Safety Information for Employers

All Casa Latina workers have received Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training on health and safety in the work place and have their own personal protective equipment including work boots, rubberized cotton gloves, safety glasses, dust mask, and ear plugs. They also receive training on safe moving techniques and yardwork. Workers required to lift 50 to 100 lbs. have passed a strength and agility test.

However, training workers is not enough to ensure workplace safety. Employers must also understand and promote safety. Many employers see workplace safety as a nuisance—or simply don’t understand their responsibilities—but workplace safety doesn’t have to be a burden.

In an effort to promote work place safety for Casa Latina workers, under a grant from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), we have developed educational materials for employers looking for easy preventative measures that ensure the safety of their workers. Our guidelines help employers promote safe work procedures, and most of our tips and tricks (such providing water when the work is done on a hot day) are easy to implement with a little planning and forethought.

Each Casa Latina worker will arrive to your work site with the following personal protective equipment:

Disclaimer: This material was produced under grant number SH-26284-SH4 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.  It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

For industry specific workplace safety recommendations, please check on the type of work needed:

(Framing, cabinetry, fences, decks, etc.)

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes carpentry equipment and safety equipment such as hammers and knee pads.
  • Make sure the work area has good ventilation
    Open windows or doors for ventilation. Fans and extractors should be provided if windows or doors do not open.
  • Make sure all power tools are in good working condition
    Before your worker arrives, check all power tools and extension cords for wear-and-tear or damage (such as exposed wires or dull blades). Make sure all extension cords have a ground prong (the third pin). Do not use damaged power tools or extension cords.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Respirator: for working near fumes and gases

Hearing protection: for work with loud machinery or power tools

Hard hat: to protect from falling objects and overhead objects

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident
  • To properly ventilate the work area

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes demolition equipment and safety equipment such as respirator and hearing protection (required for work with gas-powered machines).
  • Conduct a survey to detect hazardous materials
    Before the worker arrives, conduct a survey to detect hazardous materials. If any are present, find out how to have them safely removed and provide your worker with all of the required safety equipment and instructions for removal. If the area to be demolished was built before 1970, it is likely that asbestos are present. Conducting a survey protects both the worker and your family. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency provides information about asbestos.
  • Conduct a survey to locate utilities
    Before demolition, conduct a survey to locate all utilities. Mark, shut off, and/or cap all electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines. If you are unsure how to do any of the above, call 811 or visit www.washington811.com to schedule a FREE survey with your utility company.
  • Make sure all power tools are in good working condition
    Before your worker arrives, check all power tools and extension cords for wear-and-tear or damage (such as exposed wires or dull blades). Make sure all extension cords have a ground prong (the third pin). Do not use damaged power tools or extension cords.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Hard hat: to protect from falling objects and overhead objects

Leather gloves: for work with sharp objects or power tools

Respirator: for work near fumes and gases

Hearing protection: for work with loud machinery or power tools

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident
  • To properly ventilate the work area

(Trenches, drains, holes, etc.)

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes digging equipment and safety equipment such as shovels and wheelbarrows.
  • Conduct a survey to locate utilities
    Before demolition, conduct a survey to locate all utilities. Mark, shut off, and/or cap all electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines. If you are unsure how to do any of the above, call 811 or visit www.washington811.com to schedule a FREE survey with your utility company.
  • Make sure all power tools are in good working condition
    Before your worker arrives, check all power tools and extension cords for wear-and-tear or damage (such as exposed wires or dull blades). Make sure all extension cords have a ground prong (the third pin). Do not use damaged power tools or extension cords.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Leather gloves: for heavy work and work with power tools

Wheelbarrow: for more efficient hauling of dirt or rocks

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes digging equipment and safety equipment such as shovels and wheelbarrows.
  • Conduct a survey to locate utilities
    Before demolition, conduct a survey to locate all utilities. Mark, shut off, and/or cap all electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines. If you are unsure how to do any of the above, call 811 or visit www.washington811.com to schedule a FREE survey with your utility company.
  • Make sure all power tools are in good working condition
    Before your worker arrives, check all power tools and extension cords for wear-and-tear or damage (such as exposed wires or dull blades). Make sure all extension cords have a ground prong (the third pin). Do not use damaged power tools or extension cords.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Knee pads: for working on one’s knees

Leather gloves: for heavy work and work with power tools

Hearing protection: for work with loud machinery or power tools

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes digging equipment and safety equipment such as shovels and wheelbarrows.
  • Conduct a survey to locate utilities
    Before demolition, conduct a survey to locate all utilities. Mark, shut off, and/or cap all electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines. If you are unsure how to do any of the above, call 811 or visit www.washington811.com to schedule a FREE survey with your utility company.
  • Make sure all power tools are in good working condition
    Before your worker arrives, check all power tools and extension cords for wear-and-tear or damage (such as exposed wires or dull blades). Make sure all extension cords have a ground prong (the third pin). Do not use damaged power tools or extension cords.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Leather gloves: for heavy work and work with power tools

Hearing protection: for work with loud machinery or power tools

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes digging equipment and safety equipment such as shovels and wheelbarrows.
  • Conduct a survey to locate utilities
    Before demolition, conduct a survey to locate all utilities. Mark, shut off, and/or cap all electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines. If you are unsure how to do any of the above, call 811 or visit www.washington811.com to schedule a FREE survey with your utility company.
  • Make sure all power tools are in good working condition
    Before your worker arrives, check all power tools and extension cords for wear-and-tear or damage (such as exposed wires or dull blades). Make sure all extension cords have a ground prong (the third pin). Do not use damaged power tools or extension cords.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Hard hat: to protect from falling objects and overhead objects

Leather gloves: for heavy work and work with power tools

Wheelbarrow: for hauling dirt, rocks, bricks, etc.

