EMPLOYEESAFETY

HANDBOOK

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Table of Contents

Overview

3-5Safety Committee

5Affirmative Action/Harassment

6Access to Medical Records

6-7Choice of Physician

7Hazard Communication

7-9

1

Personal Protective Equipment

9Hard Hats

9Safety Glasses

9-10Hearing Protection

10-11Work Clothes

11Respiratory Protection

11-12OSHA Inspections

12-13Safety Rules

13-20Ladders

13-16Stairwells

16-17

2

Scaffolds

17-19Aerial Lifts

19-20Housekeeping

20Fire-Fighting Equipment

21Fire Extinguisher Training

21-23Tools

23-24Fall Protection

24-25Electrical

26-27Confined Space

27-28Company Vehicle – DriverResponsibilities

29-31

3

Lockout/Tagout

32Trenching

32-33Accidents

33-36Emergency Numbers

37Notes

38Employee Acknowledgment

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4

SAFETY PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The purpose of this program is to ensure

that all electrical construction, repair and

maintenance are done safely to protect

the employee and the general public from

serious injury or death. With cooperation

from everyone, we as a company can

provide a safe work environment.

It shall be a condition of employment

that all employees faithfully adhere to all

of the requirements of this written safety

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program as well as other applicable state,

federal and local codes and regulations.

All employees are responsible for the

prevention of accidents to themselves and

their fellow worker. If an employee is

assigned to a task that he or she feels is

unsafe, they are required to immediately

notify their supervisor. We will make

every effort to ensure that the operations

of other employees not under our control

do not endanger the safety of our

employees. To this end all employees of

the Company are to report hazardous

activities of employees of other crafts to

their immediate supervisor or, contact the

office and request assistance. Your job

may receive a random jobsite inspection.

Any hazards that may cause an injury to

you or others must be corrected at that

time. Employees are required to attend all

regularly scheduled safety meetings.

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This is to advise all employees that this

company will not tolerate the use of any

alcohol or any illegal drugs or substances

in the workplace nor do we tolerate

employees who are under the influence or

effects of drugs or alcohol while working

for us.

All employees will be given a copy of

these safety rules and will be held

accountable for the contents. Failure to

follow these rules will result in a verbal

warning. Continued failure to follow the

rules will result in dismissal.

SAFETY COMMITTEE:

In order to achieve an effective safety

program, the Company may establish a

Safety Committee. The purpose of this

committee will be to bring management

and employees together to solve safety

related issues, review accidents, address

safety concerns from employees and to

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keep all employees informed of any

findings or changes in the overall safety

program. All employees will be advised

who the committee members are and

employees are encouraged to contact any

member with a suggestion that could

improve the safety of all employees. The

committee will review accidents, make

recommendations to prevent repeats. The

committee will make recommendations to

management to improve safety and look

for new ways equipment to enhance

employee safety. All employees a

encouraged to participate in the

committee. The committee will meet

quarterly or on as-needed basis.

AFFIRMATIVE

ACTION/HARASSMENT:

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The Company is an equal opportunity

employer and we will not discriminate

against any employee or applicant because

of race, creed, religion, color, sex, or

national origin. The Company will not

tolerate any form of harassment by any

employee to a fellow employee or to

others. A copy of the affirmative action

and harassment policy are available for all

employees to read at the main office of

the Company.

CHOICE OF PHYSICIAN:

All employees may choose their physician

in case they receive an occupational injury.

Employees must have a signed copy of NE

form 50 on file. The Company reserves the

right to get a second opinion on an

occupational injury.

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HAZARD COMMUNICATION

General:

The purpose of this program is to ensure

that the Company is in compliance with

the OSHA requirements outlined in

1926.59 standard on Hazard

Communication. Management will be the

overall coordinator of the company

program. All employees will be instructed

on how to access MSDS’s for any product

that may be potentially harmful. For

additional information contact your

supervisor.

Training:

Each employee upon hire will receive

information on how the Company will

comply with the requirements of Hazard

Communication. All employees must will

receive annual training on the

requirements. A company written

program will be available on site for

review.

