Category Archives: High Visibility Safety

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

SIX TOP SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR LAND SURVEYORS (GUEST POST)

In most countries, construction work represents the most dangerous industry in terms of injury and fatality rates per year. Though land surveyors aren’t necessarily classed as construction workers, they do carry out their jobs in similarly hazardous situations – mines, busy highways, mountainous areas and construction zones to name a few. Below are 5 major safety risks associated with land surveying, highlighting the truly diverse range of dangers to be wary of. 

Distracted motorists

Land surveyors will often spend time by roadsides, close to fast moving traffic. After driving for a while looking at nothing but the road in front of them, motorists can often become distracted if they suddenly see a person from the corner of their eye. This can and does often result in traffic collisions and can be dangerous for surveyors standing nearby. There are safety procedures to follow however – workers are advised to place safety signs and cones in the appropriate places. Most countries also have regulations relating to the minimum distance a surveyor should be from the roadside. 

Snakes and insects

It is not uncommon for surveyors working in places like jungles and deserts to come into contact with insects, spiders and snakes. To help prevent against bites and stings, workers should wear snake-proof boots and clothing that covers as much bare skin as possible. Also, carrying a first aid kit as well as a bite kit is a must. 

Unstable surfaces

Mountain ranges represent another varied terrain where surveyors carry out their work. Things to consider include unstable rock faces and frostbite for those who are nearer the peaks. Safety harnesses and cables should be used for the former group and appropriate thermal clothing should be worn for the latter. 

Construction hazards

When land surveyors are called out to construction sites, they should be briefed on that site’s safety procedures. It is the worker’s duty to wear appropriate safety gear such as hard hats, tough work boots, high visibility vests and any additional gear that is required, such as eye and hearing protection. 

Heat exhaustion

Any outdoor work carried out in hot climates represents a number of health hazards, and surveying is no different – sunstroke, dehydration and sunburn to name a few. To protect against the sun’s effects, surveyors should wear hats, heat reflective clothing, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water. An often overlooked consideration is to take regular break in the shade. Canvas umbrellas can be brought to places where shade is at a premium, such as deserts. 

Remote locations

For surveys to be carried out in barren locations, ensure all equipment is tested before the journey begins. Packing a spare tire, a first aid kit, food and water, GPS system and phones will come in handy in emergency situations. Vehicles should also be thoroughly tested before embarking on the journey. 

This guest post was brought to you by Technics Group,  an expert in land surveys and utility mapping, based in the UK.

 

 

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF SAFETY VESTS?

From time to time, I like to stroll (actually drive) over to headquarters in Brownwood, Texas, to check out the latest safety gear, so I can mention it in case you haven’t spotted it on our http://www.tasco-safety.com/ website!

For the many workers who must wear safety vests all day long, there is an abundance of hi-visibility ones with logos already on them, such as “Think Safety”,  (which happens to be on sale right now).  Check out the new black vests – many law enforcement officers prefer to wear black, and these can have any logos or names imprinted right in our own facility!

There are “cool” hot pink vests for the girls, and even white, with hot pink stripes.  The white appear to be a cool choice.  For girls with an attitude, we offer a black vest with hot pink stripes!

For more info, this comes straight from our website:

We carry inexpensive vests such as the plain soft mesh version, surveyor’s safety vests, ANSI Traffic Safety Vests, and also company imprinted safety vests. We are offering from SM to 5X sizing, both solid materials and mesh materials; as well as, many different reflective stripe combinations. We also carry the standard Orange and Lime colors in most designs, and we recently introduced special color identification vests including Pink, Royal Blue, ANSI Red, Black, Green, White and more. Whether on the jobsite, in a traffic area, or on a busy roadside we have the perfect safety vest for you.

For those who work in extremely hot weather, we carry a body cooling vest that will help you keep your cool.  Golfers, yard workers, and others who are out in the heat would probably love them, too! 

While you are browsing, don’t forget to take a look at our similar high visibility safety product pages. This section offers high visibility clothing from head to toe.  If you purchase an item, please remember to mention that you read about it on the blog so you can receive a 5% discount!  Thanks for reading my little commercial.  We want you to be safe, seen, and cool this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

MAY IS NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH!

