Safety Training Guide

1. Purpose & Scope

This training guide is designed to comply with OSHA standards for worker health and safety. It applies to all gig workers performing cleaning, moving, yard work, and general labor tasks. Following these guidelines helps prevent injuries.

2. General Safety Rules

• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (gloves, safety glasses, boots, masks when applicable).
• No horseplay, running, or unsafe behavior on site.
• Keep work areas clean and free of clutter, spills, or tripping hazards.
• Report any unsafe conditions, injuries, or near-misses to your supervisor immediately.

3. Lifting & Material Handling

• Plan the lift: check the path for obstacles, stairs, or uneven ground.
• Test the load: if too heavy, get help or use equipment (dolly, straps, sliders).
• Use proper lifting technique:
  • Bend at the knees, not the waist.
  • Keep the load close to your body.
  • Lift with your legs, not your back.
  • Do not twist; pivot with your feet.
• Team lifting required for bulky items such as couches, appliances, and mattresses.
• Secure items in vehicles properly to avoid shifting during transport.

4. Cleaning & Chemical Safety

• Read all labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) before using cleaning chemicals.
• Never mix chemicals (example: bleach + ammonia = toxic gas).
• Use gloves, masks, and eye protection when handling chemicals.
• Ensure adequate ventilation when cleaning indoors.
• Store chemicals safely, away from food and out of reach of children.

5. Yard Work & Outdoor Labor Safety

• Inspect tools and equipment before use. Do not use damaged tools.
• Unplug or shut off power tools before adjusting or cleaning.
• Use hearing protection when operating loud equipment (leaf blowers, chainsaws).
• Wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when handling brush, sharp tools, or power equipment.
• Heat Stress:
  • Drink water every 15–20 minutes.
  • Take breaks in shade or cool areas.
  • Watch for dizziness, cramps, or confusion.
• Cold Stress:
  • Wear layers and protect hands/feet.
  • Watch for numbness, shivering, or confusion.

6. Fall & Trip Prevention

• Keep walkways, stairs, and work areas clear of cords, tools, and debris.
• Use ladders on stable, level ground only.
• Maintain three points of contact on ladders (two hands + one foot or two feet + one hand).
• Never stand on the top step of a ladder.
• Wear slip-resistant footwear.

7. Electrical Safety

• Inspect cords and plugs before use. Do not use damaged cords.
• Keep cords and tools away from water.
• Never bypass safety switches or remove grounding prongs.
• Unplug equipment before servicing, cleaning, or moving it.

8. Personal Protective Equipment

• Gloves – for moving, yard work, and cleaning.
• Safety glasses – for cutting, trimming, or debris-heavy tasks.
• Dust masks/respirators – when working with chemicals or in dusty conditions.
• Steel-toed boots (recommended) – for moving and heavy lifting tasks.
• Hearing protection – when using loud equipment.