RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH INDIVIDUAL

The root of an accident is that, somewhere, somehow, somebody has made a mistake.  The mistake may immediately cause the accident, e.g, a man drops a spanner which hits another man on the head; or it may create an unsafe condition which, if not removed, may later cause an accident, e.g. a man leaves a piece of timber lying about with a nail in it and later another man steps on the nail and punctures his foot.

Safety measures are all important, but they have definite limitations and, without the co-operation of every individual, the best efforts of Management and Supervisors will not be successful in preventing accidents.

Most accidents are caused by simple things, and the remedies are equally simple largely a matter of always being on the alert and applying common sense.

If any member of UEI Has a suggestion to make for reducing the risk of accident and for increased safety, then please pass this on the appropriate “Safety Supervisor”.

Special care must be exercised by all concerned to minimize risk of accident, and your attention is directed to the following safety measures which MUST be observed by all those using any form of power operated tools or machinery.

FIRST AID

U.E.I maintain their own First Aid Box available in the site office.  For more serious injuries, personnel are advised to attend the First Aid Station.

POWER TOOLS

Make yourself fully conversant with the tools or machine and its controls, and if in doubt ask for instructions from a competent person in the correct method of operation.

• If the tool or machine is driven by electricity, make sure that the electric supply is properly connected by a competent person and the tool or machine is PROPERLY EARTHED.
• Be sure that you know where the main isolating switch is located from which the power supply to your machine is taken.  In emergency you might wish to switch off the power supply quickly and it is therefore essential to know there the main isolator is located.  Do not use any electricity-driven tool or plant with wet hands or when you or the machine is standing in water.

   Watch that you have no loose clothing that could catch in a rotating part of the machine.  A shirt sleeve, flapping jacket or overall, or a tie which is nor properly secured is dangerous, and you are forbidden to use any power operated tool or machine unless attention is given to this most important aspect of personal safety.

LIFTING MACHINES

• Make sure that the lifting tackle you are using has a safe working load in excess of the weight which you intend to lift.
• Satisfy yourself that the beam or anchor to which the tackle will be suspended is itself strong enough to take the load.  (if in doubt, ask for expert advise).
• See that there are no kinks or twists in chains or slings.  Never shorten a chain by tying knots in it or lengthen one by bolting or wiring two knots together.
• Always use a proper sling round the load to be lifted.  You are forbidden to secure a load by passing the load chain from the tackle round the load, and the hook round its own chain.  (Or the cable from the Tirfor Winch round the load, and the hook back round its own cable).
• Safety hooks are fitted to all load chains and cables.  The fixed hook securing the tackle or winch must be properly “moused” (or tied), if not fitted with a safety device.

   Never drop lifting tackle, or drag it about or from under a load – it will damage and weaken it.  Make sure that all lifting gear is promptly returned to Stores after use, so that it may be inspected regularly.

MISCELLANEOUS SAFETY MEASURES

• goggles must be worn to protect the eyes when using a grinding machine, or when chipping or carrying out any work which involves any risk of particles entering the eyes.
• Every man who is working on a contract must wear a helmet to avoid risk of injury from falling articles.  Hard Hats may be obtained as a personal issue from Stores, or held by the foreman on the site.
• Explosive tools and ammunition are to be kept under lock and key by the foreman or charge hand when not in use, and only issued to an experienced operative for a special job.  Be sure that you know and can carry out the safety drill in case of a misfire.  No person is allowed to use an explosive tool if he has not been instructed be a competent person how to handle it with safety.
• Many accidents result from incorrect use of ladders.  Never use a broken ladder, or one that is too short.  Lash at the top with man at the foot while doing it, or secure it at the bottom.  Do not over reach from a ladder.  Move it, or consider if staging is needed.
• A staging or scaffold must not be used unless it is safe, and complies with all statutory requirements.
• To minimize risk of injury to the feet, make sure that your footwear is in good, sound condition.  Special protective footwear can be purchased.
• In conditions which are unusually dirty or when working in constant contact with an irritant likely to cause infection of the skin, protective clothing (aprons and gloves) should be worn, and the sue of “Barrier Cream” is recommended.  These will be issued from Stores when requested.

Face Masks and Respirators are available from Stores fro your protection when working in any extremely dusty conditions.

Remember that efficiency and safety go hand in hand – a safe site is an efficient one.