Work Zone Safety
What is a work zone?
Work zones are made up of “work areas.” Your work area is the physical location you work in. You may have more than one zone.
In addition to your work zone(s), you enter other worker’s work zones. This is important because different work zones mean recognizing different hazards and precautions. Different hazards require different Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and additional training.
Does your work area resemble a war zone? Do you leave tools lying around? Do YOU eat at your work location? Are your tools and equipment stored properly when not in use? Do you know where to find your tools and are they there when you need them? Do you put yourself and others at risk?
How does housekeeping play a role in your job, life, or work zone(s)? How many work zones do you have (job, car, kitchen, barbeque, garage, office, etc.)?
Accident prevention begins with YOU. Anticipate potential work zone hazards:
- Keep alert to changes. Whether your zone or someone else’s, keep it hazard free.
- Practice good housekeeping at all times: Don’t leave tools, parts, or equipment lying around. Clean up all spills
promptly. Keep your work zone free of hazards.
- Learn new procedures right away: Make sure your training is current. Don’t take shortcuts. Being current will prevent hazards in your work zone.
- Be especially careful when entering other work zones: There may be hazards you are unfamiliar with. Be alert at all times to prevent hazards in your and others’ work zones. Ask someone if you are unsure.
- Make sure your tools are in good working order: To sum this up: Remove, Repair or Replace any hazardous conditions from your work zone. Be diligent in scouting out hazards before they cause harm to you or to someone else.
- Make sure your tools are in good working order:
COMMUNICATE:
- when you share a work zone.
- when your job affects others who pass through (“slippery when wet”).
- when specific PPE is required.
- when the potential for hazards are eminent.
- when bodily harm or even lives may be threatened.
- when you are not sure that everyone understands the requirements.
- when there are special instructions involved.
- with both oral and written instructions.
- when you see something that you think needs attention.
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
COMMUNICATION OF ACCIDENT PREVENTION BEGINS WITH YOU
ANTICIPATE POTENTIAL WORK ZONE HAZARDS
