From The Blog

From nail guns to jackhammers, power tools can play a big part in a day laborer's job. To make sure you’re using them safely, follow these six safety rules. Make Sure Power Tools Are in Working Order Before plugging them in and getting to work, take the time to inspect your power tools. If you see that it’s dirty and needs to be cleaned or attachments like bits and blades are ready to be changed, this is the time do so. You should also check for any signs of damage to the cord, parts and any safety guards. Doing so decreases your chances of getting hurt due to an equipment malfunction. Wear the Right Gear As with any type of day laborer, wearing the right protective clothing and gear is important to staying safe while using power tools. Eyewear like goggles, glasses and shields can keep flying particles from damaging your eyes while working. The proper gloves can protect fingers and help you get a good grip on the tools. Safety shoes with a reinforced toe and non-skid soles can protect you from falling tools and slipping. If the tool you’re working with is especially loud (think jackhammers), ear plugs is another piece of PPE you should wear at all times. Work in a Safe Area Besides checking your power tool you also need to check your workplace for possible hazards prior to starting work. Make sure cords aren’t in the way to avoid tripping and falling over them. Clean up any debris that can be ignited by sparks from your tools as well as ensure work surfaces are dry. Also make sure you aren’t working around flammable materials. Handle Your Power Tool Properly How you hold your power tool can be the difference between a great day at work and a hazardous one. Never carry power tools by the cord or hose. The weight of the tool can damage these parts over time and increase the chances of it slipping and falling on your feet. Be sure that when you are carrying around the power tool your fingers aren’t near the power switch to avoid accidental starting. Be Very Mindful of the People Around You Responsible employees not only keep themselves safe but also those around them. Your workspace should be a safe distance away from other employees on a job site. If working with tools such as riveting guns, air drills or chippers, use screens to protect others from flying debris. Another safety rule? Don’t point any power tool toward your co-workers. Unplug Your Power Tool When it's Not in Use Whether you’re done for the day, taking a break or cleaning your tools, make sure you not only turn them off but unplug your power tools as well. It’s also a good idea to store them in a safe place. At Labor Finders we take our associate’s safety on the job very seriously. Visit us to learn more and find your next job opportunity.

Even the most inexperienced day laborer knows the dangers that come along with a welding job. When it comes to doing that job in a confined space, however, knowing the hazards (as well as how to prevent them) can make all the difference between a job well done and a serious injury. But what exactly constitutes a confined space? It’s any enclosed or partially enclosed area with a restricted entry, exit or limited space. Some of these spaces include: Tanks Manholes Storage Bins Ship compartments Ventilation Ducts Boilers Vats Silos OSHA often uses the term “permit-required confined space” for spaces like these if they also have characteristics like a dangerous atmosphere, converge into an area where someone can be trapped or have exposed live wires. While a normal person may shy away from working in such a small and potentially hazardous space, welding services may still be needed whether it’s routine maintenance or necessary repair. Before starting this type of welding work, it’s very important to know what to expect. The Potential Hazards of Welding in Confined Spaces The Department of Labor outlines true stories that speak to the potential hazards of working in confined areas. One report is about a worker who suffered burns to his lungs while welding with a plasma cutter inside a 1000-gallon water tank because of the lack of ventilation and respiratory protection. This government agency also has a report about an employee found unconscious and later confirmed dead after welding in a stainless steel tractor-trailer tank. Lack of oxygen, fires, and inhaling toxic gases like argon and gasoline are very real dangers of welding in confined spaces. Other dangers include electrocution, exposure to radiation and even falling due to standing on unstable materials like wood chips and sawdust. The Precautions to Take With This Type of Welding OSHA lays out very specific regulations when it comes to welding in confined spaces. If the area can’t get proper ventilation without blocking the means of entry, welders must use airline respirators and be in constant communication with a co-worker on the outside. Another OSHA rule states that safety belts, lifelines and pre-planned rescue procedures are required if the welding work has to happen in a space with a very small entryway (like a manhole). The American Welding Society also lays out safety procedures for day laborers working in confined spaces. They include: Making sure there isn’t any equipment blocking the exit Testing the air for toxic gases before entering the workspace Removing all hazardous materials Keeping vents open and making sure valves are tight and leak-free Having the means to immediately shut off gases, fuel and power from inside the space if possible At Labor Finders we live by the motto “Safety, Respect and Appreciation”. To find your next job opportunity, click here to find your local office.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are nearly 3.0 million workplace injuries per year. With so many injuries across various industries, work safety should be of a top priority for employers. Knowing what causes workplace injuries is the first step in prevention. Causes of Injuries There are various injuries that occur in the workplace, however they vary by work occupation. Below are a list of the most common injuries by common trades. Hospitality Hospitality jobs includes jobs such as waitresses, banquet servers and dishwashers. Injuries in this job group include: Cuts Slips and falls Back issues and sprains Chemical Burns Most of these injuries are related to wet surfaces, unsafe cooking environments, lifting objects that are too heavy or not following cleaning instructions. Retail These jobs include those who work as clerks, in shipping and receiving, stocking or product assembly. Retail injuries include: Repetitive strain injuries Fractures or sprains Cuts Musculoskeletal injuries Retail workers often 'let their guards down' not expecting injuries. Reports state that the largest percentage of injuries are due to prolonged positions, poor posture and over extension of muscle groups. Manufacturing Manufacturing jobs are often considered to be the one of the highest injury type employments. Workers in this trade are involved in assembly, shipping and receiving and forklift operators. These jobs are generally in the field of creating or transporting products to be sold. Machine related injuries Musculoskeletal injuries Cuts Crushing injuries These injuries tend to be caused by improper equipment training, rushed work pace and unsafe equipment. Light Industrial These jobs include mail room clerks, electronic assemblers and production line workers. Light industrial is different from manufacturing in that it involves more consumer oriented products rather than business directed. Injuries include: Repetitive motion injuries Trips and falls Sprains and strains Cuts Injuries in this trade group are related to poor body posture, over use of muscles and improper use of equipment. Some injuries are across trades. These include cuts, sprains, back issues and falls. Falls account for one of the most common injuries across industries and OSHA offers tips for preventing fall injuries. Consequences for Employer of Unsafe Work Places Employers often pay dearly for unsafe work places. Many of these consequences seem to ' hit' the employer in the financial pocketbook. Consequences include: Worker's compensation costs Medical bills Possible lawsuits Cost of replacement employees Loss of net profits due to reduced work staff Loss of work productivity In order to avoid these unnecessary consequences, employers need to concentrate on ways to avoid possible injuries. Solutions and How to Avoid Injuries Across all industries, there are certain steps employers can take to provide solutions to reduce and avoid future on the job injuries. These include: Proper manager and employee safety training Emphasis on safety versus speed or work production Following OSHA guidelines for each specific industry Ensuring proper workplace inspections Applying proper penalties for safety violations Having proper first aid equipment handy Posting safety precautions and guidelines in visible employee locations These measures included with proper employee education ensures less workplace injuries, less insurance and worker's comps claims and creates a more efficient and productive workplace. For more information about avoiding workplace injuries, check out Laborfinders.com.