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes digging equipment and safety equipment such as shovels and wheelbarrows.
  • Plan ahead.
    Think through every step of the job before starting, including preparation, implementation, and cleanup. Make note of how you’ll get the material to the job site and whether or not you’ll need to rent special tools and equipment.
  • Conduct a survey to locate utilities
    Before demolition, conduct a survey to locate all utilities. Mark, shut off, and/or cap all electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines. If you are unsure how to do any of the above, call 811 or visit www.washington811.com to schedule a FREE survey with your utility company.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Leather gloves: for heavy work and work with power tools

Hearing protection: for work with loud machinery or power tools

Knee pads: for working on one’s knees

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes digging equipment and safety equipment such as shovels and wheelbarrows.
  • Make sure the work area has good ventilation
    Open windows or doors for ventilation. Fans and extractors should be provided if windows or doors do not open.
  • Make sure all power tools are in good working condition
    Before your worker arrives, check all power tools and extension cords for wear-and-tear or damage (such as exposed wires or dull blades). Make sure all extension cords have a ground prong (the third pin). Do not use damaged power tools or extension cords.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Leather gloves: for heavy work and work with power tools

Hearing protection: for work with loud machinery or power tools

Knee pads: for working on one’s knees

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes digging equipment and safety equipment such as shovels and wheelbarrows.
  • Inform workers of fragile or delicate items
    Mark all boxes that contain fragile or delicate items. This will ensure workers handle them with special care.
  • Park moving trucks as close as possible to homes and/or offices
    Parking close to the destination (rather than across a busy street or several doors down) prevents accidents and helps the workers load and unload as quickly as possible.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Appliance dolly: for moving appliances, heavy furniture, and boxes

Anti-slip gloves: for easy lifting of furniture and boxes

Lifting straps: for lifting heavy items

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes digging equipment and safety equipment such as shovels and wheelbarrows.
  • Create a work plan
    Plan ahead. Think through every step of the job before starting, including preparation, implementation, and cleanup. Make note of the type of paint being used and whether it requires extra precautions. For example, when using lacquer based paints it’s helpful to turn off all heaters.
  • Make sure the work area has good ventilation
    Open windows or doors for ventilation. Fans and extractors should be provided if windows or doors do not open.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Body harness: for roofs, gutters, scaffolding, and ladders more than 10ft tall

Respirator: for work using spray paint or when applying lacquer-based stains

Lifting straps: for lifting heavy items

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes digging equipment and safety equipment such as shovels and wheelbarrows.
  • Create a work plan
    Plan ahead. Think through every step of the job before starting, including preparation, implementation, and cleanup. Make note of the type of paint being used and whether it requires extra precautions. For example, when using lacquer based paints it’s helpful to turn off all heaters.
  • Make sure all power tools are in good working condition
    Before your worker arrives, check all power tools and extension cords for wear-and-tear or damage (such as exposed wires or dull blades). Make sure all extension cords have a ground prong (the third pin). Do not use damaged power tools or extension cords.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Body harness: for roofs, gutters, scaffolding, and ladders more than 10ft tall

Hard hart: to protect from falling objects and overhead objects

Leather gloves: for work with wood and roofing materials

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes digging equipment and safety equipment such as shovels and wheelbarrows.
  • Make sure the work area has good ventilation
    Open windows or doors for ventilation. Fans and extractors should be provided if windows or doors do not open.
  • Make sure all power tools are in good working condition
    Before your worker arrives, check all power tools and extension cords for wear-and-tear or damage (such as exposed wires or dull blades). Make sure all extension cords have a ground prong (the third pin). Do not use damaged power tools or extension cords.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:

Hard hart: to protect from falling objects and overhead objects

Leather gloves: for work with wood and roofing materials

Hearing protection: for work with loud machinery or power tools

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident

Casa Latina recommends taking the following steps to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work:

  • Provide workers with necessary tools and equipment
    All Casa Latina workers come with their own personal protective equipment (WORK BOOTS, SAFETY GOGGLES, EAR PLUGS, N95 DUST MASK, and RUBBERIZED COTTON GLOVES). If additional tools and safety equipment are required for the job, they must be provided by the employer. This includes digging equipment and safety equipment such as shovels and wheelbarrows.
  • Make sure all power tools are in good working condition
    Before your worker arrives, check all power tools and extension cords for wear-and-tear or damage (such as exposed wires or dull blades). Make sure all extension cords have a ground prong (the third pin). Do not use damaged power tools or extension cords.
  • Use eco-friendly alternatives to pesticides
  • By eliminating pesticides, you provide a safe work environment and ensure the well-being of family, friends, and pets. Find information about pesticide alternatives here.

Additional protective equipment that may be required:


Body harness: for roofs, gutters, scaffolding, and ladders more than 10 feet tall

Respirator: for work near fumes and gases

Leather gloves: for work with wood and roofing materials

Casa Latina trains all our workers to follow OSHA standards for health and safety in the workplace. Some of the most important safety tips we promote are:

  • To properly use protective equipment
  • To make sure all tools and equipment are in good working condition
  • To use ergonomic position techniques
  • To check the work area for hazards and to clean or move anything that can cause an accident