Sponsored by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, May is designated as National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.  Their main goal is to get drivers to understand that  motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle on the road, and we all must “share the road.”  We should pay attention every time we approach a motorcycle and extend courtesy to them as they travel.  They don’t have all the protection that we in cars or trucks have; their gear is their main line of defense.  Please  pay attention to these ten things that all car and truck drivers should know about motorcycles and motorcyclists (from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation):

  1. There are many more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road and some drivers don’t “recognize” motorcyclists. They ignore them, usually unintentionally. Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
  2. A motorcyclist may look farther away than he or she actually is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, estimate that a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
  3. A motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots or masked by objects or backgrounds outside the car. Thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
  4. A motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Again, don’t immediately rely on your perceptions.
  5. Turn signals on a motorcycle are not often automatically self-canceling. Some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off. Try to determine whether a motorcycle’s turn signal is for real. And if you’re driving a car, remember to use your turn signals too. They’re a great communication tool for riders and drivers when used properly.
  6. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily, to avoid road debris, and deal with passing vehicles and wind. Understand that motorcyclists often adjust lane position for a purpose, and it’s not an invitation for a car to share the lane with them.
  7. Motorcyclists sometimes slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light.
  8.  Don’t tailgate motorcyclists. At intersections, anticipate that motorcyclists may slow down without any visual warning. Maneuverability can be one advantage for a motorcycle, but don’t expect that motorcyclist can always steer or swerve out of harm’s way. Please leave motorcyclists room on the road, wherever they are around you.   
  9. Stopping distance for motorcycles can be nearly the same or better than that of cars. But wet or slippery pavement can put motorcyclists at a disadvantage. Don’t violate a motorcyclist’s right of way, especially in bad conditions.  
  10. Don’t think of it as a motorcycle, a machine: Think of the rider; the person on board is someone’s son, daughter, spouse or parent.       Unlike other motorists, protected by doors, roofs and airbags, motorcyclists have only their safety gear and are at greater risk from distracted drivers. 

Wait! Not to overlook our friends who prefer riding bicycles, May is also National Bike Month! Sponsored by the League, National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride. Whether you bike to work or school; to save money or time; to preserve your health or the environment; to explore your community or get to your destination, get involved in Bike Month in your city or state — and help get more people in your community out riding too!

Remember: Number 10 above is good advice to motorists: think of the rider of the bike being someone’s son, daughter, spouse, parent, or even grandparent!  These riders do not have the protection afforded by a car: they have their helmet and safety gear and are at greater risk from distracted drivers.  Drive and ride friendly!  Don’t forget to wear all your safety products, and add a hi-visibility vest over your jacket to help other drivers see you more easily. There are also some neat stick-on applications that you can add to your helmet!

General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS WHEN CYCLISTS ARE THE CLAIMANT (GUEST POST)

Cycling is a relatively popular way for people to travel, with statistics showing it is actually safer than driving for males aged 17 to 20, with common risky behaviour such as wearing dark clothes and failing to ride with lights only resulting in a small minority of cycling accidents.

Furthermore, in road vehicle accidents involving cyclists, police statistics analysed by the Transport Research Laboratory point towards cyclists and other road users being equally responsible for these collisions, although these figures are slightly skewed as child cyclists were responsible for the accident in over three-quarters of cases.

But when cyclists are involved in accidents, the results can be devastating. Motorists who have motor vehicle accidents are protected by their vehicles, which have been specially designed to withstand impacts at high speed. On the other hand, cyclists are not even legally obliged to wear helmets, and http://www.clearwatersolicitors.co.uk/personal-injury/serious-injuries/head-injury/ head injury compensation claims are common in road accidents involving bikes.

Cycling has become an increasingly common way for people to travel in the UK, and statistics relating to the safety of cyclists and the numbers of motor vehicle accidents they are involved in are a mixed bunch.

From 2010 to 2011, the amount of traffic cyclists were responsible for increased by 2.2%, while the number of deaths of cyclists on the road dropped by 4%, from 111 to 107 – a fall of questionable statistical significance. However the number of cyclists who were seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents rose by 16% to hit 3,085 over this timeframe.

On a mile-for-mile comparison, cyclists have the second-highest rate of deaths and serious injuries among all road user groups, with motorcyclists taking the top spot. Overall, in 2011, accidents involving other road users such as cars were responsible for 92% of all deaths and serious injuries t o cyclists. Despite these dangers, expensive transport costs, environmental concerns, improved infrastructure, campaigns to encourage exercise and cycling becoming more socially acceptable are seeing more and more people take to the roads on bikes.

How can we prevent cyclists from being involved in motor vehicle accidents?