10

.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT:

HARD HATS:

Must be worn wherever there is exposure

to overhead danger or exposure to

electrical shock. Hard hats will be worn at

all times when required by owner/General

Contractor or as directed by your

supervisor. Hard hats issued will be worn

according to the manufacturer’s

requirements. Hard hats will not be

altered or painted. Only authorized

stickers are allowed. Employees will be

responsible for the care of their hard hats.

SAFETY GLASSES:

Protective eyewear will be worn to

prevent eye injuries. Safety glasses will be

worn when there is exposure to eye

injuries or when working on or near

energized equipment. Safety glasses will

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be worn at all times when required by

owner/General Contractor or as directed

by your supervisor .

Safety glasses will be issued at time of hire.

It will be your responsibility to take proper

care of your glasses. If you damage your

glasses they will be replaced. Never use

safety glasses that are defective or limit

your vision because of scratches. Clean

your safety glasses prior to using them.

Employees wearing prescription glasses

will be required to wear OTG over the

glass glasses or purchase prescription

safety glasses.

HEARING PROTECTION:

Disposable ear plugs are available on the

job for your protection. Hearing

protection should be worn any time the

noise level in your work area is such that

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you cannot carry on a normal conversation

without raising your voice.

WORK CLOTHES

Employees are required to report to work

in work pants and shirt. No cutoffs are

allowed. You must wear a full shirt. No

tank top, knit top or shirts full of holes will

be acceptable. Shirts with obscene or

vulgar language will not be allowed.

Clothing must meet

owner/customer/contractor requirements.

Employees are required to wear suitable

footwear or as required by customer.

Tennis shoes are not allowed. Personal

jewelry must not endanger you or your

fellow employees.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:

Anytime an employee is required to wear a

respirator, he or she will be given the

required training. This would include; fit

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test, medical evaluation and the issue of

the correct respirator. Affected employees

will be given a copy of the company

respirator program before beginning work

that would require wearing a respirator.

Employees will be responsible for the care

of the issued respirator. Employees are

not allowed to wear respirators that are

not company approved.

OSHA INSPECTIONS:

OSHA:

The Occupational Safety and Health

Administration is responsible for enforcing

the OSHA standards and inspecting work

sites to ensure that employers are doing

everything they can to provide a safe work

environment for their employees. Should

your job receive an inspection by OSHA

you are required to follow these

guidelines:

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1. Advise the compliance officer that you

must notify the office and that you must

wait for the designated representative

from the company to arrive.

2. Be polite and do not answer any

questions until your representative is

present.

If your job site receives an OSHA violation,

the violation will be posted on the job to

advise you what the alleged violation is

and how the matter will be settled.

SAFETY RULES:

LADDERS:

Employees are required to work with

ladders according to the manufacturer’s

requirements and the guidelines set by

OSHA. The following rules must be

followed when working with and on

ladders:

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1. Always know what type and

classification of ladder you are using.

This information can be found on the

side of the ladder. Never use a

defective ladder.

2. Never stand on the top two rungs of

any ladder. Plan your work and use the

appropriate ladder for the task.

3. If you must use a ladder for access to an

elevated surface, the ladder must

extend at least 36” above the landing

and be secured to prevent movement

of the ladder in any direction. If you use

a ladder that someone else has placed

for access you must follow the rules for

securement of the ladder. All extension

ladders placed against a wall for access

must have a 4 to 1 angle for access. An

example would be if you had a 20 foot

ladder leaned against a 16 foot building

the bottom of the ladder must extend

out from the bottom at least 4 feet.

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4. All ladders must sit on level surfaces.

Never try and adjust the height of a

ladder by placing objects under the

support legs.

5. When using a step ladder, always have

the ladder fully opened. Never climb

the back side of a ladder unless the

ladder is designed for that purpose.

6. Never place ladders on scaffolds,

working platforms or other elevated

surfaces for added height.

7. Never use ladders for scaffold support.

8. Never splice a ladder or try to make

repairs. Ask your supervisor for a

replacement ladder if the one you are

using becomes damaged.

9. Never carry material up a ladder that

would cause you to lose your balance

and fall. Ask for assistance.

10. When you are required to work off

a ladder over 6 feet above the floor, you

must stay inside the body of the ladder.

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If you need to lean out you must wear

protective fall arrest equipment or

reposition the ladder.

11. Anytime there is a break in

elevation of 19” or more, you must use a

ladder or ramp for access into the

building/structure.

