1

Safety Management in
Construction Part 1
Introduction to Safety
Work Site Premises
Safety and Health Programs
Personal Protective Equipments
Stairways and Ladder
Scaffolds and Platforms
Fall Protection
 Safety Management in
Construction Part 2
Tool Box Meeting
Excavations
Hand and Power Tools
Cranes
Electrical Safety
Fire Prevention
SAFETY + FIRST
Notable quotes (customized) for
engineers:

“A gram of
prepare
is better than
a ton of repair.”
What is Safety?
Safety is the control of circumstances
or conditions to prevent harm to
people, or minimize damages and
losses to properties.

6
Accidents
can delay,
demobilize,
demoralize
and degrade
construction
projects.
Significance
SAFETY AND ACCIDENT
PREVENTION IN
CONSTRUCTION IS ONE MAJOR
ISSUE TO BE PROPERLY
CONSIDERED BECAUSE OF
THE LOSSES IT MAY INVOLVE :

COST
TIME
RESOURCES
& OTHERS
 In a DOLE - OSHC Study, 1995 -1999,
involving construction accident cases:

Classification of accidents 9
 In a DOLE - OSHC Study, 1995 -1999,
involving construction accident cases:

Age of victims 10
 In a DOLE - OSHC Study, 1995 -1999,
involving construction accident cases:

Type of trade
 In a DOLE - OSHC Study, 1995 -1999,
involving construction accident cases:

Time of accident
What is an accident?
Accident is an unexpected,
unforeseen, unplanned and
unwanted occurrence or
event that results in harm to
people, cause damage or
loss to properties.
 Anatomy of an Accident

Contributing causes
Immediate causes
The accident
The results of the accident
 Contributing Causes
Supervisory Performance
Mental Condition of Worker
Physical Condition of Worker
 Contributing Causes
Supervisory safety Performance:

Safety instruction inadequate

Safety rules not enforced
Safety not planned as part of the job
Hazards not corrected
Safety devices not provided
 Contributing Causes
Mental Condition of Person:
Lack of safety awareness
Lack of coordination
Improper attitude
Slow mental reaction
Inattention
Lack of emotional stability
Nervous
Temperamental
 Contributing Causes
Physical Condition of Person:
Fatigue
Deaf
Poor eyesight
Physically unsuitable for the job
Heart condition
Physically unqualified for the job
Immediate Causes of Accident:

1.Unsafe Act
2.Unsafe Condition
Immediate Causes of Accidents
Unsafe Act defined

- the human action that departs from

a standard or job procedure or
common practice, safety rules,
regulations or instructions
Immediate Causes of Accidents
Unsafe Act
Protective equipment provided but not used
Hazardous method of handling (failure to protect
for sharp or slippery objects and pinch points,
wrong lifting, loose grip, etc.)
Improper use of tools
Hazardous movement (running, jumping,
stepping on or climbing over, throwing, etc.)
horseplay
Immediate Causes of Accidents
Unsafe Condition defined

- the physical or chemical property

of a material, machine, or the
environment which could result in
injury to a person, damage or
destruction to property or other
form of losses
Immediate Causes of Accidents
Unsafe Condition
Ineffective safety device
No safety device but needed
Hazardous housekeeping (material on
floor, poor piling, congested aisles)
Equipment, tools or machines defective
Improper dress for the job
Improper illumination or ventilation
 Results of Accident
Annoyance
Production delays
Reduced quality
Spoilage
Injuries
Disabilities
Fatality
Costs – Legal, Medical aid, Insurance,
Compensation, etc.
Yes, most of them, by controlling
the hazards in this particular
order:
1. Engineering Control
2. Administrative Control
3. Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)
 Systems to Control Unsafe Conditions
Three areas where hazards can be controlled:
1. (Pre-contact) Engineering Control :
• Elimination/minimization
• Enclosure of the hazard
• Redirection of hazard

SOURCE PATH RECEIVER

2. Administrative Control: 3. (Point of contact)
• Exposure time limitations Personal Protective
• Safe work practices Equipment
• Alarms and warning signs Last line of
• Training and education control/defense
What about this…?

NOW
I
BELIEVE
IN

SAFETY &
HEALTH
2. Work Site Premises
 Murphy’s Law: “Left to themselves,
things tend to go from bad to worse”.