The government is constantly bringing forwards initiatives to improve the safety of cyclists and to make the UK’s road network more bike-friendly. A recent government scheme will see dangerous junctions and roads being improved in order to enhance the safety of cyclists. This initiative will sees £20 million of government money and £20 million of local authority match-funding being spent on developments that are seen as likely to positively impact the safety of cyclists and prevent them being involved in motor vehicle accidents.

A total of 78 projects will take place with this investment, with developments including road layouts being simplified, road space being reallocated, the creation of bridge links and other bypasses, changes to the layout of junctions and initiatives that should lower drivers’ speeds. All these projects have been scheduled to be completed by April 2014.

This project forms part of the coalition’s £107 million investment in cycling infrastructure, with a further £600 million invested in the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. The government is keen to promote cycling – Norman Baker, Transport Minister, pointed out not only is the activity healthy, it also reduces congestion on the roads. 

The THINK! Let’s look out for each other’ project has seen drivers and cyclists receive advice and information that should encourage them to look out for each other. Drivers are asked to ensure they check for cyclists when turning and that they should use their indicators so cyclists can understand their intentions.

Drivers should also ensure they give cyclists plenty of space when overtaking and ought to hold back if there is not sufficient space on the road for them to safely overtake.

On the other hand, cyclists should stay clear of the curb and should try to avoid riding in areas where they might not be seen, such as along the inside of Lorries and buses. They should also adhere to the rules in the Highway Code, observing traffic lights, road markings and road signs.

The THINK! Campaign also calls for cyclists to wear fitted helmets. This will help to minimise their likelihood of having to claim brain injury compensation following a collision with a vehicle, as it will protect their head in the event of a fall or motor vehicle accident.

Considering safety and cycling defensively is always better than contacting solicitors in Blackburn to claim head injury compensation. Cyclists can be seriously injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents and should always be proactive and cautious when they take to the road. 

Author Bio

Mr. H. N. Smith loves travelling on his Suzuki motorcycle, but he is always acutely aware of the risks he faces while on the roads. As a result, he spends a lot of time blogging about motor vehicle accidents and http://www.clearwatersolicitors.co.uk/personal-injury/road-traffic-accidents/motorcycle-accidents/ motorcycle accident claims. He also likes listening to heavy metal and looking cool in black leathers.

If I may add to this article, wearing hi-visibility vests over the jacket will help drivers see cyclists, therefore, offering more protection. pb

Back Safety, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

KEEPING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFE (GUEST POST)

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Construction is a notoriously dangerous industry.  In the UK, where we are based, the industry employs around five percent of the country’s workforce.  According to government statistics thosefive percent have twenty-two percent of the work related fatal injuries and ten percent of the reported major injuries.  In the US, seventeen percent of worker fatalities are in the construction industry. 

As shocking as these statistics sound, there’s been a significant improvement in both countries over the last forty years.  I think the reasons for this are threefold.  Firstly, there is much more safety legislation nowadays than formerly.  Secondly there’s a much more consistent use of safety clothing and equipment – much of which you can study at leisure on this site.  Thirdly, more workers receive various forms of safety training.  I firmly believe that the way to continue to improve safety in construction is to make training and refresher courses widely available for people employed in the industry and I also think that it’s in the construction companies’ best interest to ensure that their employees can access training.  Why do I believe this?  Well, there are several reasons: 

1)      Companies can be financially liable for the safety of their employees.  Even with insurance your premiums will go up dramatically if you have accidents on your sites.

2)      Companies generally want to employ the best workers.  If you have a good reputation for safety practice, people are more likely to want to join you and stay with you.  If your employees see that you’re willing to develop their skills, they’re much more likely to stay loyal to you.

3)      Workers are often injured by the actions of other workers.  Think about it – how likely is it that you’ll be fatally injured by a falling object that you’ve dropped? How likely is it that you’ll have put up the scaffolding that’s worked loose and caused you to fall?  The more workers on your site who have safety training, the safer the whole site will be.

4)      Companies can receive site inspections from official bodies.  Some are empowered to fine companies for non-compliance with legislation.  The more knowledgeable your employees are, the less likely you are to have compliance breaches on your sites.

5)      Companies are in a position to request bespoke training from education co-ordinators if they’re putting through a large number of pupils.  This means that the trainer(s) will put your company’s policies and procedures at the heart of their training.  You are also in a position to monitor the way that the training is delivered and make sure that your employees have the skills rather than just the piece of paper at the end of it. 

Are you involved with the construction industry?  Do you have any views on the safety training  you’ve received?  We’d be interested to read your responses in the comments section.