12. When ordering ladders, make sure

you order the proper size. Plan your

work.

13. Never use a step ladder on stairwell

steps unless the ladder is designed for

that operation.

STAIRWELLS:

When you are required to work in areas

where you must use stairs for access, you

must abide by the following rules:

1. All stairs with 4 or more risers must

have hand rails.

2. All stairwells must be properly lighted.

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3. If you must use pan stairs they must be

poured or filled with material within

1/8” from the top of the pan and

secured to prevent movement.

4. When using stairs for access to a storage

trailer, the stairs should have a landing

with clearance of 20” or more of the

door opening.

SCAFFOLDS:

All scaffolds must be erected and inspected

by a competent person. Scaffolds are not

to be altered and all scaffolds must be

checked prior to the start of each work

shift. The following rules must be followed

when working with scaffolds: All scaffold

working platforms must be fully planked

regardless of the height.

1. All stationary scaffolds shall sit on level

ground. Screw jacks can be used if

necessary. Adjustable base plates must

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always be used. Never let a scaffold rest

on the leg alone.

2. All scaffolds over 10 feet must have a

top rail at 42”, mid rail and toe board.

3. All scaffolds must have proper access.

Masonry walk thru scaffold must have a

ladder attached. Scaffolds with built in

ladder rungs are acceptable.

4. All mobile scaffolds must have casters

that lock and all casters will be locked

when employees are on the scaffold.

5. All scaffolds will be fully planked the full

width of the working platform at all

heights.

6. All mobile scaffolds must have a

diagonal brace attached above the

casters.

7. Employees are not allowed to ride a

mobile scaffold.

8. All scaffolds exceeding 4 times the

minimum base width must be tied to

the structure every 26 feet vertically

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and every 30 feet horizontally at the

bottom.

9. Employees are not allowed to use

damaged planks or picks for working

platforms.

10. Never carry equipment while

climbing a scaffold. Use a pulley system

or, if possible, have the material handed

up.

11. Never use unstable objects such as

bricks, boxes, or cinder blocks to level a

scaffold.

12. Never allow other trades to use

your scaffold without approval from

your supervisor.

AERIAL LIFTS:

Employees are not allowed to operate a

power aerial lift until they have received

the required training for the lift they are

using. Never over load an aerial lift. Never

place ladders on a lift. Review all safety

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precautions on the lift before using.

Always wear safety glasses when checking

the batteries of an aerial lift. Never stand

on the rails of a lift. Never place planks

across the rails for added height. Never

remove the side rails of a lift without prior

fall protection. Always check the area

where the lift will be used for unseen

hazards such as holes in the floor, drop

offs, and obstacles that may damage the

lift or cause the lift to tip and fall. Follow

all manufacture’s requirements and never

give the keys for the lift to someone who is

not trained in the safety precautions of the

lift.

HOUSEKEEPING:

Every employee is responsible to control

their own trash. Poor housekeeping

causes accidents. Watch for protruding

nails. Never stack trash or materials near

open stairwells or in aisles where someone

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could trip. Never stack material in a

manner that could cause it to fall and

injure someone.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING

There are 4 classifications of fires:

1) Class A. Ordinary combustible material

such as wood, paper, and trash.

Fire Fighting Media – Water from a hose

or bucket, pressurized, or cartridge

operated extinguisher. Soda-acid and

foam extinguisher may also be used.

2) Class B. Flammable liquids. Gasoline, oil,

paint, and grease. Fires of this nature

need to be smothered.

Fire Fighting Media – CO2 , foam or dry

chemical. Never use water.

3) Class C. Any type of electrical fire

resulting from faulty wiring or

equipment.

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Fire Fighting Media - CO2 , or dry

chemical. Never use water. Water can

conduct electricity.

4) Class D. Combustible metals such as

magnesium, zirconium, sodium and

potassium.

Fire Fighting Media – These types of fires

need special extinguishing agents,

generally a dry powder.

The most common fire fighting equipment

used is a multi-purpose extinguisher, ABC.

These extinguishers are to be available on

site and within reasonable distance to your

work area. All Employees will receive

training as required.

TOOLS

Employees are required to use all tools

according to the manufacture’s

recommendations. No tool can be altered.

