ALTERNATIVES:
14.1. Contact your State agency responsible for safety standards governing construction work to request a free copy of their construction safety guidelines for your review. Call a "friendly" insurance agent to discuss liability insurance coverage during course of construction, including personal injury and property loss as well as a rider for theft and vandalism.
REFINEMENT:
14.2. Add a "Safety File" to your "Cardboard Box Files." Think about the special circumstances of your project so you begin to anticipate hazards and dangerous situations. As you develop your Conditions document, don't forget to assign responsibility to the General Contractor or each Specialty Contractor for jobsite safety! At your local library, review Civitello’s Construction Safety and Loss Control Program Manual.
DOCUMENTATION:
14.3. Create a Safety Plan for your project. Request contractor support of safety mentioning your State's requirements and be certain contractor’s maintain their insurance coverage during course of construction. These details will be incorporated into the Conditions document. From manufacturers you'll obtain a "Material Safety Data Sheet" for products and materials that are hazardous, and this information will be placed in the "Safety File" for future reference. Make certain your insurance coverage will be in effect during course of construction.
NEGOTIATION:
14.4. Amplify the Safety Plan by involving contractors and suppliers. During negotiations with contractors, ask if the field supervisor is first-aid certified. As part of negotiation require each crew to provide a first-aid kit on site. Ask each contractor to provide proof of insurance coverage when they offer their proposal. Suppliers making delivery to your site experience less risk on site, but make sure their employees are covered by their insurance. If you're lacking "Material Safety Data Sheets" ask suppliers to provide documentation for the "Safety File."
MANAGEMENT:
14.5. Integrate the Safety Plan from the standpoint of methods, materials, and machines. Accidents occur because workplace conditions are unsafe or workplace actions are unsafe. Your "Safety File" will alert you to hazardous materials but this information needs to be communicated to workers. Direct your attention to the most common site hazards, but your daily observations are the most reliable means to protect people and property. Read Kennedy’s Construction Foreman's Safety Handbook.
DILIGENCE:
14.6. Dispose of hazardous waste through your County reclamation service. Contact your insurance agent requesting course of construction coverage be terminated and commence homeowner's coverage!
FOLLOW-UP:
14.7. Keep your "Safety File" in the "Cardboard Box Files." Be sure your “Material Safety Data Sheets” are placed in the same file for future reference.
FURTHER READING:
Safety is protection from personal injury or loss of property. You are liable for accidents and theft.
Are you aware of hazardous conditions or actions on your site?
Here's a list of 38 items which cause 95% of all accidents.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Civitello, Andrew. Construction Safety and Loss Control Program Manual.
Armonk: Sharpe, 1997.
Kennedy, George. Construction Foreman's Safety Handbook.
Albany: Delmar, 1996.
