always hold on to the ladder with at least one hand.
• Do not try reaching so far to either side or the rear that you lose balance or cause the ladder to tip.
• Do not tie or fasten ladders together, unless they are specifically designed for such use.
• Avoid placing ladders near electrical lines and other overhead obstructions.  Be aware that metal or wet wooden ladders can conduct electricity.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) – Your One-Stop Source for Chemical Information
These basic hazard communication forms are an important component of workplace safety.  They contain information such as physical and chemical properties, safe handling recommendations, proper steps to take with spills, storage, disposal and transportation, personal protection to be used and regulatory requirements.

OSHA requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the hazards of their chemicals and prepare MSDSs to communicate this information.  Employers that utilize hazardous chemicals in their workplace must maintain any material safety data sheets provided by the manufacturer of the product.  They must ensure that these data sheets are readily accessible to employees during all hours that employees work in the area.

Before handling a chemical be sure to read the label and follow the directions exactly as stated.  Chemicals must be stored correctly as specified on the MSDS and label.  Before disposing of a chemical, read the MSDS to find out how to safely do so.  Use personal protection equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals.  This may include eye and face protection, gloves, boots, aprons and even respiratory protection.  Learn the location and proper usage of eye wash and safety shower stations in case of an accidental splash with chemicals.  Lastly, know the emergency procedures such as whether to leave an area or stay to clean up a spill or fight a fire.

Thousands of fatal accidents happen every year. The best way to avoid injury or death is to be a defensive driver.
The first step of being a defensive driver is to make sure your car is in good running condition.  Maintain your car, keep your tires in good condition, check your lights and turn signals regularly.

Over 66 percent of all traffic injuries occur at intersections.  Remember to always use your turn signals. If you plan to make a turn, assume other drivers do not see your signals and never assume the other driver will give you the right-of-way.  Drive the legal speed limit. 

Keep adequate space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Keep one car length between the cars for every 10 miles per hour you are traveling (e.g., four car lengths at 40 miles per hour). To avoid a head-on collision always look ahead and slow down. Remember to get off the road in advance if you suspect any problems.  To avoid a rear collision, use your turn signals and slow down gradually.

Always wear your seat belt.  Seat belts, when worn, have been proven to increase the chance of surviving an accident. Finally, the best way to be a good driver is to give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to be.

More workers are injured annually due to improper lifting techniques while handling material than any other single factor.
Material handling is a daily function in the workplace that is all too often taken for granted. In addition to proper training in lifting and carrying items, be aware that it is not always necessary to lift and carry material manually and there are many types of equipment including dollies, carts, lift trucks, hoists and cranes available to help move material safely. 

• Depending on the type of operation, using a dolly and cart to move material can result in minimal disruption of work flow.
• Use a lift truck when moving large, heavy loads from one area to another.  Make sure that materials are placed on the lift truck in a safe and secure manner to avoid having the load shift, fall off, roll over or impair your vision.
• Hoists and cranes should be used to lift extremely heavy loads. When using this type of equipment, personnel must enforce proper safety measures to prevent serious injuries. Only experienced and authorized persons should operate hoists, cranes and forklifts. The machinery must be kept in good working condition through regular maintenance and testing. Remember not to exceed the load limit of the lifting device.
• Scissor lift and rotating tables help alleviate handling and moving equipment at the workstation.
• When you must manually lift materials, keep the load as close to your body as possible. Try not to twist while lifting or lowering; turn your whole body instead. Always remember that a team lifting effort could prevent strains; never hesitate to ask for help.

Although scaffolds may vary from one industry or job to the next, there is one constant – they can be dangerous if not used properly.
When using scaffolds be aware of your surroundings at all times and follow these basic scaffold safety tips:

A scaffold must be designed by a qualified person.  Supported scaffolds must be able to support their own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load.

• Do not use makeshift scaffolds such as planks laid across barrels or concrete blocks.
• Do not exceed the recommended load limit for a scaffold.
• Do not use a scaffold for storing materials or tools. Items should be removed at the end of each work shift.

A person trained in scaffold safety must inspect a scaffold before each work shift, after anything happens that could affect the structure, or if a scaffold is assembled, moved, changed or taken apart.

• Scaffolds must be placed on stable ground and leveled to prevent tipping.
• Never move a scaffold while it is in use or occupied.
• Scaffold wheels must be locked when in use. 
• Do not work on scaffolds in high winds or a storm.

Be aware of external safety hazards.

• Avoid overhead hazards such as electrical lines.  Keep scaffolds 10 or more feet away from power lines.  
• Keep the scaffold platforms free of debris and tools, which can cause tripping injuries.
• Take care not to strike the scaffold with vehicles or materials.

Three Points of Contact: Safe Mounting and Dismounting of Ladders, Forklifts, Trucks and Construction Equipment
Needless loss time injuries, including sprains, fractures and even death happen to employees from improperly climbing or jumping into, onto, off of and out of trucks, cabs, steps, platforms, cargo areas, ladders and other construction equipment. Utilizing “three points of contact” is an effective method to reduce these injuries.

The three points of contact safety method applies regardless of the access conditions and is even more important when conditions are less than ideal. Some fundamental factors:

• Three points of contact are necessary at all times to maintain stability.  To do this, a person must have a foot and two hands or two feet and a hand in contact with the ground, step, and/or handhold at all times. The person then forms a triangle of contact points that changes as the person moves. If the triangle is incomplete, the individual will be unstable.
• Stay close to the object.  For example, keep the body close to the truck and within the triangle.
• Do not jump or hop down from the ladder or any other piece of equipment.
• Wear the proper footwear. A slip resistant sole is important.  Do not wear sandals.

Excavation and trenching cave-ins can be eliminated by following proper excavation and trenching procedures.
Too often an improperly protected trench or excavation wall collapses, trapping workers.  There are three ways to protect against these types of accidents.  All trenches over five feet must be sloped, shored, sheeted, braced or otherwise supported.

1. Shoring is a structure such as a metal hydraulic, mechanical or timber bracing system that supports the sides of an excavation.  A shoring system may include sheeting, bracing or jacks. 
2. Sloping is accomplished by cutting the banks back to an angle or repose.  At this angle the soil won’t slide.  This angle varies, depending on the soil type.
3. A trench shield or box is a heavy metal box designed to be placed in a trench; it prevents the sides of the trench from caving in.  Trench boxes are used in many types of sewer and pipeline work.

Excavations four feet in depth or more must have sufficient means of exit such as a ladder. The exit equipment must be within 25 feet of lateral travel.

A COMPETENT PERSON MUST INSPECT THE EXCAVATION AND ADJACENT AREA DAILY FOR POSSIBLE CAVE-INS OR ANY OTHER CONDITION WHICH MAY PRESENT A HAZARD.