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No guard can be removed, unless for

servicing. Turn in all broken and defective

tools owned by the company. No personal

tool can be used unless the tool is in good

working condition. Always unplug the tool

before making repairs or adjustments. All

electric tools must be double insulated or

have a three wire grounded plug. Power

tool cords cannot be spliced. All electrical

power tools are to be used with a ground

fault circuit interrupter. Employees are not

allowed to operate tools requiring permits

until the employee has been properly

trained. Advise your supervisor if you need

special training. All tools leaving the shop

should be in proper working condition, do

not accept a defective tool. Always wear

protective safety glasses when operating

electrical tools where there is an exposure

to an eye injury.

FALL PROTECTION:

25

Any employee exposed to a fall from a

floor, roof or equipment of 6 feet or

greater must be protected with the proper

fall arrest system. A personal fall arrest

system will consist of a full body harness

and 6 foot shock absorber lanyard or a

retractable lanyard. If an employee is

required to tie off, the tie point will be to a

permanent structure capable of handling

the weight of the employee and his tools.

When possible, tie off above yourself at

shoulder length or higher. Never loop the

lanyard unless the lanyard is designed for

the specific purpose. Use a cross arm strap

when necessary.

If you create a hole or opening of 2” or

greater, you are responsible for covering

the opening with material capable of

supporting at least 200 pounds. The cover

must be secured to prevent movement or

accidental displacement. The material

used to cover the opening must be marked

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“opening” or “hole” to advise others of the

potential hazard. If you are required to

work on a flat roof you must stay at least

15 feet from the leading edge. If this is not

possible you must wear the proper fall

arrest equipment.

ELECTRICAL:

All electrical work to be performed shall be

done in accordance with OSHA standards

and the National Electrical Code. All

electrical tools will be tested at the start of

each work day. All extension cords shall be

rated 14/3 or higher. You are not allowed

to splice an extension cord. Repairs can be

made to the outer jacket of an extension

cord. However, if the inner wire covers are

damaged, the cord must be replaced.

When working with temporary power, all

tools must be used in conjunction with a

GFCI. All GFCI’s are to be tested at the

start of your work shift. All power panels

27

must be covered when not being worked

on. All panels will be labeled with the

available voltage. All branch circuits will be

identified. Dead front panels are not

acceptable as proper cover. All employees

are to comply with the company

Lockout/Tagout policy. Check with your

supervisor before performing

lockout/tagout. Homemade 4-way metal

junction boxes with knockouts used for

temporary power are only acceptable for

above floor usage and must be securely

fastened to the wall or supporting

structure. Weatherproof enclosures are

acceptable for floor or wall uses. Power

cords are not to be run through standing

water. Power cords cannot be run through

an opening where there is an exposure to

pinch points unless cord is in a protective

sleeve. Always unplug electrical tools

before making repairs or adjustments. Live

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energy cannot be place on conductive

material.

CONFINED SPACE:

There are two types of confined space.

Non-permit required and Permit required.

All employees will receive the required

training prior to entering into a confined

space.

Non-permit confined space . . . is a space

that does not contain atmospheric hazards

or have the potential to contain any

atmospheric hazard capable of causing

death or serious physical harm.

Permit required confined space is . . . a

confined space that has one or more of the

following characteristics:

1. Contains or has a potential to contain a

hazardous atmosphere;

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2. Contains a material that has the

potential for engulfing an entrant;

3. Has an internal configuration such that

an entrant could be trapped or

asphyxiated by inwardly converging

walls or by a floor which slopes

downward and tapers to a smaller

cross-section; or

4. Contains any other recognized serious

safety or health hazard.

Any employee who suspects that he or she

may be required to enter into a confined

space should contact their immediate

supervisor for a hazard assessment. A

written confined space program is

available in the main office.

COMPANY VEHICLE – DRIVER

RESPONSIBILITIES

We are concerned with your safety; the

safety of your passengers; and the safety

30

of the general public. It is very important

that as a driver of our company vehicle,

you do so in a safe and courteous manner.

You are expected to comply with the

following rules and standards. Any non-

compliance of our rules will subject you to

be disqualified from operating our

company vehicles.

1. You are not permitted to operate our

company vehicle if you;

a. Do not have a valid and current

driver’s license.

b. Have a mental impairment

c. Are taking any medication that

could alter your ability to safely

operate the vehicle.

