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The right Tools for the Job!

Posted by Joseph Ceccarelli on Mon, Aug 25, 2008
  
  
  
  
  
  

Our next story comes from Kevin Cantwell from Expert laser Services.

 

"Several years ago I had a crew clearing some brush and small trees. The guy on the chain saw was not a tree expert, but he was experienced in using a chainsaw and cutting down trees. As he was cutting the tree, another guy pushed on the tree with a backhoe to make sure it fell away from a building. Just as the tree was cut through the pressure made the trunk swing around. A limb hit the tree cutter in the side of his head, causing a severe concussion and months of lost time. He was not wearing a hard hat at the time, although I am not sure if that would have helped. The standard rule of using the right tool for the job might have applied. A backhoe is not the proper method to guide a tree as it is being cut. A tree company might have cost some more money at the time, but nothing compared to what happened to my workers compensation premium!!!"

 

I think this is important for any homeowner or business owner. It might not be you that has an emergency, but this is a perfect example of how others can effect us. We hire companies to come into our homes to do work everyday, it doesn't take much. Sometimes these workers have deadlines to meet and as a result might rush....this can make a very big difference!

 

Thanks to Kevin for sharing!

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COMMENTS

Having the right tools and equipment. 
 
 
 
Two years ago a roofer I know fell two stories to the ground. He had the fortunate experience of working for a company who believed in having the right staging and equipment for their employees. This individual slipped and went down the roof slope, hit the roof toe boards and rolled over on to the pump staging. The pump staging had both a platform and a work bench. The individual fell into the pump staging tried to hold on but slipped and fell 20 feet to the ground. He had bruises and some wrist injuries. The staging on the roof and the side of the house broke his fall and saved his life. Compare this to the many companies who don't set staging because it increases the price they have to charge to home owners. Many contractors skimp on providing the right equipment, tools and training for their employees just to save a buck.  
 
My roofer friend however worked for a professional company who knew it was their reponsibilty to provide the proper equipment. Cause accidents do happen. 
 
 
 
Mark 
 

posted @ Monday, August 25, 2008 6:53 PM by mark paskell

Joe, Mark, 
 
As far as roofers are concerned, I know that roofers have one of the highest (if not the highest) workers comp rates, obviously because of the high number of accidents. In the story you mentioned how the scaffolding broke his fall limiting his injuries. Are roofers required to wear any type of safety harness? If not why not, especially on a roof with steep pitch.

posted @ Tuesday, August 26, 2008 12:03 PM by Kevin Cantwell

Kevin, 
 
I will have to look into the exact ruling on the safety harness for you. I do know that they make brackets that hold planks that roofers are supposed to use if there is to much pitch. Also, there is supposed to be railings and kick plates on the scaffolding. From my experience in the construction industry, the smaller contractors often skip some of these safety requirements to save time and money. OSHA is so busy that unless there is an accident, they are most likely not going to visit the smaller jobs. It is in my opinion rather unfortunate.

posted @ Friday, September 05, 2008 4:21 PM by Joseph Ceccarelli

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