MODULE 3

Major hazards of construction

 Falls
 Electrocution
 Being struck by
falling objects
 Trapped during
excavation
 Major hazards of construction

1
Fall Protection
This section will discuss:

 Conditions that required use of fall

protection

 Options available to protect workers

Fall Protection
 Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the
construction industry
 Conditions that required use of fall protection
 A fall from as little as 4-6 feet
• Can cause loss of work
• In some cases death
When fall protection is needed?
 Walkways &  Roofs
ramps  Wall openings
 Open sides &  Bricklaying
edges  Residential
 Holes Construction
 Concrete forms &
rebar
 Excavations
Fall protection and prevention options
 Safety Nets
 Hand Rails
 Safety Harness
(PFAS)
 Equipment guards
 Fall protection
systems must be in
place before work
start
Personal Fall Arrest System, PFAS
 Must be properly
trained
 Key requirements
• No free fall more
than 6 feet
• Must be inspected
prior to use
• Safety line must be
able to support 5000
lbs
Guardrails
 Top rail between 39
to 45 inches tall
 Toeboards at least 3
inches tall
• Top rail
• Mid Rail
• Toe board
Safety Nets
 Used to catch falling
workers
 Placed not more
than 30 FT below
work area
 Placed not more
than 8-13 ft from
edge of working
area
Falling Objects

 Hardhats are required

 Use of canopies is
authorized
 Barricade the area to
prevent unauthorized
entry
SUMMARY

 A fall of 6 ft or more protection is needed

 Use fall protection on:

 Walkways, ramps, open sides, edges, excavations,

ARE YOU WORKING ON A TRENCH OR
DIGGING YOUR GRAVE?

13
TRENCHING & EXCAVATION
HAZARDS
 Risks of excavation
 How to protect employees from cave
-ins
 Factors that pose a hazard to
employees working in excavation
 Role of competent person
 EXCAVATION HAZARDS
Risks

 Most hazardous construction

operation
 Cave-ins are the greatest risk
 Most accidents occurred in
5-15 ft deep
 EXCAVATION HAZARDS
Employee Protection

 Employees should be protected from caves-in

by using a well designed protective system

 Systems must be able to support expected

loads to the system
 EXCAVATION HAZARDS
Protective System Design

 A well designed system will have a correct

design of sloping and benching systems
 Correct design of support systems
 Handle materials and equipment
 EXCAVATION HAZARDS
Employee Protection
 Protect employees from potential
cave-ins
 Slope or bench sides of
excavation
 Place shields between the side
of the excavation and work area
Inadequate Worker Protection
 Factors that pose hazards to
employees

 Soil classification
 Depth of cut
 Water content of soil
 Changes due to weather and climate
 Other operations in the vicinity
Types of Protection
Trench Shield

A trench shield
was built around
this work area

21
Hydraulic Jacks

Hydraulic Jacks
 Easily dropped in
place and
adjusted
 Trench pins
installed in case
of hydraulic failure

22
 Egress Systems

 A stairway, ladder, or This ladder does not meet the

requirements of the standard
ramp must be
present in
excavations that are
4 or more feet deep,
and within 25 feet of
the employees
 Must extend 3FT
above excavation

23
EXCAVATION HAZARDS
Competent Person
• Must have had specific training in and be
knowledgeable about:
• Soils classification
• The use of protective systems
• The requirements of the standard
• Must be capable of identifying hazards, and
authorized to immediately eliminate hazards
 EXCAVATION HAZARDS
Competent Person
• A competent person must make daily inspections
of excavations, areas around them and protective
systems:
• Before work starts and as needed
• After rainstorms, high winds or other occurrence
which may increase hazards
• When you can reasonably anticipate an
employee will be exposed to hazards.
 SUMMARY

• The greatest risk in an excavation is a cave-in.

• Employees can be protected through sloping,
shielding, and shoring the excavation.
• A competent person is responsible to inspect the
excavation.
• Other excavation hazards include water
accumulation, oxygen deficiency, toxic fumes, falls,
and mobile equipment
Basics of Shoring Safety
• Shoring systems are used to support structures to
prevent them from collapsing during construction.
• Shoring is most commonly used during the earliest
phases of construction; when walls or structures are
undergoing reinforcement, during excavation, or when
a nearby structure needs to be demolished (to
prevent the shored building from crumbling along with
it).
• Shoring systems usually support either buildings or
trenches. For buildings, a shoring system such as
piles and lagging support the surrounding loads until
the underground levels of the building are completed
and can bear the weight of the rest of the building.
• For trenches, the shoring system steadies the trench
walls to prevent cave-ins and keep workers safe.
When installing and using shoring, it’s vital to follow all state, provincial, local, and federal regulations to
ensure worker safety. Here are a few general guidelines that cover the basics of shoring safety:

1. A qualif ie d person should survey the jobsite for hazards that could cause issues with the shoring

system. If hazards are uncovered, they should be corrected as needed.

