19 Safety CHAPTER 2 properly and used correctly. The carpenter’s workplace—a construction site—can be a danger- ous place if safety precautions are not observed. According to the recent United States Bureau of Labor statistics, 17.6% of fatalities in private industry were construction related. The leading causes of construction worker deaths were falls, electrocution, struck by object, and caught-in/ between (being caught between two solid, fixed objects). These four causes were responsible for 56% of construction worker deaths. Eliminating these factors would save hundreds of workers’ lives every year. 2.1 Occupational Safety and Health Administration Every worker in any industry has a right to a safe and healthy workplace. That is why in 1970 Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA’s General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a place of employment that is free from hazards that could cause physical harm. The clause also requires employees to comply with all safety stan- dards, rules, and regulations. OSHA protects workers by the following actions: Setting standards for workplace safety Providing information and training about safety and health Providing training to employers and workers for best safety practices Inspecting workplaces If you work for a private company, you are covered by an OSHA regional office. Learning Objectives After studying this chapter, you will be able to: Explain what OSHA is and its purpose. Explain housekeeping measures that promote safe working conditions. List and describe clothing safety as it applies to carpenters. List other personal protective equipment recommended for carpenters to use. List safety measures relating to shoring and scaffolding. Cite safety measures relating to hand and power tools. Explain how electrical power is used safely on a jobsite. Describe proper methods of lifting and carrying to avoid personal injury. Describe the classes of fires. Technical Terms angle of repose Class A fire Class B fire Class C fire Class D fire dust mask ground ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) hard hat hearing protection hot conductor neutral conductor OSHA standard particulate mask pneumatic tools respirator safety boots and shoes Safety Data Sheet (SDS) safety factor safety glasses shoring trench trench box Carpenters work with tools and materials that can cause serious injury if not maintained Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
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