Hence, a construction
site has the normal
tendency to become
4D’s:
 dirty
 disorderly
 dense (crowded)
 and dangerous
Practical Signs of 4D’s in
a Work Site:
1. Cluttered and poorly arranged areas
2. Untidy piling of materials
3. Piled materials damaging other materials
4. Blocked passageways
5. Materials getting dirty from disuse
6. Overcrowded bins and containers
7. Broken containers and damaged materials
Practical Ways to keep Construction
Site from becoming 4D’s:
• 5S’s of Good Housekeeping:
 Sort (arrange)
 Systematize (organize)
 Sweep (clean)
 Sanitize (free from dirt and germs)
 Self-discipline (practice consistently)
 Duties of the Employer:

• Keep the workplace free from hazards or the

effects of hazards
• Inform the employees how to protect
against hazards
• Conduct regular jobsite safety inspections
• Provide trained first-aid personnel.
• Train workers on occupational safety and
health
 Duties of the Employee:
• Follow all safety rules.
• Wear and care of personal protective equipment.
• Ensure safety features for equipment are
functioning properly.
• Never let your work put another worker in danger.
• Replace damaged or dull hand tools immediately.
• Avoid practical jokes that create hazard.
• Don't use drugs or alcohol on the job.
• Report any unsafe work practice or any accident.
HAZARD
- any existing or potential condition
in the workplace which by itself or
by reacting with other variables
can result in the unwanted effects
of injuries, property damage,
death and other losses
 Classification of Hazards
1. Direct
 Unguarded machines
 Falling / flying materials
 Slippery floors, etc.
2. Physical
 Noise
 Temperature extremes
 Ionizing / non-ionizing radiation
 Extreme pressure
 Vibration
 Classification of Hazards
3. Chemical
 Vapors
 Gas
 Dusts
 Fumes
 Mists
4. Biological
 Bacteria
 Virus
 Fungi
5. Ergonomics
 3. Personal Protective
Equipment
Use personal protective equipment
(PPE) if the engineering and
administrative controls don’t
eliminate the hazards.
PPE serves as barrier between the
hazard and the worker.

Note: PPE is the last level of control!

 LIMITATIONS OF PPE
 Hazard still exists
 Protection to the wearer only
 If the PPE is defective or ineffective,
the user becomes exposed to hazard
 May introduce additional hazard
 May not be suitable for continuous
use
 May not be always worn properly
 May transfer hazard to another
location
HEAD PROTECTION
 Hard Hat

HAZARDS:  Bump Cap

1. Impact
2. Penetration
3. Absorb shock
4. Electrical
 EYE AND FACE PROTECTION
 Safety glasses
HAZARDS:
 Flying particles  Safety goggles
 Sparks  Face shields
 Light radiation
 Splashes
 Gases
EAR PROTECTION
HAZARDS:
 Excessive Noise  Ear plug
(exceeding 85 – 90
dB or more on eight  Ear muffs
hour exposure  Canal caps
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Filtration respirator

HAZARDS: Air-purifying respirator

 Mists, vapors, Air-supplying respirator
dusts
 Gases
 Smoke
 Fumes
 Sprays
 Insufficient
oxygen supply
 HAND AND ARM PROTECTION
HAZARDS:
1. Burns
Gloves
2. Bruises Hand pads
3. Abrasions
4. Cuts Sleeves
5. Punctures
6. Fractures Barrier cream
7. Amputations
8. Chemical
Exposures
9. Pinch points
10. Hot spots
11. Sharp objects
12. Electrical
FOOT AND LEG PROTECTION
Foot guards/
Safety shoes/boots
HAZARDS:
Leggings
 Fall or rolling
objects
 Sharp objects
 Hot surfaces
 Wet slippery
surfaces
FALL PREVENTION

Personal Fall Arrest

HAZARDS: System
 Fall from
heights
TORSO or BODY PROTECTION
Vests
Jackets
HAZARDS: Aprons
 Heat Coveralls
 Splashes from Full-body suits
hot metal
 Impacts
 Cuts
 Chemicals
 Radiation
 Stairway or Ladder

There must be a stairway or ladder at points of access

where the elevation break is 48 cm (19 in) or more.

Break in elevation

48 cm
 Stairrails
Stairways with
risers of more than
76 cm (30 inches)
high must have a
rail along each
unprotected side.
 Stairway Landings
Stairways landings must
be provided at every 3.6
m height.
Landing
Do not store materials
on stairways used for
general access.
 General Ladder Requirements
•Keep in good condition.
•Ensure rungs are uniformly fixed
•Inspect ladders before use
•Secure ladders to prevent from slipping
•Ensure it is on stable and level ground
•Keep ladders free from slipping hazards
•Use ladders only for their designed
purpose
 Ladder Angle
Non-self-supporting
ladders:
(lean against a support)

Position at an angle
where the horizontal
distance is 1/4 the
vertical height
 Ladder Rail Extension

Side rails must

extend at least
90 cm (3 feet)
above the upper
landing.
 Climbing the Ladder

Face the ladder when

going up or down

Maintain three points

of contact when
climbing a ladder
 What Is A Scaffold?
An elevated, temporary work
platform

Three basic types:

