Tag Archives: heavy equipment

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

Taking Preemptive Measures for Vehicle Accidents in Construction (Guest Post)

Since reducing the risk of fatal accidents and death rate within the construction industry is not an easy job, taking timely, effective preemptive measures is the only way out. Read further for a fair idea of what can be done and how!

The rate of accidents, injuries and deaths associated with the construction industry is much higher than most other areas of work. The most common reasons that make construction work perilous is possibility of deadly accidents with vehicles and falls from extreme height.

On an average, every third fatal accident at a construction site has one or more vehicles involved. Frequently occurring transport accidents at work include:

  1. Victims being stuck by moving vehicles, especially while reversing
  2. People falling from vehicles or hit by things falling from vehicles
  3. Overturning vehicles leading to serious injuries

What Can Be Done to Prevent Vehicle Accidents in Construction?

The first step towards reducing high death rate in construction industry is to reduce the risk of fatal accidents at construction sites that involve vehicles. Employers need to fulfill their legal duties and play a pivotal role in that case, especially by assessing risks and taking practical measures to ensure the safety of everyone around.

This may include maintaining accident records, training and consulting employees, and co-coordinating and cooperating contractors. The focus needs to be on planning and implementing collective safety measures, instead of giving individual measures extra importance. The basic idea should be to replace the hazardous with the harmless.

Taking Preemptive Measures for Vehicle Accidents in the Construction Industry

Practically, accident prevention should not start after the work has already begun on the construction site. Instead, designers, architects and planners can considerably diminish the risk of vehicle accidents by designing and planning well in the pre-build phase.

Risk assessment is the most important aspect that every employer ought to take care of, followed precisely by the conveyance of complete information to the contractors, verifying that the construction site is fully safe for the workers.

A thoroughly carried out risk assessment process involves:

Looking for Potential Hazards:

After you have evaluated the work the finished tasks, identify potential dangers that may be associated with the presence of heavy vehicles at the site. Operations such as reversing, loading and unloading always have a higher probability of damage being done at the workplace.

Factors that increase the likelihood of occurrence of such accidents more include rough terrain, continuous exposure to bad weather conditions, labor working under multiple contractors, and time pressure. You can involve both the workers and their contractors in the risk assessment process, explaining to them what has been planned to reduce the level of risk.

Try preventing the following things in particular:

  • Running over pedestrians
  • Overturning vehicles
  • Vehicle accidents caused by falls while climbing or working too close to power lines
  • Vehicle malfunctioning

Identifying Who May Be Harmed

Figuring out every possible factor that can harm individuals on the work site is the first step towards implementation of safety measures. This will include everyone from contractors, workers, self-employed individuals and even the general public. Pay special attention to the areas where vehicle movement is mandatory and you can’t exclude the public.

It is also possible to take note of the likely hazards during the designing stage while the construction cost estimation is being done. Take note of the design for safety and also ensure to calculate cost of making safety provisions.

Prepare an Action Plan after Evaluating the Risks

Evaluating the risks associated with each hazard on the site will help you calculate the possibility of harm and the level of severity. Check whether you have taken enough protective measures to ensure the safety of people on-site. Thoroughly revise all important aspects such as workplace design and signs and signals.  Ensure that all workers have the proper personal protective gear that is needed to complete the job safely.

Taking Action

Once the risk assessment process is completed, list all preventive measures based on priority. When it is time to take action, take all the workers and contractors along. Though your focus should be on implementing measures to prevent any accident from taking place in the first place, it will be equally important to have be prepared for the worst and have all emergency provisions in place too.

Author Bio: Laura Laurel is a Stanford graduate in civil engineer with specialization in Civil Designs, Cost Estimation and 3D Modeling. She began her career as a construction trainee at Viatechnik LLC, rose to be involved with road and bridge construction. She loves to write about Real Estate and Construction Related Subjects.

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

THIS WEEK’S SAFETY FOCUS IS NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS

April 7 – 11, 2014:  National Work Zone Awareness Week – “Work Zone Speeding: A Costly Mistake”

The 2014 theme highlights the consequences of speeding through a work zone. These costs can take on various forms, including fines, jail time or even a life. By highlighting these impacts, the intent is to inform drivers and encourage them to drive carefully through work zones.  National Kickoff Event is to be held Tuesday, April 8 at the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement project in Seattle, Washington.

Worker Safety:  The leading cause of highway construction worker injuries and fatalities is contact with construction vehicles, objects, and equipment. These injuries and deaths are preventable through a number of good practices.
As our highway infrastructure ages, many transportation agencies are focusing on rebuilding and improving existing roadways. This means more roadwork is being performed on roadways that are open to traffic. At the same time, traffic continues to grow and create more congestion, particularly in urban areas. To avoid major queues during peak travel periods, urban areas are seeing more night work. The combination of more work done alongside increasingly heavier traffic and greater use of night work can result in increased safety considerations for highway workers. However, there are regulations and available resources on good practices that can help workers perform their jobs safely.

