120 Materials and Their Handling 



the storage and handling of materials. We will 

 take up in this section the foreman's responsi- 

 bilities in this regard. 



Safety Rules for Foremen. Various safety 

 codes are published by insurance companies, and a 

 number of books on the subject, such as "Practical 

 Safety Methods and Devices/'* by George A. 

 Cowee, are available. This book contains some 

 general rules for the foreman which apply as much 

 to the handling of materials as to other phases of 

 his work. Some of these are as follows : 



Have a thorough understanding of all the safety rules. Un- 

 less you know them and are living up to them, and enforcing 

 them, you are not doing your full duty. 



It is your duty to see that all safety rules are observed by 

 your men. 



Caution your sub-foremen regarding the prevention of acci- 

 dents, as you are responsible for the men working under them. 



Judgment should be used at all times in placing men on jobs. 

 Heavy, slow men should not be placed on the jobs where light, 

 quick men are required. Slow-thinking, untrained men should 

 not be placed in positions of danger where presence of mind 

 and knowledge are required. 



Do not place a man at new work unless he understands his 

 new duties. If he does not understand them, explain them 

 thoroughly to him. 



Do not put men to work on any job until you have inspected 

 everything, and satisfied yourself that the place is safe. Warn 

 the men of any danger that may arise in the course of their 

 work, and see that your instructions are carried out. If you 

 see a man taking chances and endangering himself or his fellow- 

 workmen stop him. 



Obtain a thorough understanding of each accident, and study 

 how its repetition may be prevented. 



See that your men report every injury, however slight, and 

 that it is attended to by the doctor. Trivial wounds promptly 

 attended to amount to little; if neglected, they may easily be- 

 come infected and lead to serious consequences. 



The author acknowledges his obligation to Mr. Cowee for 

 certain material used in this section. 



