EP 60 | Construction Failures: Job Site Safety & Liability with California’s Top Safety Expert – Terry Dussault
In this episode:
We’re joined by Terry Dussault of Yellowknife Consulting, a safety expert with over 25 years of experience in developing and implementing jobsite safety programs. Terry discusses the importance of safety in various industries, from oil and gas to residential construction. We explore why homeowners should prioritize safety when hiring contractors, the common hazards found on residential jobsites, and the steps homeowners can take to ensure a safe and secure working environment for everyone.
TOPICS COVERED:
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- Safety Across Industries: The varying levels of safety awareness and compliance in different industries, from the stringent standards in oil and gas to the often-overlooked aspects of residential construction.
- Why Homeowners Should Care: The importance of prioritizing safety on residential projects, not only for ethical reasons but also to protect workers and minimize homeowner liability.
- The Impact of Incidents: How past incidents and potential OSHA violations can influence a company’s commitment to safety.
- Common Jobsite Hazards: Identifying common hazards on residential construction sites, including slips, trips, falls, struck-by incidents, and electrical hazards.
- Oversight and Responsibility: The importance of homeowner oversight on projects, ensuring safe access for workers and securing the site at the end of each workday.
- Lone Worker Risks: The potential dangers of lone workers, both from a safety and security perspective.
- Fall Protection: Highlighting the importance of fall protection, especially for roofers and framers, and the need for proper training and equipment.
- The Value of Experience: Why experienced contractors are more likely to prioritize safety and have established safety programs in place.
- Questions to Ask Contractors: Key safety-related questions homeowners should ask potential contractors, such as:
- Who is the highest authority for safety at your company?
- What kind of safety training programs do you have in place?
- Can you provide certificates or documentation to verify worker training?
- Respirator Safety: The importance of proper respirator use for tasks involving hazardous chemicals, such as painting and pest control.
- Protecting Workers: The ethical and legal obligations of employers to provide a safe working environment and ensure workers are properly trained and protected from hazards.
GET IN TOUCH:
Guest: Terry Dussault
Business Title: President
Company: Yellowknife Consulting Services
Website: https://www.yellowknifesafety.com/
Bonus:
- Visit the Yellowknife Consulting website for valuable resources and information on jobsite safety programs and training.
- Create a safety checklist to use when interviewing potential contractors, ensuring they have adequate safety measures in place.
- Prioritize safety on your project by maintaining a clean and organized jobsite, providing clear access for workers, and securing the site when work is not actively being performed.
How to get in touch: Have questions about jobsite safety or other construction-related topics? Reach out to us at info@yourprojectshepherd.com.
About Our Guest:
Terry Dussault is a dedicated safety professional with a passion for protecting workers and promoting a culture of safety in the construction industry. Through Yellowknife Consulting, he provides comprehensive safety training, consulting, and inspection services to companies of all sizes. Terry’s extensive experience and commitment to safety education make him a valuable resource for both contractors and homeowners seeking to create a safe and secure working environment.
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