Tag: construction safety

Ways to Stay Cool at a Job Site

On: By: admin

The heat is no fun to work in. That hot sun mixed with concrete and humidity – sounds like a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately for those contractors in the Sunshine State, there is rarely a break from the hot weather. Even Florida’s cooler days are extremely hot for workers to spend hours working in. Contractors wear heavy clothing and equipment which can make them even hotter. Hot temperatures combined with strenuous activity could potentially lead to head exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be extremely scary, but also force the worker to be out of work for a bit while he or she recovers. In fact, since 2003, 30 workers have died each year on the job due to heat stroke.

Below, we wanted to share with you some items and ways to keep cool at the work site, so you won’t experience dizzy spells or get sick from those hot days on the job.

  • If you’re at a job site, try and have a trailer with AC for workers to come to throughout the day for breaks and to reset before heading back out on the job.
  • Wear sweatbands. These products will help absorb the sweat and keep you from sweating all over the place.
  • Keep hydrated, which may be the most important thing any person can do to keep heat-related illnesses away. Workers should aim to drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes on hot days.
  • Like sweatbands, there are also products that provide a cooling effect through evaporation. The company Grainger makes a lot of these products. They make headbands, wristbands, vests, and neckbands that can be used over and over again. They provide around 10 hours of cooling.
  • Purchase hard hats with wider brims to block the sun from hitting more spots on your body and eyes.
  • Shift the work day to reflect the temperatures. In the summer, it’s best to start earlier in the morning when the air is still cool.
  • Try to provide or make ways for shade in the work site as spaces for rest and reprieve for the workers. Weather it’s a small tent or an umbrella, this will help keep workers cool during those scorching hot days.
  • Put on sunscreen to prevent burns.
  • Eat lighter meals so your body doesn’t have to work hard to break down heavy foods.
  • Splash cold water onto yourself throughout the day or a cold, damp towel on your neck.
  • Use fans (if you can).

Looking to become a Florida contractor? Or a contractor in any other state? We can help you through the license applicant process. You’ll give us information and we will pull everything together and file it properly and timely for you to get you licensed fast. To contact our Florida contractor licensing company, click here or call 239-777-1028.

Picking the right boots will keep your feet safe  

On: By: admin

 

You’ve just received a license from Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and you’re ready to get to work. But before you step onto your next job site, are your feet properly protected?

 

Picking the right boots will keep your feet safe, comfortable, and could even help boost productivity in the long run. Tens of thousands of foot injuries occur each year and result in lost workdays, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

While there are many different kinds of boots that offer an array of safety features, there’s a difference between work boots and safety boots. Safety boots typically have toecaps that protect your feet from heavy falling objects and sole plates that prevent nail punctures, among other features.

 

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires certain types of footwear depending on the type of work involved, so it’s important to know the requirements.

 

Here are a few things to consider before buying:

 

–First, assess the hazards. Worksite conditions will dictate what kind of boots you need, whether you’re working indoors or outdoors. Are there surfaces that could become slippery? Are there heavy objects – such as pipes, beams, sharp tools, tree trunks, or rocks – that could fall at any given time? Are there live wires or conductors of electricity present? Are there any liquids that are corrosive or potentially harmful?

 

Pick the pair that protects you from any adverse conditions you might encounter.

 

Next, do some research. You’ll need boots that are durable, and keep your feet dry in wet weather. Insulated boots will keep your feet warm in cold weather. Boots with a strong outsole grip will help prevent falls from roofs or uneven surfaces.

 

Look online to find reviews that list safety and comfort features and note how a particular brand holds up over time. You’ll want boots that last and don’t start to rip within a few short months.

 

Top-rated boots for the construction industry in 2017 include the Timberland PRO Pit Boss 6-inch Steel Toe Work Boot and the Caterpillar Diagnostic Hi Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot.

 

Boots with composite-toe protection are made with materials such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, or plastic; while they’re lighter than steel- or aluminum-toe boots, they’re not quite as strong. However, they offer better protection from electrical hazards and decrease the risk of being shocked.

 

Finally, try them on before buying. While it’s tempting to buy a top-rated pair online to save time, you’ll get more for your money if you know you’ll be comfortable wearing them all day long. The right pair of boots will feel flexible and supportive.

 

Avoid boots that pinch your toes or ankles, and take some time to break them in before wearing them to work. Buying boots that don’t fit correctly will be a distraction, and could not only hurt your feet, but also affect your mood.

 

A Florida contractor licensing company can help individuals and companies navigate the state’s licensing requirements, with approvals as quick as 10 days. For more information on Florida contractor requirements or to get an application started, visit Florida contractor license page or call 239-777-1028.

Hidden Hazards on the Job

On: By: admin

construction hazards

Some occupations out there are known to be a bit more dangerous than others – contractor jobs definitely are one of them.  Much of the work contractors do is, in fact, inherently dangerous. Big machinery. Live electrical wires. Tall ladders. Sharp tools. Potential dangers are bound to be lurking on any job site, inside or outside. Below, we detail what to look out for on the job and keep a critical eye on to prevent injury.

It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when you know you’re entering a seemingly dangerous work site. Upon arrival, check the entire site out and get an idea of where everything is. That way, there will be no surprises.

Things that can be hazardous/Things You Should Check

  • Make sure the floor or ground is solid and sturdy before placing ladders or any heavy equipment on it.
  • Check for mold and asbestos. You don’t want to be breathing in these things while on the job every day. This can cause health problems down the road.
  • Check bushes and greenery for anything poisonous, sharp, or filled with dangerous insects that could hurt you (wasps).
  • Look around for sharp objects sticking out anywhere that can get in the way and be harmful.
  • Watch out for any exposed wiring.
  • Check to make sure fluorescent lamps are intact. Broken lamps can potentially release mercury.
  • Double check on any and all types of underground services that may be around (electrical, natural gas, water, septic, sewer, telephone, cable, and more). You don’t want to be striking into any of these lines and causing any environmental damage, property damage, or self harm.
  • Check for any unstable high objects that could potentially fall down on top of you.

These are just a few hazards, in general terms, that contractors (of all kinds) can face on a daily basis. It’s best to identify all hazards and eliminate them or make them safer situations to the best of your ability. Also, make sure you have a first-aid kit on site in case of an emergency. Not all accidents can be prevented.

If you’re looking to get into the contracting business and need to apply for a license, our team can help you get a Florida’s contractor license. We do all the work for you in a quick, easy process. Click here to learn more and get your license today!