If you watch renovation television shows, you might think jobsite safety is no big deal. On TV, people do work all the time without safety gear — no safety glasses or hardhats or work gloves. I recently had an e-mail from Sharon, a reader of this column, pleading with me to set a better example.
It's often true that the demands of making a television show sometimes get put before demonstrating safe building practices. We even have a disclaimer that explains some safety equipment has been removed for the purposes of filming.
But in the real world, I make sure we've taken all the safety precautions — hard hats, proper work clothing, ventilators and masks and fall-arrest gear for all of our roof jobs.
When you hire a good contractor to work in your home, safety has to be his first and constant priority.
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Be sure to ask him up front what kind of steps he intends to take to guarantee the safety of his workers, you, your family and the contents of your home.
He should have a complete understanding of the safety provisions of the provincial building code, a solid knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and a good dose of common safety sense.
In an open renovation like a room addition or house extension, safety boots are required, along with heavy gloves and eye protection whenever a cutting or demolition tool is in use.
A safety-conscious contractor will make sure the site is not littered with materials and tools to trip over and that any dangerous situation that comes up is dealt with immediately.
These can range from unstable trench walls or insecure concrete forms to nails in wood debris or unsecured building materials.
He will have signs alerting his sub-trade workers that your house is a safety zone, where workers without proper safety equipment won't be tolerated. As part of his site office, he'll have a first aid kit, along with the contact information and address of the nearest hospital.
The demolition phase of a renovation is where a lot of potentially dangerous situations occur.
Ripping up floors can expose holes that should be covered by plywood during construction. Excavations need to be fenced off.
Loose garbage poses a slipping or tripping hazard. It can also blow around in strong wind — so make sure it's picked up.
When I was first starting out as a contractor, I learned the safety lesson the hard way. I was working with my father and he told me to stop what I was doing and clean up the site.
I didn't listen, of course — I was younger then and thought myself indestructible. The foot of the ladder I was on ended up falling through a vent that was covered with junk and I ended up on the floor, not too badly hurt, but a little smarter.
A construction site is not always pretty, but it should always be made as safe as possible.
A sloppy workplace is an accident waiting to happen and you should be concerned if you see the place getting cluttered and messy. I can't stand a messy worksite and I make sure my crew makes tidying up a priority.
Expect the crew to end their day taking 15 to 20 minutes walking around and picking up debris to toss in the garbage bin.
When it comes to safety, not everything is governed by the law — just by common sense. As the homeowner, you need to ask questions if the situation concerns you.
If it looks unsafe, it probably is. So ask your contractor about it.
If a plank being used over a ditch or into your house over an open foundation doesn't look good enough, check it out.
There is common sense involved in safety, and yours is as good as anyone's.
If you do have concerns, go to the contractor or his site foreman to discuss the situation. Arguing with sub-trades or labourers only makes the situation worse. They are accountable to their boss.
Don't let your concerns fester. Deal with them right away.
If a crew member or sub-trade is injured on your job site and does not have Workmen's Compensation Board insurance, you — and your contractor — can be sued for damages. This is why it is important to ensure the contractor is fully insured and has everyone covered. You must make sure your contractor shows you evidence that every sub-trade he hires has their WCB dues paid up (and his as well).
Contractors who care about the safety of their crews and of the job site are good contractors.
This is the only kind you should hire.
Mike Holmes is the host of Holmes on Homes on HGTV. E-mail Mike at mikeholmes@holmesonhomes.com or go to www.holmesonhomes.com.