 Sent to us by Carl, of blogginghelper.co.uk
Email: carl@blogginghelper.co.uk
Twitter: @blogginghelper
Web: www.blogginghelper.co.uk

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

HOW MANY CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ARE INJURED BY SPEEDING DRIVERS (GUEST POST)

Tall buildings and scaffolding often come to mind when people think of construction dangers, but there are other construction workers who face just as many hazards without actually having to be around either of the aforementioned dangers. Road workers are definitely part of the construction industry, and their lives are put in danger every day by daily commuters who travel through their work zones. Everyone should understand the dangers that these workers face, and it’s imperative for the workers themselves to know what their employer should be doing to keep them safe. 



Construction Zone Injury Statistics

It would seem common sense that working in an area that speeding cars travel through would be dangerous. Between 2008 and 2010, highway construction zones saw the deaths of over 100 workers annually. Statistics also show that there were well over 600 deaths in these construction zones between the years of 2003 and 2007. 

Between the same years (2003 to 2007), the construction industry as a whole saw a little over 8,100 deaths. This means that the deaths related to road construction represented 7.9 percent of all deaths related to the construction industry. Considering the fact that highway construction only makes up a small percentage of the total construction work in the nation, this statistic is sobering. 



Types of Injuries Sustained in Highway Work Zones

Injuries sustained in highway construction work zones literally run the gamut of personal injuries. These mishaps can be anything from a broken foot caused by a dump truck rolling over it to an injury sustained by a speeding driver. Many construction sites are so busy that there are times when a driver receives a ticket and he was not the car that was speeding. Whether you receive a Florida speeding ticket or a speeding ticket in Ohio, it is possible to get help to fight the charges if this was the case.

Some construction sites are so congested that the workers don’t have much room to work and they are often working in a dangerous area. This is where they can receive some of the worst types of injuries. These accidents often cause injuries related to traumatic brain damage, serious spinal cord injuries or other types of internal bleeding, hemorrhaging and damage. These injuries are usually detrimental, so besides staying safe on the jobsite, workers should know their legal rights or seek out someone who does if they’re seriously injured on the job.

How Highway Construction Workers can Stay Safe

There are several ways that highway construction workers can stay safe while making their living. Many of these safety procedures are under the control of the construction company or the state itself. It’s absolutely vital that temporary traffic control (TTC) be set up for the duration of construction. This will ensure that commuters know that work is being performed and are prevented from driving too close to where workers are doing their jobs. 



It’s also important for workers to wear high visibility clothing while on the job. This includes reflective clothing like vests, trousers, overalls, jackets and anything else that can help visibility. One of the most important ways for workers to remain safe, however, is to receive proper safety training. This is because, most of the accidents on road construction sites are caused by on-site work vehicles or equipment. The Federal Highway Administration provides training materials, which should be taught to all construction workers, which include information on how to avoid being injured by construction vehicles or equipment. 



Highway work zones ensure that thousands of people across the country have jobs at any given time, but there is definitely an inherent danger to this work. This danger becomes inflated when the worker, drivers or construction employers don’t heed safety warnings related to the area and job itself. The types of injuries that road workers can sustain are nearly limitless, and this makes it imperative for them to observe proper safety measures. In a world where many drivers act in negligent ways, it’s sometimes necessary for road workers to handle their own safety.

Kelly Kovacic is a paralegal who wants to bring awareness to the safety hazards of construction work. However, not everyone who receives a Florida speeding ticket is in the wrong. For those who were falsely accused of speeding, you need to get professional help to fight for your rights. The Ticket Team Inc. has lawyers who can defend you and protect your driving record.

Thanks, Kelly, for this informative article.  As you mentioned, there should be proper safety training, and the correct personal safety equipment provided for each worker.  Drivers are warned that they are entering a work zone, and they should obey the law and respect the rights of others to be able to perform their jobs safely. pb

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Weather Protection

WORKING BY THE WATER: FIVE RIGHTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW YOU HAVE (GUEST POST)

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Working By The Water: 5 Rights You May Not Know You Have

Working on the water can be fun, adventurous and lucrative, but it can also be dangerous. As a result, the Merchant Marine Act, also known as the Jones Act, was established in 1920 to protect seamen from negligent and dangerous practices. Today, the Act still stands to guarantee rights for those who work in maritime industries. The following are five things that maritime workers need to be aware of:
1. Defining Seamen

To be covered under the rights offered by the Jones Act, an individual must meet certain criteria, including being considered a seaman. Such individuals must work maritime positions in which they are working on a dock, an offshore oil rig, or a seaworthy vessel. Employers who employ such individuals must be considered to work within the maritime industry, and each employee who qualifies must meet certain standards to be considered under the Jones Act, including the standard that each qualifying worker be working aboard a vessel or in a position that directly impacts vessels. This definition may change depending upon the individual’s involvement with the operation of a vessel.