2. Plan the shoring’s installation in advance. This includes ensuring that the right equipment is available

to safety finish the work.

3. Inspect all equipment before use. If a defect is found, the affected item should be removed and

repaired. Defective equipment should never be used.

4. Obtain a shoring drawing from a qualified professional. The drawing should be used onsite at all times.

5. Handle the shoring equipment with care, and only use the equipment as it was intended.

6. Don’t erect, dismantle or alter the shoring equipment without the approval of a qualified supervisor.
7. Inspect the shoring system through the duration of a project. If there’s any doubt about the safety

of the shoring, stop use immediately and contact a qualified supervisor.

8. Shoring systems should not be used for fall protection. Furthermore, workers should not use

shoring systems if they feel dizzy or lightheaded.

9. Do not climb on the cross braces.

10. Periodically adjust uneven grade conditions, and plumb and level shoring frames as the erection

proceeds. Do not force braces on frames; level the shoring towers for the proper fit.

11. Follow proper safety practices during dismantling. Nothing should be removed from the shoring

system until a qualified supervisor has given their approval.

Ladder safety

• Ladders can pose serious

potential for a fall if used
improperly or in an unsafe
manner.

• OSHA estimates that, for general

industry companies, falls from This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-

ladders account for 20% of fatal

NC

and lost workday injuries.

 Ladder setup

First, choose the right Questions to ask

ladder. • What height will I have to
reach and work at?
• What should I check before
using the ladder?
• What type of material should
it be made of?

These Photos by Unknown Author are licensed under CC BY-

SA
 Ladder setup
Ladder inspection
Ladder label Skid resistant
footing Free of defects Free of slipping hazards

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-

Safe use of ladders
Ensuring the ladder is secure
Folding ladders • Folding or A-frame ladders
should be fully extended and the
arms locked into place.

• Be careful of pinch points which

are any places where parts
come together and present a
possibility for injury.

• Never use a step ladder as an

extension ladder
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC
BY-SA
 Safe use of ladders
Ensuring the ladder is secure
• Extension ladders need to Extension ladders
have non-slip bases or spikes.

• The proper use of straight or

extension ladders requires the
user to place the ladder in
such a manner as to prevent
the ladder from sliding/falling.

• The ladder base should be 1

foot out for every 4 feet up; it
should extend 3 feet above the This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

roofline.
 Safe use of ladders
Working safely from ladders
• Never step above the labeled
maximum height on your
ladder.

• The “belt buckle rule”; keep

your body centered between
the rails of the ladder at all
times.

• Always face the ladder and

use the 3 point rule when
climbing or descending.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
Additional safety tips
• The base of a ladder must rest on a firm,
level footing.

• If working on uneven levels, use an

extension to level out your ladder.
This Photo by Unknown
Author is licensed under CC
• Ladders must be tied, blocked, or BY-SA

otherwise secured to prevent them

from slipping.

• Avoid setting up a ladder in a doorway

or other high traffic areas.

• Additionally stabilizers can be used to

secure them while working
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC
BY-SA
Additional safety tips

• Do not leave a ladder

unattended.
• Never try to combine or tie
ladders together or stack
them on anything other than
the ground.
• Ensure all ladder locks are
engaged before using.
• Never climb an extension
ladder while hand-carrying
tools or material

These Photos by Unknown Author are licensed under CC BY-SA

TUNNELLING
HAZARDS IN TUNNELLING AND UNDERGROUND WORKS
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN TUNNELLING
 BLASTING

Blasting is a process of reduction of rocks or hard soil into fragments with the help of explosives. The

blasting operation involves drilling of holes, installation of a detonator and charge, detonating the charge,

and removal of debris.

Safety Precautions before Blasting
 Demolition or Dismantling

• Demolition or dismantling refers to breaking up of buildings , structures either fully or partially.

• Precautions during demolition has three goals:

1. specifically aimed at safeguarding the personnel on the site.

2. safeguarding of persons not connected with demolition including the general public and

3. the protection of the property likely to be effected by demolition operation.

• The causes of accidents to workers involved with demolition are fall from heights, falling materials,

inadequate access, over-fragile materials etc. Premature collapses due to incorrect dismantling, over

loading or excessive pre- weakening feature particularly during demolition.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Common confined space hazards
Before you conduct any work in Confined Spaces
 Confined Space Safety Precautions

• Where possible, avoid entry to confined spaces. Establish if the work is really necessary or if it can

be done in another way that avoids the need to enter.

