Safety
Safety is a major concern in the construction trades, especially in stone and trail work. There are several variables we contend with everyday. Stones are heavy and rarely uniform in size and shape. We work outside in all sorts of conditions, often on steep inclines and uneven ground. We use a variety of hand tools, power tools and heavy machinery to complete projects. What follows are some general guidelines about safety that we follow in all of our work.
Communication download the notebook is the single most important aspect of safety on any job site. This can take many forms. People moving a huge rock together, either with bars or winches, need to coordinate their efforts. This usually involves planning how to move the stone and then talking throughout the process to make adjustments to the plan as it goes. People in the vicinity also need to be informed of what is happening around them. This is especially true when using noisy equipment such as saws, drills, excavators and other machinery. Effective communication helps people stay safe, but also lets them help each other, if things do go awry.
Awareness of one’s surroundings is also crucial. It’s very easy to get into a ‘zone’ when doing this kind of work, but that intense focus can be dangerous when others are working nearby. Knowing where people are and what they are doing- which begins with effective communication- is essential to safety.
Competent and confident staff are the backbone of a safe working environment. People should be well-trained on the equipment and tools they are using. They should be competent and confident enough to make wise choices about potentially dangerous situations. Confidence should not be confused with arrogance; cocky construction workers are by far the most dangerous. People confident enough to say “No” when the risks are too great are invaluable.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be well-maintained and used properly and consistently. Goggles, gloves, ear plugs, respirators and boots are all essential. Different jobs require varying levels of protective gear, but every job should have these basics and a thorough and well-stocked first aid kit readily available.
General well-being
the dudesons movie online download is harder to define, but also an important attribute to staying safe on the job. Being well-rested, nourished, hydrated, sober and present in the moment all contribute to one’s safety and to the safety of the whole crew.
Good tool etiquette minimizes the risk of accidents on the job. Tools and equipment should be in good working order. The work area should be organized to reduce the risk of tripping over tools or loose stones.
Proper lifting is an important habit to develop. Using the legs instead of the back can prevent injury and prolong a career for many years.
A special note about stone piles:
they are the most dangerous places we work. Freshly dumped, a stone pile often looks stable and sturdy, but this is never the case. It’s altogether too easy to have the pile shift under your feet, to turn an ankle or to catch a finger or hand trying to move a stone. Stone piles are also attractive habitats to spiders and snakes, including copperheads, black widows and brown recluses, all excellent reasons to wear gloves, boots and long pants. Always exercise great caution around stone piles.