Blog Archives

5/11/2015

Vehicle Operations ~ ACP Safety Meeting

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Vehicle Operations

Most construction sites never have all the site space that they need to move vehicles in and around. This is especially true with new subdivisions. Therefore it is important that all the space we have is conserved and used to its maximum. We can reasonably expect congested traffic and an increased likelihood of a vehicle related accident.

Guide for Discussion

Always keep the vehicles and equipment in good running conditions. This includes brakes, lights, turn signals, and back-up alarms if so equipped.
Any loads extending past the vehicle body must be tagged.
No employee should be allowed to ride the load or exterior of any vehicle not designed to

transport personnel.
Always give the right-of-way. Don’t worry about who should go first, rather who is the safest.
Avoid backing in vehicles; when you have to, have front and rear ground guides.
Report any unsafe road conditions to your fellow employees and supervisor(s).

Additional Discussion Notes:

Note: If workers can expect to be around heavy equipment, see Heavy Equipment or Heavy Equipment Hazards for more information.
- If the worksite is going to be very busy, what is the policy on use of a spotter (ground guide) to direct delivery vehicles?
- What is the company policy on parking individually owned cars and trucks around the workplace?
  
  Remember: Unsafe acts when compounded by the force of large vehicles can result in severe injuries and expensive repair or damaged material bills.

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5/11/2015

TRAFFIC CONTROL ~ ACP Safety Meeting

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TRAFFIC CONTROL

Almost every job at one time or another needs traffic control. This often involves the use of a flagman and signs. In short duration situations flagmen are preferable to signs since they can react to any changes in site situations. Signs are however, a suitable solution to an extended traffic control problem.

It should be remembered that the intent of traffic control procedures is to prevent a tie-up in the operation of the construction project and to allow the general public to move as efficiently as possible around the construction site. It is important that all flagmen remember that they represent the company and will come into contact with many people while flagging. Therefore be courteous at all times.

Guide for Discussion

Is the flagman trained and certified?

Set-Up

Pre-plan the entire traffic control operation.
Have the flagman knowledgeable of all construction operations to occur. Clearly mark all changes or detours.
Enforce all changes and detours.

Flagging Operations

Be sure the traffic can see you. Wear an Orange safety vest. Use a flag.
Wear suitable shoes.

Be dressed neatly (to reflect a good public image) Wear a hard hat
Never turn your back on the traffic
Always be courteous but firm.

Additional Discussion Notes:

IDENTIFY CERTIFIED AND TRAINED COMPANY FLAGGERS

Remember: The flagman has a responsibility to protect the general public as well as those at work on the construction site. Pay attention to what is going on around you.

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5/8/2015

Children And Construction ~ ACP Safety Meeting

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Most construction sites are like oil and water for children; they don’t mix. Conversely, like iron and a magnet, children are attracted to any type of construction. Children like to explore.

Guide for Discussion

Some general observations:

Children don’t recognize hazards as well as those who work on site. Locked equipment may still be a hazard.
All excavations are potential forts or swimming pools.
Scaffolds become gym sets.

Discouraging children:

Don’t allow children on site during the day.
Erect a site fence.
Mark excavations with signs or guard or both. (Remember: Fall protection rules.) Group and lock up equipment at night.
Post “No Trespassing” signs.
Ask for regular police patrols to check out your jobsite. If necessary, post a guard.

Additional Discussion Notes:

Remember: Most children will respect the builder’s wishes and stay out. But some will not and these are the ones that can get hurt or hurt your project from a vandalism standpoint. Experience indicates that those who have had a child injured on their sites find it can be quite a burden on one’s conscience. We don’t want that to happen on our job sites.

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5/1/2015

Protecting the Public ~ ACP Safety Meeting

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One social critic pointed out that in the late 1990’s the United States has four percent of the world population, and half the world’s attorney’s. In today’s legalistic society with the laws of civil liability and negligence being what they are, all construction companies need to take seriously steps to protect the public. It doesn’t really accomplish anything if we protect the public after an accident; their lawyer will have a field day in court at a cost to us and the future of our company.

Guide for Discussion

Efforts to protect the jobsite should be directed toward the young. (Many liability claims come as a result to injuries to youths that gain access to a jobsite after hours or on weekends.)
Inform the police of the normal hours of work and ask that they regularly patrol the site after working hours.
Have workers report changes in the work conditions that may require additional protective measures.
If possible, fence in the site using plywood or chain link fences, keep the site well lit at night, or provide for a night guard (including using an injured worker in an ERTW status).
During working hours, don’t let unauthorized personnel on the site without an escort.
Always rope off or barricade excavations; protect against fall exposures.

Additional Discussion Notes:

Consider not installing risers and tread on stairways until after the doors and windows are hung to keep unwanted visitors out of the second or third floors.

Guardrails are an important fall protection on stairways and landing platforms. What do we do to insure guardrails remain functional?

Remember: In all situations of public exposure, it is important that steps are taken to eliminate the exposure of the public to injuries on your jobsite. In defending a suit against the company, good faith efforts can go a long way to protecting the company.

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ACP News

Vehicle Operations ~ ACP Safety Meeting

TRAFFIC CONTROL ~ ACP Safety Meeting

Children And Construction ~ ACP Safety Meeting

Protecting the Public ~ ACP Safety Meeting

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