 Supported scaffolds -- platforms
supported by poles, legs, frames,
& outriggers
 Suspended scaffolds -- platforms
suspended by ropes or overhead
support
 Aerial Lifts -- such as “cherry
pickers” or “boom trucks”
 Hazards
Employees working on scaffolds are
exposed to these hazards:

• Falls from elevation – caused by

slipping, unsafe access, and the
lack of fall protection
• Struck by falling tools / debris
• Electrocution – from overhead
power lines
• Scaffold collapse
• Bad planking giving way
Supported Scaffold

Requirements:
• Proper scaffold access
• Keep scaffold free from
debris
• Place scaffold legs on
firm footing
• Provide guardrails
 Supported Scaffold

The height to base

ratio should not be
more than four (4)
unless guys, ties, or
6m
braces are used

1.5 m
 Suspended Scaffolds
Ropes capable of supporting 6
times the load

Train employees to recognize

hazards

Secure/tie to prevent swaying

Personal Fall Arrest System

(PFAS) must anchor
independently of the scaffold
support system
Moving Scaffolds

Employees can’t be on a
moving scaffold unless:

• Surface is level
• Height to base ratio is 2
• Outriggers are installed
on both sides of scaffolds
 Falls in Construction

Falls are the leading cause of deaths in the

construction industry.

Falls from as little as 1.5 to 2 m can cause

serious accidents and even death, so must
be protected.
 Fall Protection Options

Personal Fall Guardrails Safety Net

Arrest System
(PFAS)
Fall Protection Planning

PFAS in use

PFAS in place before work starts

Safety Line Anchorages

Must be
independent of
any platform
anchorage, able
to support 1140
kg per worker
 Guardrails

Top Rail
Mid- Rail
Toeboard

Top rails about 90 cm tall

Toeboards at least 15 cm high
 Safety Nets

Place as close as possible, but not more

than 7.5 m below employees working.
 Points to ponder:

Accidents don’t just happen,

they are caused ….
Tool Box Meeting

A 5 -15 minute on-the-job meetings

held to keep employees alert to work-
related accidents and illnesses
 Benefits of Tool Box Meeting

Can be used to address actual problems

on the job or in the plant
Good opportunity for supervisors to know
the physical and mental conditions of the
workers
Good opportunity for the management to
communicate their commitment to safety
 Benefits of Tool Box Meeting

Reminders to prevent recurrence of

previous accidents
Contributes to the training and education of
workers
Proven technique in encouraging safe
work habits
An opportunity to share their concerns
 Hazards and Its Control
Potential Hazards in Possible Solution(s)
Excavation
Cave - in Sloping, Shielding or Shoring
Soil Type Assessment of proper protective system
by competent personnel

Water Proper drainage and protective system

Vehicles and Barricades, “stop” logs, grade soil away
Equipment from excavation, fencing
Spoil Pile Place more than 1m from edge

Asphyxiation, Respirators, safe in and out access

breathing problems
 Inspections of Excavations
A competent person must
make daily inspections:
• Before work starts and as
needed,
• After rainstorms, or other
occurrence which may
increase hazards, and
• When evidence of
possible cave-ins are
noticed, ensure protection
before workers are
permitted to go back in
the excavation.
9. Hand and Power Tools
 Hazards
Workers using hand and power
tools may be exposed to these
hazards:
moving parts of the tool
objects that fall, fly, are abrasive,
or splash
harmful dusts, fumes, and gases
 damaged electrical cords,
connections and improper
grounding
 Basic Tool Safety Rules
Maintain regularly
Use right tool for the job
Inspect before use
Operate according to
manufacturers’ manual
Use the right PPE
Use guards
 Power Tools
Must be fitted with
guards and safety
switches

Different types,
determined by their
power source:
 Electric
 Pneumatic
 Liquid fuel
 Hydraulic
 Powder-actuated
 Power Tools - Precautions
Disconnect tools when not in use,
before servicing and cleaning
Off limits to people not involved with
work
Keep tools sharp and clean
Consider what you wear – loose clothing
and jewelry can get caught in moving parts
Remove damaged electric tools & tag
them: “Do Not Use”
 Guarding
Guard belts, gears,
pulleys, sprockets,
spindles, flywheels,
chains, or other
moving parts
10. Cranes
Major Causes of Crane
Accidents
Contact with power lines

Overturns

Falls

Mechanical failures
How Do Accidents Occur?

Instability – unsecured load, overload,

or unstable unleveled ground
Lack of communication - crane operator
can not fully view signal and operation
Lack of training
Inadequate maintenance or inspection
General Safety Requirements
1. Inspection by Competent Person
Ensure that a competent
person inspects all
machines prior to each
use, and during use.