2. Defective Equipment

In cases where a vessel, a vessel’s equipment, or safety precautions are not considered to be seaworthy, an injured seaman may be able to sue with the help of Jones Act attorneys. Essentially, each seaman is afforded the right to safe operation within the limits of the task or tasks at hand, and if a maritime employer fails to provide such safe operations and precautions, a seaman may have a legitimate reason to sue.

3. Maintenance and Cure

The Jones Act also provides provisions for seamen to be offered maintenance and cure, meaning food, shelter, and medical reimbursement. If an accident occurs aboard a vessel that falls under the Jones Act, a worker may sue if he or she is not provided adequate food, shelter, and medical cost reimbursement should an accident occur.

4. Death

If a seamen dies during the course of his or her duties, the Jones Act also provides for death benefits to be paid to the deceased seaman’s family or willed individual or individuals.

5. History

If you’re a maritime employee or employer who qualifies under the Jones Act, it’s also important for you to be able to prove a history of good or bad behavior. As an employer, if it can be proven in court that you have a history of negligent behavior that may result in injuries or death, you may want to think about revising your practices. As an employee, you may also need to prove a history of negligent and illegal behavior in order for your case to proceed and be successful.

Finally, if you or a loved one have been the victim of a qualifying maritime accident that has resulted in an injury or death, it’s important for you to know that a maritime lawyer can help. While personal injury attorneys may seem like a good idea to seek compensation, few have the knowledge and experience of a maritime lawyer when facing such circumstances. A maritime lawyer will have intimate knowledge regarding the Jones Act and other laws that govern work on the water, and by partnering with such professionals, you’ll often stand a better chance of gaining the compensation that is deserved.


Saam Banai is a freelance writer and editor and certified sailor.  If you work on a seaworthy vessel, dock, or offshore oil rig and are injured on the job, contact one of the Jones Act attorneys from the firm Doyle Raizner LLP. Admiralty and maritime law can be extremely difficult to understand, because it is governed by a variety of federal statutes. That’s why it’s important to employ the services of an experienced attorney that can properly evaluate your maritime injury claim.
 
Thanks, Sam, for this maritime information.  You’ll also notice these workers are required to wear the same Industrial Safety Supplies as those who work on land.  Pat
Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY INDUCTION? (GUEST POST)

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Sent by Jason of riskatmedia 

Every week at least one construction worker will die as a result of work-related injuries.  Most of these fatalities involve skilled construction and building workers. Falling from a height is the greatest single cause of fatal injury, followed by being struck by a moving or falling object, contact with electricity, being trapped by something collapsing or overturning and being struck by a moving vehicle. In addition to this, over 3500 construction workers suffer major work-related injuries every year.

There are many dangers involved in working on any construction site.  These hazards are real and often potentially life threatening, but we face them every day and sometimes forget how real and close they may be to all of us. This blog will cover most of the topics required for a Construction Site Induction.

Site Access

Access onto site should always be controlled for safety and security reasons.  This may be by means of a signing in and out procedure, or by means of controlled entry technology.  It is important that you use controlled entry procedures every time you enter or exit the site, this will allow management/security to determine exactly who is on site should an emergency situation arise. 

Personal Protective Equipment – PPE

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the hazards associated with work on a construction site.  The minimum PPE that should be worn on site is a hard hat, appropriate gloves, safety footwear and a high visibility vest or jacket.  This PPE should be worn on site at all times and may be supplemented by additional PPE, such as eye protection, ear defenders, dust masks and a safety harness, as stipulated in your risk assessment and method statement or permit to work.  All items of PPE need to provide a good fit and be in good working condition, so it is important to check your PPE before you use it.  PPE should be stored in a secure, clean and dry environment and any contaminated PPE should be removed carefully, cleaned or disposed of in a safe manner.” 

Alcohol, Drugs and Medical Conditions

It is extremely important that you never come to work in possession of, or impaired by alcohol or drugs. These substances expose everyone on site to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided. If you have a medical condition, have an active implantable medical device fitted or use prescribed or other medicines, you should report this to your manager/supervisor so that the details can be recorded for use in the event of an emergency.  Any information that you provide should be treated in the strictest confidence. 