Driving a company vehicle under the

influence of alcohol or any illegal drugs will

be grounds for immediate dismissal.

All drivers of company vehicles are

prohibited from taking the vehicle to any

31

establishment where they may consume

alcohol during non-working hours .

All company vehicles must be used in

accordance with all state laws. If you

receive a moving violation while driving a

company vehicle, you will be responsible

to pay all fines. All citations of any moving

violations, regardless if the violation

occurred with a company vehicle or

personal vehicle must be reported to your

supervisor within 48 hours of the citation.

All drivers and passengers riding in a

company vehicle must wear a seat belt at

all times.

All drivers of company vehicles must keep

the inside clean and free from any material

that could cause a driver to lose control of

the vehicle.

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If you are involved in an accident you must

notify your supervisor immediately. Do

not move the vehicle unless you have been

instructed to do so by your supervisor or

the local law officials. Complete the

exchange of information form located in

the glove box.

All drivers are to inspect their company

vehicle daily and report all defects.

Employees are not allowed to operate a

vehicle that is unsafe.

Whenever possible, all drivers of company

vehicles should ask for assistance when

backing up. Always make sure it is safe to

back up a vehicle.

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

Whenever employees are exposed to

contact with parts of fixed electric

equipment or circuits which have been

33

deenergized, the circuits energizing the

parts shall be locked out or tagged or both

in accordance with OSHA standard

1926.417. All affected employees will be

fully trained and issued the necessary

lockout/tagout equipment prior to

beginning work. Employees will be

required to comply with the written

lockout/tagout program. This program will

be available for inspection by all

authorized employees and OSHA

representatives.

TRENCHING:

If, during the course of your work, you are

required to enter into an excavation to

install electrical wiring or components, the

following precautions must be followed:

1. All excavations must be inspected daily.

2. All excavations 5 feet deep or greater

must be benched, sloped or shored and

reported to the office.

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3. All excavations over 5 feet deep must

have access ladders in place.

4. Only authorized employees will be

allowed to enter into excavations.

All employees will be fully trained prior to

working in excavations. If you have not

been trained you must notify your

supervisor prior to beginning work.

ACCIDENTS:

You are required to report all accidents

that happen on the job to your supervisor,

regardless how slight the accident. The

following guidelines must be followed:

1. If emergency medical assistance is

needed call 911. Give the following

information:

a. Exact address and location of the

job.

b. The victim’s location on the job.

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c. Your name and the victim’s name.

d. Type of injury and accident

description.

e. Seriousness of the injury.

2. First aid kits are available on the job

site. This kit is to be used for minor

injuries only.

3. Report all accidents. If your accident

only requires first aid you must advise

your supervisor of the nature of the

injury and how it was taken care of.

4. If your accident requires medical

attention, you will be sent to the

nearest medical facility, or the doctor of

your choice.

5. If your accident requires immediate

medical attention you will be sent or

taken to the nearest facility.

6. Employees are required to assist in all

accident investigations.

7. If you are injured and cannot return to

your normal work, a job may be

36

developed for you within the doctor’s

restrictions. All follow up doctors care

will be scheduled before or after

working hours.

8. If you are injured during non-working

hours and, if you cannot perform your

normal duties, you will not be allowed

to return to full duty until you bring in a

doctors release stating you are fit for full

duty with no restrictions.

9. If you are required to take a prescribed

medication for a non-work related

injury and the medicine causes effects

that could affect your job, you must

advise your supervisor prior to

beginning work so that you won’t be

assigned a duty that could cause you or

others an injury.

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EMERGENCY NUMBERS

RESCUE:

__911_______________________

OFFICE:_____________________________

HOSPITAL:__________________________

FIRE:____911________________________

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POLICE:__911________________________

OTHERS:____________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

NOTES:

39

EMPLOYEE

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I have been given a copy of the Company’s safety program. I

understand that I am responsible to comply with all of the

40

rules outlined. I further understand that violating these rules

will result in the following disciplinary guidelines:

1. Verbal Warning

2. Written Warning

3. One day suspension. Continued violations are

grounds for immediate dismissal.

I understand that I am to report all injuries I receive on the

job, regardless how slight, to my supervisor immediately.

_____________________________

Employee Signature

_____________________________

Date

(Safety is a Job Requirement)

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