If it needs fixing, take it

out of service and don’t Broken
use it until it is fixed Track
General Safety Requirements
2. On Level Ground

Make sure that equipment is on a firm ground and

level within 1 percent.
 General Safety Requirements
3. Workers should be aware of the activities

Make workers aware of the hoisting activity and to stay clear of

suspended loads, turning or moving equipment parts.
General Safety Requirements
4. Get Rid of Power Lines
Stay clear
from power
lines with at
least 3 m
clearance.
General Safety Requirements
5. Controls are Working

All indicators must be properly working, including braking

systems and brake lights.
General Safety Requirements
6. Clear Communications

Broken Window

Make sure windows or obstructions would not prevent the

operator from seeing or communicating properly.
General Safety Requirements
7. Work Within Load Capacity

Make sure the crane

operates within:
– Rated Load
Capacities
– Operating Standards
General Safety Requirements
8. Clear Swing Radius

Barricade access within the swing radius or use a tag line .

12. Electrical
Safety
 Electrical Injuries
There are four main types of electrical injuries:
 Direct:
Electrocution or death due to electrical
shock
Electrical shock
Burns
 Indirect
 Falls
 Electrical Shock

An electrical shock
is received when
electrical current
passes through the
body.
 Burns

Most common shock-

related injury
Occurs when touching
live wiring or
conductor
Typically occurs on
hands
 Falls

Workers in elevated
locations who
experience a shock
may fall, resulting in
serious injury
 Electrical Hazards and How to
Control
Hazard :
Exposed electrical parts

Control:
 Isolate or insulate parts
 Use guards or barriers
 Close openings
 Electrical Hazards and How to Control
Hazard :
Overhead Power Lines
(usually not insulated)

Control:
 Stay at least 3m away
 Post warning signs
 Assume that lines are energized
 Use wood, fiberglass ladders not
metal
 Workers need special training
and PPE
Electrical Hazards and How to Control
Hazard :
Improper grounding

Control:
 Frequent inspection
 Don’t remove ground
prongs from tools or
extension cords
 Use ground-fault circuit Grounding creates a low-
interruptor (GFCI) resistance path from tool to the
earth to disperse unwanted
current
Electrical Hazards and How to Control
Hazard :
Overloaded Circuits

Control:
 Install electrical protective
devices – automatically open
circuit if excess current is
detected – shutting off
electricity
(e.g. GFCI, fuses and circuit
breakers)
Clues that Electrical Hazards
Exist
Tripped circuit breakers or
blown fuses
Warm tools, cords, or
junction boxes
Worn or frayed insulation
around wire
 Safety-Related Work Practices
Locking out and Tagging of Circuits
(LOTO – Lock out Tag out)

Apply locks to power source after

de-energizing
Tag deactivated controls
Tag de-energized equipment and
circuits at all points where they can
be energized
 Safety-Related Work Practices
Proper foot
protection,
Rubber insulating
gloves, hoods,
sleeves and blankets
Hard hat (insulated -
nonconductive)
13. Fire Prevention
Fire Safety
 Fire Hazards at Work

Heat generating appliances

Storage and handling of
flammables/combustibles
Open flames
Vehicles and equipment

136
 What is
Fire?
The rapid oxidation of a fuel with the
evolution of light and heat
How Does a Fire Work?
Three components
Need all three
components to start a
fire
 Fire

The “Fire Triangle” identifies the three components

of any fire:
– Fuel paper, wood, flammable gas, energized electrical
equipment, etc...
– Energy (heat), sufficient to support combustion. Often
referred to as the ignition source.
– Oxidizer (air)
IF ANY ONE OF THESE IS MISSING, A FIRE CANNOT
CONTINUE. THEREFORE…
 Prevention

Prevention is based on
eliminating or minimizing
one of the components
of the “Fire Triangle”.
 Fire Extinguisher Anatomy
PRESSURE GAUGE
DISCHARGE LEVER (not found on CO2
extinguishers)

DISCHARGE LOCKING PIN CARRYING

AND SEAL HANDLE

DISCHARGE HOSE

DATA PLATE

DISCHARGE NOZZLE BODY

DISCHARGE ORIFICE
P.A.S.S. Method

Pull the pin

This will allow you to

squeeze the handle in
order to discharge the
extinguisher
P.A.S.S. Method

Aim at the base

of the fire

Aiming at the middle

will do no good.
The agent will pass
through the flames.
P.A.S.S. Method

Squeeze the
handle

This will release the

pressurized
extinguishing agent
P.A.S.S. Method
Sweep side to
side

Cover the entire area

that is on fire.
Continue until fire is
extinguished. Keep
an eye on the area for
re-lighting.
 Points to ponder:
Accidents don’t just happen,
they are caused …
by persons doing
unsafe acts … or
by persons doing acts
under
unsafe conditions or ...
by persons doing unsafe acts
under
unsafe conditions.
THE END