In recent weeks, several recordable injuries have occurred on our projects. Each one came from an everyday task that seemed routine at the time. These incidents are reminders that injuries often happen when we let our guard down during the tasks we’ve done many times before.
- Back Strain While Shoveling Pea Gravel – An employee experienced a lower back strain after shoveling pea gravel for an extended period. Repetitive motions and improper body positioning led to overexertion.
- Safe Practice: Use proper lifting and shoveling techniques—keep your back straight, bend at the knees, and avoid twisting. Rotate tasks when possible and take breaks to prevent fatigue.
- Lacerated Right Wrist on a Bracket – While working near mounted brackets, an employee’s wrist came into contact with a sharp edge, resulting in a laceration that required treatment.
- Safe Practice: Stay alert for sharp edges and protrusions in your work area. Wear cut level 6 gloves and keep your arms clear of pinch and cut points whenever possible.
- Chipped Tooth While Moving a Sign – During the process of moving a sign, it unexpectedly shifted and struck an employee in the face, chipping a tooth.
- Safe Practice: Always secure your grip, watch footing, and move bulky or awkward items with a partner. Be aware of hand and face positioning to avoid sudden contact injuries.
- Hyperextended Left Thumb While Pushing Wires into a Box – An employee was feeding wires into a box and applied force with their thumb, causing a hyperextension injury.
- Safe Practice: Use the correct tool (such as fish tape) instead of excessive hand force. Take care when applying pressure in awkward positions, as even small slips can cause injuries.
- Sprained Right Ankle on a Rocky Path – While walking through a rocky area of the jobsite, an employee twisted their ankle, resulting in a sprain.
- Safe Practice: Always choose the safest walking path available, wear appropriate footwear with good ankle support, and slow down on uneven terrain.
Key Reminders:
- Many of these injuries stemmed from routine activities—lifting, carrying, walking, or using hands in tight spaces.
- Shortcuts or rushing often lead to preventable injuries. Take the extra moment to set up properly, clear your path, and use the right tools.
- PPE is the last line of defense, awareness and proper pre-planning are the first. Look ahead, anticipate hazards, and adjust before beginning the task.
Moving Forward:
These incidents are reminders that hazards don’t always come from high-risk tasks, they often arise from simple, everyday actions. Staying mindful, practicing good ergonomics, and keeping situational awareness are key to preventing the next injury. Let’s stay committed to working safely and watching out for each other.