Traffic Management and Pedestrian Walkways

Construction sites are busy and noisy environments with mobile plant and vehicles often in close proximity to pedestrians.  For these reasons, designated pedestrian walkways and Egress Routes should been marked out on the site. Stick to these walkways whilst on site and don’t be tempted to take short cuts that might expose you to unnecessary risk.  If you drive on to site, make sure that you stick to the speed limit, that you only park in designated parking bays and that you keep footpaths, access routes and pedestrian walkways clear.  A copy of the most up to date traffic management plan may be displayed on site notice boards, along with other important safety information. 

Welfare Facilities

Welfare facilities should be available on site and may include toilets, a restroom, a washroom and drying room and may include a canteen.  Use these facilities responsibly by helping to keep them clean and tidy and recycling your waste as appropriate. 

Vermin

Vermin are encouraged by the presence of food on site, so it is very important that you only eat in designated areas, that you dispose of food waste appropriately and that you do not take any food on to site.  Vermin, such as rats, can spread diseases, including the serious and possibly fatal disease Leptospirosis. 

Smoking, Music and Mobile Phones

Smoking and music are generally not permitted on construction sites, except in areas designated by site management.  Mobile phones should only be used in lower risk areas, such as offices and welfare facilities, where you are safe and unlikely to affect other workers or operations.  Mobile plant operators and drivers of site vehicles must never use a mobile phone whilst operating or driving. 

Hazardous Substances and Materials

During your work you may use or come into contact with substances such as adhesives, paints or dust, which may harm you or the environment.  If you use these hazardous substances you are required to understand the precautions that must be observed and the PPE that must be used, when transferring, mixing or using these substances.  You are also required to understand the relevant storage, disposal and emergency arrangements.  Information on the substance as well as an assessment of the hazards associated with its use should also be made available.

Any spills of fuels, oils or potentially hazardous substances, should be immediately contained using the appropriate spill kit and then reported to the supervisor or manager so the spill can be safely cleaned up. 

Shots relevant to environmental management

To help reduce the effect of operations on the environment:

  • Reuse and recycle as many materials as possible
  • Compress waste and use waste segregation facilities where possible
  • Dispose of waste responsibly and in accordance with legislation
  • Damp down to minimise dust
  • Turn off any plant or equipment not in use
  • Ensure plant and equipment are well maintained
  • Only use task lighting where necessary
  • Turn off any taps and hoses when not in use and report any leaks 
  • Never pump or pour anything down the drains and only wash down plant and equipment such as cement mixers in the areas provided
  • Where there are trees that need to be protected, please remain within designated work areas and avoid damaging tree routes
  • Do not disturb nesting birds, newts, badgers, bats or invasive weeds
  • Be aware of any habitats or historical remains on site. 

Emergency Fire Procedures

Specific emergency procedures should be followed in the event of a fire.  If a fire occurs, an alarm will sound.  If you hear a fire alarm, stop what you are doing.  Isolate any plant or equipment that you have been using and make your work area safe.  Take the nearest escape route and follow a safe route to the nearest assembly point.  Remain at your assembly point until you are given the all clear to return to work.  Take the time to familiarise yourself with the specific emergency procedures that apply to the site, as well as the location of the assembly points. 

Flammable Materials

To help prevent fires, flammable and combustible material should always be stored safely.  Gas bottles should be stored in secure, vented cages or stores with appropriate warning notices.  When working with gas, always ensure that you do so with adequate ventilation well away from any naked flames. 

Accident Procedures

Construction site rules and procedures are designed to minimise the risks to the safety of everyone who works on site.  But accidents may still happen.   In the event of an accident, first aid facilities should be available on site.  The names of all trained first aiders may be displayed on the site information board.  If you are involved in an accident or a near miss, no matter how minor, please report it to the site management so that they can ensure you get the correct medical treatment and take steps to prevent the incident from recurring.  If you witness a serious accident, get help and send someone for the site manager.  Try not to move the injured person, but do make sure that they are safe. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires.  Remember to route power and lighting cables so that they do not pose a potential trip hazard.  Tools, materials and equipment should only be stored where indicated and should be stacked safely.  All access routes and walkways should be kept clear of obstructions, especially those that are used by members of the public including children.  Tidy and clean your work space throughout the day and never leave tools, equipment or materials where they could create a trip hazard. 

