OSHA, the national job and industry safety group back up some requirements outlined by good contractors.

• Wear protective gear like safety helmets, hardhats to protect yourself from swinging and falling equipment. Also goggles with eye shields are needed to keep eyes safe from flying nail or screws. Gloves are necessary where working with fiberglass materials. Add face guards to shield from hazardous items like fiberglass and dust or if using power tools that can send sparks or debris. Add long pants and hard toed shoes or steel-toed shoes.
• Also be knowledgeable about chemical hazards. Varnishes and fiberglass as well as insulation can be hard on your body. Some cause irritation, and rashes. If you are not working outside, then the doors in the building should be left open. Also open windows and turn on fans to protect yourself. Fans help protect against particles you could breathe into your lungs. Asbestos inhaled can get into the lung tissues and lung cancer be produced.
• Make sure you read the warnings on labels of hazardous products. Eyewash is worth its weight in gold when a wood sliver lands in your eye. Follow the instructions on the warning labels.

Practice safe use of electrical wiring. The electrical hazards are so critical; an electrician can be killed from electrical shock. Also fires can result from electrical mismanagement. There need to be enough electrical outlets to avoid the use of extension cords. Circuits need to be protected from over loading. The shortest extension cord possible is a wise move. All workers should wear rubber-soled shoes when working with electrical appliances. All tools should be unplugged when not in use.

Be careful with power tools and machinery. It is imperative that tools and equipment be in good repair on a building site. It is important that regular inspection and maintenance is performed on all electrical equipment. Of major importance is training of the employees, no one should be handed a tool to shoot a nail into their own leg etc.

Post signs to warn of a hazardous chemical, a dangerous pit, or high-level electrical wires. Train staff to watch out for flying particles. Make sure no one walks under overhead cranes moving huge loads. Wear protective harnesses when working higher up. Also use guardrails and barricades in necessary places.

Usually a cleaner job site is a safer one. Materials should be stacked carefully to prevent sheets of this and that from sliding off to hurt a worker or others. Also avoid poor stacking of heavy items that could fall over on someone.

Besides protecting employees and workers, there is the issue of lawful site maintenance. There is insurance payment and workman's compensation payment for insured employees but there is no payment for the man who is fined by OSHA for improper care of building and employees.

It is best to check with OSHA and find out what are the regulations and proper practices in safety precautions.

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