Let’s have a little tool box talk. Here are seven basic rules to follow when working with tools.

1.       Keep work areas clean. Proper housekeeping alone can go a long way in preventing injuries. Injuries can be reduced by keeping work areas organized and clean.

2.       Use the proper tool for the job. Avoid the first impulse to use whatever tool (or object) is around you to get a work task done. Using the wrong tool for the job can result in an injury or damage to the tool, which can lead to an injury in the future.

3.       Always wear the proper PPE for the work task. The lack of PPE, or the use of improper PPE, leads to many injuries in the workplace. PPE is the last line of defense when protecting yourself from the hazards of your work.

4.       Never work on live equipment. Working on energized equipment is an unsafe act that can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

5.       Make sure chemicals are properly labeled and stored. OSHA issues many citations regarding hazard communication every year. Improper labeling and storage can lead to injuries or property loss due to fires, corrosion, etc.

6.       Communicate hazards to other personnel. Never assume that a coworker understands the hazards of a task, especially if they are new or new to the task.

7.       Stop work when needed to address hazards. Always stop work to take the time to get hazards addressed to make it safe to continue the task.