Electrical Safety

All items of electrical plant used on site should carry a valid testing certificate or label to ensure Electrical Safety.  If an item of plant does not carry a valid electrical testing label, is damaged or has a missing guard, then please, do not use it.  If you use battery powered tools ensure that batteries are charged in a safe area and do not obstruct welfare facilities or create trip hazards. 

Tower and Mobile Cranes

Tower and mobile cranes may be in use on site, so it is important that you do not enter unloading areas unless you are authorised to do so.  You should also be aware of the fact that plant including cranes, telehandlers and powered access equipment should only be operated by individuals who are suitably trained and authorised to do so.  If you are trained and authorised to operate plant, make sure that you carry out daily pre-use safety checks, that all safety devices and locking pins are in place, that the flashing beacon and any warning devices are working and that all-round visibility aids are in place and effective.  Seek the assistance of a banks-man where visibility is limited and never leave the keys in an unattended machine. 

Work Equipment

Whatever work activity you are carrying out on site you will be using work equipment. Only use the correct tools for the job and only use tools and other work equipment which you have been trained to use. 

Risk Assessment, Method Statement, and Permit to Work

Before you undertake any job, make sure that your supervisor has briefed you, that you have a complete and valid risk assessment and that you are able to and do work according to your method statement.  Be aware that new risk assessments and method statements may be required where jobs have changed or where new hazards have been introduced.  In addition, certain work on site may require a permit or permission to work. These are issued after you have submitted a risk assessment and method statement for a particular job.  If you are unsure whether a particular job requires a permit, ask your supervisor or manager. 

Working at Height

You may remember that falls from height represent the single largest cause of death in the construction industry so Safe Working at Height is essential. It is therefore extremely important that you follow safe working practices when work at height cannot be avoided.  Always use an appropriate working platform or work equipment whenever there is a potential to fall, which includes loading and unloading of vehicles.    Always check your work platform before use, and be especially vigilant in windy, wet or icy weather.  Remember, the use of a harness requires extra competence and is a last resort.  If you operate powered access equipment you must have the appropriate training, certification and authorisation for that particular type of equipment.  You should also carry out and record a daily pre-use inspection.  Ensure that the access equipment is only used on stable ground, that it is not used in high winds, and never use it to lift or transport loads. In a boom type mobile elevated work platform you must wear a full body restraint harness secured to an anchor point by a suitable length, work restraint lanyard. Remember to park the mobile access equipment safely and to remove the key when the machine is not in use.  The use of ladders and stepladders is discouraged and may be permitted only where the task is simple, of short duration, and no safer alternative is possible.  Scaffolding, access ladders and mobile towers may only be erected, dismantled or modified by trained and competent persons.  Remember to lock the wheels and fit the guard rails and to check that the scaff tag is in date and valid. Close all loading bay gates after use and never load materials onto guard rails. 

Excavations and Quick Hitches

Safe working practices are essential when excavating.  Check and mark the location of services, protect services with barriers or road plates, dig trial holes to confirm location and depth and avoid the use of mechanical equipment, picks and forks around pipes and cables.  Don’t enter an excavation unless you have to.  If you do enter an excavation, make sure that the sides are battered, stepped or supported, use a ladder to gain access and put barriers around the edges if there is a potential to fall.

Buckets can become detached from excavators during operations if the appropriate locking pin or device is not properly fitted.  The excavator operator must ensure that the locking pin or device is correctly engaged and secure before commencing operations. 

Manual Handling

Workers in the construction industry suffer considerably higher rates of manual handling related injuries than workers in any other industry.  Help to protect yourself from injury by following good principles of manual handling.  If you must lift a load, assess whether you can lift it alone or whether you need someone to help you.  Remember to consider the environment in which you are working.  Always adopt the correct lifting technique. 

Your Health

Your health is as important as your safety.  Vibration white finger and dermatitis are too often suffered by construction workers.  Protect against these painful conditions by reducing your daily exposure to vibration, wearing the correct PPE and using barrier creams to protect yourself from contact with potential skin irritants such as cement.  Remember to apply sun cream if you are going to be working in direct sunlight. Wear an appropriate dust mask and use vacuums rather than sweeping to clear dust.  Check your tetanus vaccinations are up to date. Never touch discarded needles or syringes.  Stop work and clear any area if you discover a substance you think might be asbestos.  If you discover asbestos or discarded needles, please report this to site management. 

Riskatmedia – Safety Videos

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

BACKOVER ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES (GUEST POST)

A very real danger that exists on a construction site is one that is often overlooked. Everyone knows that falling from great heights or injuries from machinery are common with this type of work. However, many may not know that backover accidents also cause numerous deaths each year on construction sites.

