Learn why outdoor trade contractors should pay attention to the job site environment.

Read about summer job safety concerns that may be overlooked by trade contractors.

Ah, summertime. Warm weather and long days are nature’s call to enjoy the open air. It is also prime time for some trade contractors, who routinely schedule back-to-back outdoor projects. Sometimes the focus on lining up summer jobs, getting them done quickly, and moving on to the next job, detracts attention from noticing the environment and surroundings of job sites. While not all-inclusive, the three areas in bold text below include facts and safety suggestions trade contractors should consider in terms of the effect each may have on the business’s long-term viability and reputation.

• Weather/Climate Conditions.

• The recent 3-week drought experienced by Northeast Ohioans is a reminder that geographic areas everywhere are susceptible to unusual and dangerous weather patterns. Extreme dryness increases the risk of fire caused by equipment that generates sparks, such as welding equipment, grinders, torches, power saws, etc. Depending on the type of work and materials involved in your trade contracting business, investing in the purchase of and training to use the appropriate class of fire extinguishing equipment may be advisable.

• Location Awareness.

• Pay attention to where hot exhaust tools are placed when not in use. For example, do not set a chain saw on combustible material, such as leaves, bare wood, or drop cloths.

• Spontaneous combustion is real and potentially disastrous. Warm, dry conditions increase the risk that spontaneous ignition occurs. Anytime you are working outdoors or indoors with a solvent, such as stains, linseed oil, turpentine, oil, gasoline, etc., place rags and drop cloths that have been in contact with a solvent in a non-combustible container, and contact local authorities for proper handling and disposal. Never place rags dampened with a solvent in direct sunlight, and never dispose of them in a regular garbage container. Spontaneous combustion has caused significant and total fire loss to homes, buildings, and adjacent structures.

• Is the job site near children playing actively or passing through?
  Kids may be curious, oblivious, and/or easily distracted. Simple and proactive safety measures go a long way in preventing injury to others. Consider setting up and maintaining appropriate boundaries (fencing, lighted signage, orange cones, etc.) around the perimeter of your workspace. Engage safety locks on power equipment not in use, lock up hand tools not in use, and be aware of sights and sounds indicative that activity is approaching your worksite. Remove mobile equipment from job site when the work day is done.

• Personal Safety.

• Drink plenty of water. Water hydration is key to proper functioning, including alertness and safely handling equipment.

• Pay attention to your work hours and do not overdo it. Take breaks as needed. Longer summer days may allow you to work more hours outdoors, but don’t compromise the safety of others or yourself by packing too much work into your schedule.

• Severe heat may lead to heat exhaustion, which is frequently manifested by dizziness, headache, and/or fainting. This is immediately dangerous, if you are operating power equipment. If ignored, it may lead to heat stroke, a much more serious and possibly fatal condition.

• Protect your skin in the short-term and long-term by applying and re-applying SPF lotion/cream to any exposed areas.

• Wear protective clothing/accessories, appropriate for the job, such as work boots, goggles, reflective vest, hard hat.

• Tie back long hair and leave any jewelry at home that may come in contact with equipment or materials you use.

Whether it is summertime or any time of the year, your Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agents at Richey-Barrett Insurance are available to address the insurance needs of trade contracting businesses.