Last updated 5 months ago
Don’t let the wrong equipment hinder your construction success. Research the right tools for the job to save time and meet your budget. To learn more, get in touch with Westwood Building Materials by phone at (310) 220-4966.
Last updated 5 months ago
No matter how good your construction materials are, lax safety measures could spell disaster for any construction site. Utilize the following tips and facilitate a safe work environment.
- Review National Standards: The construction industry is ever changing. Managers and contractors should do their best to stay current with new safety rules and practices. The United States Department of Labor offers safety regulations through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Reviewing updates to OSHA standards can help your construction site maximize safety and save lives.
- Ensure an Organized Site: An easy way to reduce accidents at your site is by creating a culture of cleanliness. Equipment and building materials left in walking areas become natural traps and can injure workers. Leaving tools plugged into sockets increases the likelihood of accidents and electrocution. On windy days, floating pieces of trash could cause deadly distractions for elevated technicians. Instilling habits of organization will also reinforce the importance of safety.
- Encourage Preventative Activities: Accidents can cause serious injury at the construction site, but so can insufficient stretching. Employees working long hours need breaks to release tension in their muscles. Teaching workers a few simple stretches can help them reduce the risk of injury to the legs, arms, and backs. Encourage basic preventative measures to avoid debilitating muscle sprains from hampering your progress.
- Reduce Fire Hazards: Though burns are less common than other construction site injuries, diligence in fire safety is extremely important. When projects demand the use of welding torches or other flame generating tools, install multiple fire extinguishers nearby. Once daily work hours have been completed, store flammable materials away from open areas. Reduce fire risks further by prohibiting smoking on your work site.
- Instill Vertical Awareness: Injuries from falling objects are among the most common in the industry. When working with scaffolding or multi-story projects, promote conscious efforts to avoid loitering below construction areas. Use bright signs and dividers to prevent workers from wandering into danger.
Another key to worksite safety is the use of dependable building materials. Enjoy the high-quality materials and industry-leading customer service by working with Westwood Building Materials. Contractors in Southern California, Los Angeles can contact us at (310) 220-4966 for access to reliable plaster, drywall, fasteners and more.
Last updated 5 months ago
Prevention is key for reducing accidents on the job and improving worker health. The following exercise suggestions from Crucible Safety Media can help keep drywall technicians safe at the job site.
Drywall technicians are instructed on simple stretches that prepare them for a full day’s effort. Stretches for the hips, waist, and fingers prevent the cramping of important muscles. The video also covers safe practices for lifting and moving large objects.
Count on an experienced supplier to provide building materials for your construction project. Westwood Building Materials has served the drywall and plaster needs of Southern California for over six decades. Visit us online or call us at (310) 220-4966 for more information.
Last updated 5 months ago
When it comes to choosing building materials a variety of fasteners provides contractors with several choices Review these hardware summaries to decide which fasteners fit your project.
- Nail Selection: When it comes to convenience, it’s difficult to beat a nail. These basic fasteners have been used for centuries to construct stable and sturdy wooden structures. Nails use their high shear strength to hold pieces of wood in place. They are easily driven into wood materials for a construction job that prioritizes speed. For most wood applications, nails require little preparation. Ideally, the length of a nail should measure three times that of the fastened material. This allows more than half of the nail body to provide holding support.
- Choosing Screws: Though installation may take longer, screws offer a number of long-term advantages over nails. The advantages of a screw are directly linked to its threading. These metallic groves ensure a secure grip on wood fibers and improve structural security. The grip of screw threads also adds extra binding pressure between two joined building materials. Construction professionals typically find it much easier to remove screws from wood without causing additional damage. Unlike nails and staples, screws are effective for joining metal and wood.
- Construction Staples: Though less effective for joining building materials, like wood and metal, staples meet a variety of fastening needs around the jobsite. Staple guns can be used to safely fasten small cords and reduce tripping risks. Wireless hammer tacking devices are perfect for driving staples in locations that electric stapler cables can’t reach.
Obtaining the right tools is a vital step in any construction project. Visit Westwood Building Materials for access to a full list of our products and services. Call (310) 220-4966 today to learn how your building material needs can be met efficiently and affordably.