Worker Visibility:

•MUTCD Part 6 Section 6D.03 – Requires the use of high-visibility safety apparel by workers who are working within the rights-of-way of Federal-aid highways.
•High Visibility Standard – Provides a guide for the design, performance specifications, and use of high-visibility and reflective apparel including vests, jackets, bib/jumpsuit coveralls, trousers and harnesses.

Many drivers become irritated when they see the “Work Zone – Fines Double” signs preceeding the work zone.  It is better to observe the law in order to not receive a fine for speeding while driving through that zone.  Not only are the workers exposed to traffic, they are also staying alert to avoid being backed over or run over by the heavy equipment working around them.  Their line of work is very unsafe.  The flaggers are also very close to traffic whizzing by them.  It is your duty as drivers to observe the signs and keep the safety of our highway workers in mind at all times.  When you pass through one of these work areas, drive as though your son, brother, sister, or a loved one were out there; it might help you slow down.

The United States Department of Transportation/ Federal Highway Administration brings this important message annually  in order for all drivers to know how important the safety of highway workers is.   Drive safely.  As one of their signs says, “Watch for Workers – Give Us A Brake!” 

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation; Federal Highway Administration

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

SAVING LIVES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES BY REDUCING HAZARDS (GUEST POST)

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In order to keep the staff and management safe on construction sites, it is important that both parties participate in the proper safety standards and regulations. Not adhering to safety rules can put everyone involved in danger, can damage equipment and can cost the project time and money. Construction sites are some of the most dangerous work environments because of falls, equipment malfunctions, cuts, electrocution, backovers and so much more. Here are few suggestions for keeping your construction safe for all present and to finish your project with all of your staff still intact.

1) Employee Training

         When hiring a staff to perform construction duties, it is easy to want to hire the cheapest labor possible, but that also means you may be paying for less experience and training. Many people assume that any able-bodied person can work with a construction company but this is a job that requires equipment knowledge and experience to perform the proper safety measures. Taking the time to educate your staff on safety standards and OSHA regulations can protect your staff from injury and your company from legal consequences. Making sure new hires are familiar with safety techniques, equipment and tools can save from surprises later on down the road. Having continuous education for your staff on new innovations in the field is another way to keep them safe and valuable.

2) Equipment Maintenance

         Keeping equipment properly maintained and updated is essential to keeping construction staff safe. When you start to notice that certain tools or instruments used by your crew are beginning to malfunction or fall apart, be sure to mark them and put them aside from the other tools. Construction equipment is expensive and can break easily but it is better to throw these pieces away instead of having someone pay for negligence with a visit to the emergency room or the morgue. Every six months, inspect the tools and equipment the labor uses and be sure that your managers are informing you and the staff when certain equipment is out of commission.

3) Loose Wires and Exposed Hoses

         Usually there is a lot going on at the average construction site. And in the confusion it can be easy for something small like a loose wire or an exposed hose to become to a big problem. During the process of installing the electrical systems, there are often hanging wires and loose cables lying around a site. These wires are dangerous because they can cause electrocution to a member of the staff or become entangled in equipment and be damaged. Improper electrical work will cost time and money later on and likely cause the finish date of your project to be postponed. Instead, use cable protectors from companies like Brahman Systems to protect the cables and wires that your staff need to operate. Exposed hoses are also a common site during the construction process. Hoses should be protected with steel reinforced hose protectors so that what they supply or transport can be properly maintained and not damaged by vehicles or materials.

4) Proper Uniform

         The proper uniform should always be present at construction sites and is the employee’s first line of defense against injury. Proper uniform includes rubber soled shoes, hard hat, gloves, safety goggles, denim jeans, and reflective vest if working at night. If the employee is going to using equipment that is extremely loud like a jackhammers or nail guns, be sure they are wearing protective earmuffs or foam earplugs. Another aspect of proper presentation should be that no employee be found under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When one employee is not of proper state of mind, they put everyone at the site in danger and place the company under huge liability. Construction sites should have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drugs and alcohol on the job.

 This post was written by M.G. Bachemin in association with Brahman Systems, a Louisiana producer of cable and hose protectors that decrease worksite hazards.

 

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

7 Ways to Safeguard against Potential Hazards while Operating Heavy Equipment (Guest Post)

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 There are serious accident hazards that materialize due to inadequate precautions taken by either the operator of the earth moving machine, the excavator or site personnel while moving along an excavation site. Fatalities caused by caught in- or -between hazards are serious concerns and can be avoided with proper training and by implementing precautionary measures. When choosing earth moving operators in Brisbane or elsewhere, make sure you are taking care of following safety measures. 

1. Enlist potential hazards and bring it to the notice of all site personnel

The risk of a potential hazard can be significantly curtailed by adequately educating site personnel and the earth moving machine operator about potential hazards that can take place at the excavation site. A certified HSE person should inspect the excavation site to enlist the potential hazards and to make sure that all those who are potentially prone to the hazards are fully aware about those. 

