Safety is the number one priority on a job site, no matter what the task. According to the United States Department of Labor, the top four risks on a construction site include falls, electrocution, being struck-by moving objects and being caught in areas like trenches. In this blog, we’ll be focusing on mitigating the risks of falls and electrocution, as they are relevant to the trades which nVent CADDY services.
While seasoned professionals are sure to watch for these risks, a few tips from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can be a good reminder to staying safe on the job.
Preventing Falls
- Wear and use personal fall arrest equipment.
- Install and maintain perimeter protection.
- Cover and secure floor openings and label floor opening covers.
- Use ladders and scaffolds safely.
Another way to prevent falls is to do work on the ground or in the shop prior to arriving at the job site. Plus, it will minimize your installation time. Several nVent CADDY products for electrical and mechanical applications were engineered to take the dangerous work of installation off of lifts and ladders to ground level. Solutions like nVent CADDY Prefab are available to assist with prefabrication of entire jobs, keeping a portion of the work in the shop, instead of on the job site.
Many nVent CADDY products also incorporate integrated, secure hardware so the risk of dropping hardware during install is eliminated. Another safety benefit of using nVent CADDY solutions is that many are ready out-of-the-box, eliminating the need for cutting or handling long lengths of strut. Several also have a push-to-install capability (nVent CADDY Rod Lock) or keyless locking devices for easy install (nVent CADDY Speed Link).
Preventing Electrocution
- Locate and identify utilities before starting work.
- Look for overhead power lines when operating any equipment.
- Maintain a safe distance away from power lines; learn the safe distance requirements.
- Do not operate portable electric tools unless they are grounded or double insulated.
- Use ground-fault circuit interrupters for protection.
- Be alert to electrical hazards when working with ladders, scaffolds or other platforms.
A few of the benefits of nVent CADDY products include the option to use less tools on installation with several tool-free components. These product benefits like snap-to-stud features and easy-to-install components help to eliminate long-term use of electric tools.
An important consideration for safety, not only for those on the job, but the future building tenants is that products being installed are up to the latest codes and standards, and have passed or been tested for required certifications. The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the minimum standards for safe electrical installation and ensures that electrical systems behind the walls are safe. Trained electrical workers should know and understand the requirements of the NEC. All nVent CADDY products undergo extensive developement, testing and certification to adhere to industry standards including UL, FM and more.