Understanding the risks: Why safety matters at home and away

By WRYKER. 

Protecting yourself beyond the job site. 

Each year, approximately 55,000 people die from accidental injuries off-the-job, with the majority of these fatalities resulting from falls, car accidents and other hazards. In comparison, only about 5,000 fatalities occur on-the-job, highlighting a significant disconnect between on-the-job and off-the-job safety awareness. Many workers may feel that once they leave the job site, safety concerns are no longer relevant, but the risks associated with operating vehicles, using tools and working at heights don’t disappear when they go home.  WRYKER discusses the importance of staying safe both at work and at home in this Toolbox Talks they aim to highlight off-the-job safety concerns and provide practical tips for ensuring well-being in all aspects of life. 

Driving 

Driving is a necessity for most adults in America. Over 40,000 people are killed each year in car related accidents. We need to remember to drive safely, follow the roadway laws and use our defensive driving skills. Follow the dos and don’ts below to reduce your risk on the road. 

At-home construction projects 

As construction workers, we are continually improving our homes and doing at-home projects. These projects are fulfilling and fun. Most importantly, they make our homes beautiful, comforting places to relax after a long day. We must remember to practice our safety rules while doing these at-home projects to ensure we get to the relaxing part! Nothing could be worse than getting a concussion or broken leg during an at-home project and not only having to miss work, but also having to sit at home in pain, rather than enjoying the fruits of our labor. 

First, we need to remember our working at heights safety rules. Most often, at home, we use ladders for these height projects. We have a full article on ladder safety, but let’s review the basics. 

• The ladder should be tied off for adding stability. 
• If using a ladder on a roof, make sure it extends 3 feet above the roof. 
• Always place the safety feet on firm, solid ground. 
• Don’t step on the top rung of a step ladder. 
• Fully extend the step ladder’s legs and lock the braces. 
• Be very careful around power lines or other electrical hazards. If a nearby wire is live, you should not have a ladder within 10 feet of it for an abundance of caution. 
• Inspect your ladder before each use. 
• Set up your ladder using proper ladder placement guidelines. 

Second, we need to remember to use proper personal protective equipment. At work, OSHA requires us to use PPE during hazardous jobs, but at home, sometimes we simply forget to don the proper equipment. 

Here is the personal protective equipment you should never forget: 

• Safety glasses when using power tools and cutting any material 
• Gloves and shoes 
• Hard hat when something may fall from above 
• Hat when it is sunny outside 
• Face mask when working with potentially harmful chemicals and materials 

Healthy habits 

It is also essential to maintain healthy habits outside of the workplace to maintain your health. 1 in 25 construction workers have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Along with heart disease, construction workers suffer from several diseases. The numbers of construction workers diagnosed with obesity, diabetes and hypertension are staggering. Two in three construction workers are obese or overweight. In 2005, diabetes rose 2% among construction workers over the age of 55. 41% of construction workers 55 age or older have hypertension. While some risk factors that are out of your control influence these diseases, there are simple measures you can take to prevent these diseases and live a longer, happier life. 

1 - Eating healthily and exercising 

Eating healthy is a great way to keep yourself healthy. The CDC recommends that you eat 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruit per day and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day. Adding these vegetables and fruits into your diet can dramatically change your overall health. 

Additionally, it is essential to exercise regularly. The American Heart Association found that nearly half of construction workers don’t get enough exercise. Exercise can be daunting, but we recommend starting with one walk a day. Walking is a relatively straightforward exercise, and it can be relaxing and fun.  

2 - Tobacco and alcohol use 

1 in 4 construction workers use tobacco products regularly. Tobacco is a proven cause of many preventable deaths, such as heart disease and lung cancer. Do yourself a favor and quit. Many products can help you quit.  

It is also crucial to monitor your alcohol use. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that 16.5% of construction workers drank heavily. Heavy drinking is considered five or more drinks during one event several times a month. It is suggestive of a substance abuse issue. An occasional drink is fine, but binge drinking is incredibly dangerous and leads to all sorts of illnesses, such as cancer and addiction. Limit your alcohol usage and if you need help, contact your local AA chapter.          

3 - Regular doctor visits 

Regularly visiting the doctor is imperative to staying in good health. Catching diseases and issues early can significantly increase your chance for recovery. Additionally, your doctor can provide extra tips and tricks on staying healthy. 

Thank you for reviewing off-the-job safety with us today. Remember that taking care of yourself on the job is just as important as taking care of yourself at home. We want you to live a long, happy and fulfilling life, so remember to care for yourself. 

Original article and image source: WRYKER