Toolbox Talk: Safety at Home
ABC member contractors have always been committed to providing the best equipment, training, and support to provide a safe working environment that will allow us to return home safely at the end of the day. The question is; are we following this same set of standards once we return home? Unfortunately, many serious accidents happen at home. Painful injuries, permanent disability, and even death can be the result of home accidents. Falls and fires are particular dangers at home. Fortunately, there is much you can do to improve the safety of your home.
• Is lighting adequate in all traffic areas, including sidewalks, entrance areas, basements, and stairways?
• Are traffic areas free of clutter?
• Are stairways clear, with no items stored on them, even temporarily?
• Are there sturdy railings on all stairways, even in the basement and outdoors?
• Are stairs, steps, and floors in good condition and free of tripping hazards such as torn carpet and loose tiles? Is there a non-slip surface on the floor of the shower and bathtub?
• Is your home protected by these safety devices: Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters on electrical outlets in the bathroom and basement?
• Is all wiring in good condition? Is wiring adequate for the electrical appliances used in the house, including computer equipment?
• Are chimneys for wood-burning stoves and fireplaces cleaned yearly?
• Are any flammable liquids such as gasoline and paint thinner stored in approved covered containers, in well-ventilated areas? Are they kept far away from sources of ignition, such as cigarettes and pilot lights?
• Are the handles of pots and pans always turned toward the center of the stove, not the edge of the stove where they can be reached by children or accidentally contacted by someone passing by?
• Is the house safe for children, even if they only visit occasionally? Are all medicines and cleaning materials stored well out of reach of children? Are stairways barricaded so youngsters cannot fall down them? Are electrical outlets covered by child-proof plugs?
• Do you hold regular family fire drills? Does each member of the family know how to escape from his or her bedroom and where to meet outside?
