Manitoba Heavy Construction Association

14 SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2023 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS A s spring approaches, many of us are eager to get outside to start that yard project we've been dreaming of. With that in mind, personal protective equipment (PPE) is often forgotten. When folks think of PPE, they usually think of construction sites and hard hats, but PPE is for these at-home projects as well. PPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious injuries and illnesses. This can include gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, earplugs or muffs, respirators, coveralls or high-visibility vests. Hazards in your home or in the yard include: • Excessive noise from power tools • Dust and debris from cutting drywall • Flying and falling branches from yard clean-up • Blades on equipment or lawn mower The hazards are numerous and some, unforeseen. Even something as simple as gardening still requires PPE, namely, gloves. This can protect your hands against cuts, soil, insect bites and skin irritants. Although the most common gardening injuries include cuts and scrapes, other injuries can occur from the lawn mower, tools and using improper body mechanics, especially when lifting heavy loads. Another common hazard from working in the garden can be heat stress, on those hot summer days. It's important to stay out of direct sunlight and take breaks when needed. You need to know how to protect yourself. "Just mowing the lawn, for example, can be hard on the ears and dangerous to the feet," explains Delaney Gall, Safety Advisor at WORKSAFELY®. Protect your hearing with ear muffs and your feet with steel-toe boots, Gall advises. "PPE is fundamental to construction safety, but it's also important for those at- home yard projects," he says. "Whether you're pulling out the lawn mower, chainsaw or the hammer, you should reach for PPE first." Gall mentions that we often use the same tools and equipment at home as construction workers would on the job-site. "Think about what you do at home that construction workers also do. This could include changing a tire, using a circular saw, a garden tractor, or even cutting drywall and being exposed to dust and debris – same hazards, just a different place," states Gall. PPE is your last line of defense, whether at work or at home. Use proper PPE, follow safe work procedures and protect yourself and your family this season. Jessie Weir is THE MHCA WORKSAFELY® Education Programs Coordinator Personal Protective Equipment: NOT JUST FOR WORK Colin Corneau photo pitblado.com 2500-360 Main Street Building a solid foundation of trust, respect, and results. A dispute related to a construc on project can be costly, complicated, and even overwhelming for you and your business. Your Pitblado Law lawyer is keenly focused on arriving at the best possible result for you as quickly as possible, while understanding and apprecia ng the dynamics between all par es. We aim to keep your costs under control and get you back to work without the distrac on of a legal ma er. We look for, and find, prac cal solu ons that are in your best interests. We represent property owners, engineers, architects, insurers, contractors, and subcontractors (including suppliers) at any and all stages of a construc on project's life cycle, and provide advice related to: • Liens • Delay and warranty claims • Claims of negligence • The interpreta on of Canadian Construc on Associa on (CCA) and Canadian Construc on Documents Commi ee (CCDC) documenta on • Other ma ers When li ga on can be avoided, we will nego ate passionately on your behalf. When the courts do need to get involved, we will represent you vigorously. A PROUD MANITOBAN COMPANY 21 South Landing Drive Oak Blu, MB R4G 0C4 groupwd.com (204) 896-1333 info@groupwd.com The Strength of Many. The Power of One. COSTEFFECTIVE, COMPOSITE WATER & SEWER PRODUCTS SERVICE BOXES Full product line of lighter, non-corroding service boxes built for Manitoba Representing the following manufacturers: COMPOSITE MANHOLE FRAME & COVER Fits City of Winnipeg Frames Lockable & Sealable Non-Corroding Under 40 lb ROBAR 1696•2B Stainless Steel Non-Corroding Large OD Range Easy Installation PI VALVE BOXES WD82 PI - MWSB Approved WD46 PI - City of Wpg Approved Light & Strong Non-Corroding

• Cover