You really need to consider safety-your own safety, and the safety of others. Because there is so much going on at a construction site, it is important to follow some basic safety procedures so you don't end up in the ER with a severed finger or a dented skull.

Rule 1: Don't get angry-

This is not because you might get in a fight or anything like that, this is common sense. If you get angry you are easily distracted and this can quickly lead to injury. If you don't keep your focus on the job, and you don't keep your head in the game, you might not be able to keep your head.

Rule 2: No alcohol or drugs on the building site.

There are enough things to worry about, impaired judgment due to alcohol or drugs should not be one of them. This rule goes hand in hand with rule one, you need to be able to have as clear a focus as possible when working in such a dangerous atmosphere. So, never allow drugs and alcohol, or those under the influence of drugs and alcohol on your site.

Rule 3: Wear Protective gear-

Protective gear is more than a hard helmet, it also means protection from other things, such as sunscreen, hats, etc to protect you from the heat of the sun, or a jacket and beanie to protect you from the cold. However, this doesn't mean you can skip the typical protective gear. This includes protective goggles when using power tools, gloves when handling lumber and metal, hard hats when working under or near overhead workers, masks when installing fiberglass, etc. Also, wear heavy soled, steel-toed work boots so your feet don't get injured.

Rule 4: Use Common Sense-

Ok, so this doesn't seem like much of a rule, but it really means, don't use electric power tools while standing in a puddle of water, unplug the tool before you change a drill bit etc., know how to use the power tools you are using, point saws away from you, remove protruding nails from lumber, don't carry sharp tools in your pocket, etc.

Rule 5: Use the right tool for the right job-

Don't try to cut off more than the power tool you are using can. Don't try to use a screwdriver when you need a hammer, etc. Using a tool for something it wasn't designed to do is a recipe for injury. And no one wants to be eating blood soup for dinner.

Rule 6: Watch for people that aren't safety conscious-

No matter how careful you might be, if you don't keep your eye open for those who are careless, you could get hurt from their mistakes. It stinks, but it is true, so just keep your eyes open for those who aren't careful.

Rule 7: Protect yourself-

tie back long hair, don't work when you are too tired, lift with your knees, don't try to carry too heavy of a load, etc. You know what YOU need to do.

Rule 8: Put things away-

Make a pile for scrap lumber, never leave tools on ladders or scaffolding, recycle. Etc. Unless you want a nail in your foot, put any extra nails back in the sack they came in, and store it somewhere safe.

Rule 9: Help each other-

if you are climbing up on a ladder, have some stabilize it. If something is heavy, ask for help moving it. Sometimes, asking for help can save you from serious injury.

Rule 10: Know where the first aid kit is,

and make sure it is stocked!