A backover incident often occurs when a vehicle backs over a worker that is walking, standing or kneeling behind the vehicle. A reported 70 workers died from backover accidents in the year 2010 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent these horrible accidents.

How do backover accidents occur?

To prevent these incidents, it is important to understand how they occur in the first place. Backover accidents usually happen due to several jobsite factors. For example, the noise from machinery can be so loud those nearby do not hear the backup alarm on a vehicle. Sometimes, accidents occur when workers riding along the outside of a vehicle fall off and into the path of the tires. Drivers of these vehicles also deal with a blind spot, and if workers stay in this blind spot too long, a backover accident can occur. Drivers often have spotters that are there to assist them while backing up a large vehicle. Occasionally, the spotter helping a driver will not see another vehicle and be backed over. In some cases, the reason why a worker was in the path of a vehicle is unknown.

How do construction sites prevent backover incidents?

One way of preventing backover accidents is cameras that work in conjunction with in-vehicle monitors. This allows drivers a clear view of what is behind their vehicles. There are also sonar and radar devices that alert drivers when objects or people are behind them. Better-planned sites will also cut down on these occurrences. For example, if a traffic control plan is implemented, then this will reduce the need for drivers to back up. Perhaps the best resource in preventing this terrible accident from happening is proper training. Most employees are not aware of the blind spot location on a typical work vehicle. For this reason, they will have no idea they are standing in a danger zone. To remedy this problem, proper training for workers is crucial. If they know where the blind spot is on a vehicle, they will be less likely to become part of this accident statistic.  Also, wearing high-visibility vests will help them be seen.

Construction sites are dangerous for numerous reasons. Backover accidents are just one way that workers are injured or killed while trying to do their job. It is important to make workers aware of backover dangers to assure a safe construction site.

Author Bio: Eric Blair writes about construction site and workplace safety equipment from http://www.fallprotectionusa.com/ that prevents unpleasant accidents.

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety

LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT PRESENT FOR THAT “HARD-TO-BUY FOR” SOMEONE?

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Look no further, friends, for quality safety products than Texas America Safety Company.

No more shopping in malls, crowded stores, or searching the “net”, when you can catch some useful things that your friends or family will enjoy having.  Giving the gift of safety means you really care. 

For the hard-working lady, we have all kinds of pink protective gear, ranging from pink hardhats to pink headsets.  Who says Mechanix is just for men?  Our pink Mechanix gloves are perfect fits for your favorite girl, to protect those delicate hands!  There are also some pink safety glasses that would complete the look. 

If you know someone who has hobbies, such as woodworking, or yardwork, goggles are a must!  T.A.S.C.O. has all types of goggles that will keep the eyes safe from flying particles, or sawdust.  Goggles are also needed for those who need exceptional eye protection at work. 

For your friends who like to ride bicycles or motorcycles, goggles also come in handy, as well as high visibility vests or high visibility decals that warn motorists to move aside and let them by! 

Anyone who works in manufacturing, construction, or other heavy duty-type work needs a good hardhat.  Ranging from team hardhats, (NCAA, NFL, MLB, NHL, NASCAR) to patriotic hardhats, or Western-style hardhats, and, if the company allows them to have their own personal hardhat, this is an excellent way to ensure compliance.  It’s fun to show your personality and team spirit with the just-right selection, at a very sensible price. 

Another great gift is a set of brim LED lights that clip onto a hardhat or baseball cap.  This would be an excellent way to be seen while riding after sunset.  For do-it-yourself tree trimmers, a chainsaw safety kit would be an excellent gift, offering a safe cutting.  (Always keep a first aid kit on standby, just in case!)

You may want to check out our huge selection of safety glasses.  Many styles don’t have the old “safety glass” look – they are stylish , and best of all,  priced lower than most sunglass stores.  The good thing about it is, they not only look cool, but also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. 

A nice pair of leather gloves would be a welcome gift.  We have all types to choose from.

What person couldn’t use a Personal First Aid pouch to keep in their car?  Flashlights are also a must-have for your car.  There are so many things to select that we invite you to check out our website, www.tasco-safety.com.   We have linked some of our suggestions to make your shopping easier.   Place your order early for a timely arrival. 

Last but not least, if you call Texas America Safety Company (1-800-646-5346)  to place an order between now and Christmas, you will receive “Free Shipping”!  Just be sure to mention this to our customer service personnel, so you can get that savings. 

Have a safe and very happy holiday season.