Safety isn’t just a “check the box” here at Timberline. It is woven into our culture and thoughtfully planned out on each and every project. Navigating around a busy construction site can cause injury at any time, and it is a core responsibility of our team to identify, reduce and eliminate construction-related injuries so that everyone gets home safe every day.
Contractors Risk Management (CRM), Our third-party safety consultant, is an integral part of our safety program while helping to keep everyone on the job accountable. In honor of Construction Safety Week and to promote safety awareness, we’ve partnered with CRM to outline common job site hazards and how to prevent them.
1. Fall Hazards
Injuries from falls are the most common cause of construction site fatalities. Some of the main causes of falls are unprotected edges and openings, improper scaffolding construction and improper ladder use. Thankfully there are multiple defenses to take against falls that drastically minimize the risk of injury.
Prevention Methods:
- Use fall protection when exposed to falls of 6 feet or more (10 feet on scaffolds)
- Wear a body harness
- Set up guard rails
- Take proper ladder safety measures
- Cover, mark and secure floor holes
2. Struck-By
Struck-by hazards are another safety concern that exists any time a worker can be hit by an object. Stuck-by hazards are common and include missing tool boards, falling objects, moving materials and flying hazards.
Prevention Methods:
- Keep a safe distance from suspended loads
- Never position yourself between a moving and fixed object
- Store materials properly
- Wear PPE such as hard hats, safety glasses and highly visible reflective vests
3. Electrocution
Electrical injuries typically occur from three sources; improper use of cords, contact with overhead power lines or contact with other energized sources. This includes live parts, damaged or bare wires, and defective tools and equipment.
Prevention Methods:
- Keep equipment in good working condition
- Ensure tools are properly powered and grounded
- Utilize lockout/tagout method
- Maintain a safe distance from power lines
In addition to the above-mentioned prevention methods, Timberline takes active measures to minimize risk through consistent training, proper planning and vigilance on the job site. We work with each client to develop a site-specific safety plan which evaluates each site individually to identify what the team should focus on most. Our dedication to safety pays off – Timberline is proud to report zero lost time incidents in the past five years. Thank you to CRM and our exceptional team for always putting safety first while looking out for the well-being of our clients, partners and fellow employees.