A Safe Attitude

• Think before you work.
• Avoid distractions and pay attention.
  
• Inspect equipment before use.
  
• If you are uncertain about how to do a task or how to operate a power tool, ask your crew leader.
• Advise your crew leader of any unsafe conditions or situations that you notice.
  
• Know where water and the first aid kit are located.
  
• Report all injuries to the crew leader.
  
• If something looks unsafe, speak up!
  
• Don't lift beyond your strength. Bend your knees.
  
• Be aware of your surroundings and of the people working near you.

A Clean Work Site

• A clean work place is a safe work place.
  
• Organize debris as well as tools and materials.
  
• Remove or bend back nails in discarded lumber immediately!
  
• Don't leave tools or materials where others can trip over them.
  
• Use trash cans.

Proper Clothing

• Remove rings and jewelry.
• Secure loose clothing. Button or roll up sleeves. Zip jackets. Loose clothing is especially dangerous around power tools.
• Dress appropriately for the weather.
• Wear boots or thick-soled shoes. No sandals!
  

Protective Gear

• Wear safety glasses when nailing or using power tools or solvents.
• Wear a hard hat when work is going on overhead.
• Use ear protection when using power tools for prolonged periods.
• Use dust masks when working in dusty conditions.

Tools

• Use the right tool for the job.
  
• Ask for instructions before using a tool.
  
• No one under 18 may use power tools.
  
• Don't place tools where they can fall on someone or trip someone.
  
• Check power tools for defective switches, cords, plugs, and proper grounding.
  
• Don't use defective power tools.
  
• Report defective tools to the crew leader.
  
• Don't use a power tool if you're standing on wet or damp ground.
  
• Never remove or disable tool guards.
  
• Use both hands if needed to operate a tool safely; if not, keep the other hand clear.
• Keep electric cords out of the way of the saw blade.
  
• Support material properly before cutting or drilling.
  
• Ask for help if a tool jams.
  
• Never lower or carry a power tool by its cord.
  

• No one under 18 may use a ladder.
• Inspect a ladder before using it.
  
• If it looks unsafe, DON'T USE IT!
  
• Only one person on a ladder at one time.
  
• Set ladder on solid ground.
  
• To level, dig a hole until it is stable.
  
• Use a ladder that will reach the work.
  
• An extension ladder should reach 3 feet above the work level.
  
• Use the 4-to-1 Rule: For every 4 feet of height, move the bottom of the ladder one foot away from the wall.
  
• Never stand on top rungs of a ladder.
  
• Face the ladder and keep hands free for climbing.
  
• Move the ladder with your work.
  
• Keep both shoulders inside the ladder. Don't overreach.
  
• Keep ladders clear of power lines.
  
• Don't leave loose objects on a ladder. Keep your tools in your tool belt at all times.

Roofing

• No one under 18 may work on the roof.
• Use extra caution on the roof.
• Watch your footing.
• Use toe boards or roof jacks.
• Have one person on the ground (two if roofing both sides of the house) to watch and warn roofers nearing the edge.
• Keep rooftop swept free of sawdust and debris.

• No one under 18 may work on scaffolding.
  
• Consult crew leader for proper scaffolding erection and bracing.
  
• Inspect scaffolding before using; reject damaged planks.
  
• Scaffolding must be plumb and level before use.
  
• Use extra caution when on scaffolding. Watch your footing!
  
• Don't leave loose objects on scaffolding. Keep your tools in your tool belt at all times.

Drywall

• Stack drywall material so that it is stable and secure.
• Never pull the stack away from the wall as shifting stacks have broken many bones. Drywall is very heavy!

• The poisons and toxic substances which can most often be found on a work site are asbestos, lead oxides, and solvents. Special care must be taken when you come in contact with any of these substances, or any unfamiliar substance.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with these substances.
• If you don't know what a substance is or whether it is toxic, ask your crew leader.