• If entry to a confined space is unavoidable then you must follow a safe system of work. Have

emergency procedures in place before work starts. The results of your risk assessment will help you

identify the risks and necessary precautions.

Confined Space Safety Precautions (contd.)
Confined Space Safety Precautions (contd.)
Confined Space Safety Precautions (contd.)
Confined Space Safety Precautions (contd
Confined Space Safety Precautions (contd.)
 Introduction
Ergonomics
“The scientific discipline concerned with
understanding of interactions among
humans and other elements of a system,
and the profession that applies theory,
principles, methods and data to design in
order to optimize human well-being and
overall system performance”

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Ergonomics v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Introduction
Ergonomics means
“fitting the job to the worker,”
including:
• Work stations
• Tools
• Equipment

Ergo = Work
Nomos = Law

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Ergonomics v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Introduction
Why is ergonomics important?
• Overexertion leading cause of injuries
– Most costly
– Recurring/Persistent pain may develop in
future
• Bodily reaction is another leading cause
of injuries in workplace
• Repetitive motion also within top 10
most common workplace injuries

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PPT 10-hr. General Industry – Ergonomics v.03.01.17 Created by OTIEC Outreach Resources Workgroup
 Musculoskeletal Disorder

• Musculoskeletal Disorders or MSDs are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or

musculoskeletal system (i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood vessels, etc.).

Common musculoskeletal disorders include:

 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome : A numbness and tingling in the hand and arm caused by a pinched nerve in the
wrist.

 Tendonitis : inflammation or irritation of a tendon

 Muscle / Tendon strain

 Ligament Sprain

 Tension Neck Syndrome

Other common names for MSDs are “repetitive motion injury”, “repetitive stress injury”, “overuse injury”
and many more.
 Thoracic Outlet Compression : a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the
space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed

 Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

 Epicondylitis

 Radial Tunnel Syndrome

 Digital Neuritis

 Trigger Finger / Thumb

 DeQuervain’s Syndrome

 Mechanical Back Syndrome

 Degenerative Disc Disease

 Ruptured / Herniated Disc,

 and many more.

The Cause of Musculoskeletal Disorders – Exposure to Risk Factors

• These risk factors can be broken up into two categories:

1. work-related (ergonomic) risk factors

2. individual-related risk factors

 Work-related Risk Factors
There are three primary ergonomic risk factors.

• High task repetition. Many work tasks and cycles are repetitive in nature, and are frequently controlled by hourly
or daily production targets and work processes. High task repetition, when combined with other risks factors
such high force and/or awkward postures, can contribute to the formation of MSD. A job is considered highly
repetitive if the cycle time is 30 seconds or less.
 Forceful exertions. Many work tasks require high force loads on the human body. Muscle effort increases in
response to high force requirements, increasing associated fatigue which can lead to MSD.

 Repetitive or sustained awkward postures. Awkward postures place excessive force on joints and overload the
muscles and tendons around the effected joint. Joints of the body are most ef ficient when they operate closest
to the mid-range motion of the joint. Risk of MSD is increased when joints are worked outside of this mid-range
repetitively or for sustained periods of time without adequate recovery time.
 Individual-related Risk Factors
Human beings are multi-dimensional. Limiting ourselves to a singular cause of MSDs will limit our ability to create a
prevention strategy that addresses the multi-dimensional worker.

 Poor work practices. Workers who use poor work practices, body mechanics and lifting techniques are
introducing unnecessary risk factors that can contribute to MSDs. These poor practices create unnecessary
stress on their bodies that increases fatigue and decreases their body’s ability to properly recover.

 Poor overall health habits. Workers who smoke, drink excessively, are obese, or exhibit numerous other poor
health habits are putting themselves at risk for not only musculoskeletal disorders, but also for other chronic
diseases that will shorten their life and health span.

 Poor rest and recovery. MSDs develop when fatigue outruns the workers recovery system, causing a
musculoskeletal imbalance. Workers who do not get adequate rest and recovery put themselves at higher risk.

 Poor nutrition, f itness and hydration. For a country as developed as the United States, an alarming number of
people are malnourished, dehydrated and at such a poor level of physical f itness that climbing one f light of
stairs puts many people out of breath. Workers who do not take care of their bodies are putting themselves at a
higher risk of developing musculoskeletal and chronic health problems.
Familiarization with relevant Indian Standards and the National Building Code provisions on
construction safety. : Given in pdf notes of mod3