2. Keep safe distance from the operating radius of earth moving equipment

The earth moving machine operator may not be able to notice if you are standing very close to the earth moving machine. Hence it is recommended that site personnel should keep safe distance from the machine. In case they need to get across, they should make sure the machine operator is fully aware of their presence. You can alert the earth moving machine operator by waving hands and signaling him that you need to cross.  (Wearing high visibility vests and other personal protective equipment is necessary.)

3. Avoid wearing loose clothing

The earth moving equipment has unguarded moving parts like belt, pulley and if you are wearing loose clothes you run the risk of your clothes getting stuck in them. The consequences can be life threatening. Hence the clothes you wear should properly fit to your body. While carrying out maintenance, the machine operator should ensure that the moving parts are either de-energized or properly guarded. 

4. Beware of working in unprotected trenches

While working in unprotected trenches, workers run the risk of cave-ins which can cause suffocation or even crush the person. To prevent such accidents, the personnel should avoid working in unprotected trenches which are 5 feet deep or more. 

If working in a deeper trench, be sure that the trench has a sloping at a safe angle, which prevents it from collapsing. If there is no sloping, a trench box should be used, which will protect the worker from cave-ins. The sides of the trench can also be shored using a wooden structure, which will also prevent a cave in. 

5. Beware of being pinned down between a stationary object and the earth moving machine   

To avoid being pinned down between the earth moving equipment and a stationary object, make sure that you are never working between a stationary immovable structure like a tree or a wall and the earth moving machine. In some cases, if the load carried by the earth moving equipment is not stable or secured, you run the risk of being hit by a falling load. 

6. Use of barricades and warning systems while using earth moving equipment along excavation or trench

Using earth moving equipment close to a trench or an excavation site could be hazardous. A barricade or a warning system should be installed at a safe distance from the edges of the excavation site, so that the operator who may not be able to see the edges is alerted with a sound or by way of hand signaling. In case the earth moving equipment needs to work straight over the opening of the trench, then workers should not be working in the trench. 

7. Wear seat belts to avoid being crushed during tip-over

The ideal way to protect machine operators from being crushed due to a tip over is to avoid the situation in the first place. Overloading is one of the most common causes of tip over and it should be completely avoided. If a tip over still happens, the operator can still hope to be protected, if he wears a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt would ensure that the worker is not thrown out when a tip over of the equipment or vehicle occurs. 

We hope that you will follow all these safety tips. Remember: just knowing what to do is not enough – you have to avoid being careless and follow all the rules and regulations to minimize risks.

Our thanks to Billie Wilder for sending this important message. pb

General Safety Issues

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN IN FORKLIFT TRAINING (GUEST POST)

Operating a forklift takes skill, practice and extreme caution. Many accidents have occurred from mistakes made by forklift operators and could have been prevented with stronger safety training and enforcement. Because of the extreme danger from forklifts, adequate training completed before one is certified to operate them. If you are taking forklift-training classes here are some things to expect.

Classroom Sessions and Hands-On Training

 In your forklift training, you can expect a classroom session with an instructor of approximately 4-6 hours. The instructor will teach you what you need to know about operating the forklift. He or she may use a variety of methods to teach the class such as lecture, PowerPoint, showing a forklift training video or DVD, demonstrating stability using a model and moderating classroom discussions. In addition to the classroom session, there will be hands-on training where you will work with the forklifts. Here you will be shown the forklift and have the opportunity to operate it with the guidance from your instructor. Depending on prior experience the operators may need hours or days of practice operation before they are ready for their final hands on test.

 The Parts of a Forklift

 You will also learn the parts of a forklift. The forklift is similar to a car in some ways, but there are also some major differences, such as the forklift having rear wheel steering.. You will learn about this machine, how it works, and the unique aspects of it. You will learn what all the controls do and how to work them.

 Understand Reasons to Work Safely

 Obviously throughout your training you will be taught safety procedures for operating the forklift. In addition, you will understand the specific reasons why these precautions are put into place. Your instructor will teach you to understand not just “what to do and what not to do,” but why it is important to understand these reasons in the first place.

 Real Consequences of Poor Safety Decisions

 You will be informed of real consequences that could result of poor safety decisions. The forklift is a powerful machine and if you are not safe with it, it could result in severe injury or even death to yourself or others. You will be shown the severity of consequences of not operating the forklift with caution.

 Identify and Correct Safety Problems

 In addition, you will be taught how to identify and correct safety problems when using the forklift. When you operate a forklift, you will be making judgment calls the entire time. You will be given various scenarios and told how to identify and correct safety issues. This will thoroughly prepare you for operating the forklift on your own.

Forklift Maintenance

Just like vehicles need proper maintenance, the forklift does as well. In your training you will be taught what to do to provide maintenance for the forklift. A forklift inspection needs to be conducted and passed before each shift to ensure proper safety for everyone involved.

Written by Written by Dan Smith of Forklift Training Systems, an industry leader in forklift training products and services.