Ok. How do you prove you’re safe to a average Joe or a GC. (General contractor) Sadly, revolves a lot around appearence… You can be the safest man in the world, but if you don’t have a high vis you could get kicked off jobs. My site requires high vis vests as-well as hard hats For someone like me who has long hair, hard hats 100 percent make working more difficult, but it’s all in the name of “safety!”

OSHA just threw one of our ladders out! Today we had OSHA on site, and as of late they have been coming down hard on faulty ladders. Ladders with peeling tags, peeling fiberglass, aluminum, twisted frames all will be tagged and thrown off site by OSHA, stay safe!

Ok let’s get to the real meat and potato’s. Because all of that you just read is for reference. Here is how to actually prove you are safe to score respect on the job 1. Have your shirt tucked in, less things to get snagged on, you look like a boss, and you get treated with respect. 2. Deny unsafe work, know where you stand and don’t be afraid to say “Nope!” I do not hesitate to say that… 3. If working with electrical ALWAYS use a meter or a voltage checker, don’t just geuss. Volts hurt… a lot! 4. Clean your area, whether you’re on a jobsite with a supervisor, or a homeowners closet. People reward cleanliness. I’ve had friends get paid 500 dollars extra for cleanliness!

Working safe is broadly based on common sense, regardless there are rules, below are some of the essentials 1. Roof Access: Extension ladders must extend at least 3 feet above the roof and be secured top and bottom. 2. Electrical: Do not use frayed extension cords, damaged plugs, or exposed wiring. Use GFCI protection when required. 3. Lockout / Tagout: Shut off and verify power and gas before working on units. Never trust a breaker label. 4. Electrical panels must be clear and not blocked by anything. 5. Sharp Edges: Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling ductwork, sheet metal, or cabinets.(I’ve seen people get cut really bad from sheet metal, gloves are always recommended) 6. Confined Spaces: Attics and mechanical rooms need adequate lighting, ventilation, and safe access before entry. 7. Lifting: Use proper lifting technique or team lifts for compressors, furnaces, and condensers. If it’s awkward, don’t solo it. (Don’t be a superhero, work is important but so is your health) 8. Housekeeping: Keep cords, hoses, and tools off walkways to prevent trips and falls. (Clean jobsite! We aren’t electricians! Well sort of…) 9. Weather Conditions: No roof work during high winds, rain, ice, or lightning. 10. PPE: Safety glasses, gloves, and proper footwear are mandatory, not optional.

OSHA Requires ladder tags to be shown aswell, tags include the specifications above the ladder. Apart from a visual inspection of the ladder, these are the main rules you must follow on job sites. Aluminum ladders cannot be used by electrical equipment either. - Ladder must extend at least 3 feet (3 rungs) above the roof or landing surface - Set ladder at a 4:1 angle (You should be able to have your foot at the base of extension ladder with your arm directly out, should touch the rung) - Secure the ladder at the top and bottom to prevent movement - Keep belt buckle centered between the side rails (no leaning or overreaching) - Maintain 3 points of contact at all times(two hands + one foot or two feet + one hand) - Face the ladder when climbing up or down - Do not stand on the top 3 rungs - Use a tool belt or hoist — never carry tools in your hands