2013 March/April TB by ARTBA

builder速

March-April 2013

ANNUAL SAFETY ISSUE March-April 2013

TransportationBuilder

March-April 2013

contents

VOL. 25, NO.2

MAR. APR.2013 The official publication of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association www.transportationbuilder.org

22 ON THE COVER

13-29 Annual Safety Issue: 13

Safety Series: Backing Accidents

Avoiding Falls in Horizontal Construction

ARTBA: Your Safety Partner

Innovative Interchange Design Aims to Address Safety and Congestion

Best Selling ARTBA Safety Products

Statistics Show Work Ahead to Improve Highway & Bridge Construction Worker Safety

Q&A with NTSB Chairman Debbie Hersman

March-April 2013

29 FEATURES

10 30

2013 HCSS Estimating Survey Results The Road to Increasing Returns

COLUMNS 6 8 33

Chairman’s Message President’s Desk AEM Corner

TransportationBuilder

2013 ARTBA KEY MEETINGS & EVENTS

builder®

Transportation Builder® (TB) is the official publication of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, a federation whose primary goal is to aggressively grow and protect transportation infrastructure investment to meet the public and business demand for safe and efficient travel. In support of this mission, ARTBA also provides programs and services designed to give its members a global competitive edge. As the only national publication specifically geared toward transportation development professionals, TB represents the primary source of business, legislative and regulatory news critical to the success and future of the transportation construction industry.

Staff PUBLISHER T. Peter Ruane transportationbuilder@artba.org

Executive Committee Chairman: Steve Wright Wright Brothers Construction, Charleston, Tenn.

Senior Vice Chairman: Doug Black Oldcastle Materials, Atlanta, Ga.

First Vice Chairman: Nick Ivanoff Ammann & Whitney, New York, N.Y.

Northeastern Region Vice Chairman: John Kulka HRI, Inc., State College, Pa.

DEPUTY PUBLISHER Matt Jeanneret mjeanneret@artba.org

Central Region Vice Chairman: Kathi Holst Romeoville, Ill.

Southern Region Vice Chairman: Thomas Elmore Eutaw Construction Company, Aberdeen, Miss.

Western Region Vice Chairman: Steve McGough HCSS, Sugar Land, Texas

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Beth McGinn bmcginn@artba.org

Vice Chairman At-Large: Scott L. Cassels Kiewit Infrastructure Group, Omaha, Neb.

Vice Chairman At-Large: John Houle 3M, St. Paul, Minn.

Vice Chairman At-Large: Jim Andoga Austin Bridge & Road, Irving, Texas

PUBLICATIONS EDITOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenny Ragone jragone@artba.org CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alison Premo Black ARTBA chief economist

Vice Chairman At-Large: Michael Donnino Granite Construction Company, Lewisville, Texas

Vice Chairman At-Large: Ward Nye Martin Marietta Materials, Raleigh, N.C.

Vice Chairman At-Large: David S. Zachry Zachry Construction Corporation, San Antonio, Texas

Treasurer: Tom Hill Secretary: Pete Ruane ARTBA, Washington, D.C.

ARTBA-TDF Board of Trustees Chairman: Leo Vecellio, Jr. Contractors Division President: Bob Alger The Lane Construction Corporation, Cheshire, Conn.

Contractors Division First Vice President: Pete Getchell

Brad Sant ARTBA senior vice president of safety & education Liz Rothman Georgia DOT public affairs writer James Pinkerton Fox News Contributor

PKF-Mark III, Inc., Newtown, Pa.

Research & Education DIvision President: Dr.Teresa Adams Wisconsin Transportation Center, Madison, Wis.

AEM Representative: Ron DeFeo TEREX Corporation, Westport, Conn.

Materials & Services Division President: Mike Flowers American Bridge Company, Corapolis, Pa.

Planning & Design Division President: David Gehr Parsons Brinckerhoff, Herndon, Va.

Transportation Builder® (ISSN 1043-4054) is published bi-monthly by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). Postmaster: Send change of address to Transportation Builder®, c/o ARTBA, The ARTBA Building, 1219 28 Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007. Telephone: 202th

289-4434, Fax: 202-289-4435, Internet: www.artba.org; E-mail: artbadc@aol.com. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C., and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions are $105/year for ARTBA members, which is included in the dues; $120/year for non-members; and $200/year non-U.S. mailing addresses. Copyright ©2013 ARTBA. All rights reserved. Material may not

Public-Private Partnerships Division President: Thomas Stoner H.W. Lochner, Clearwater, Fla.

Traffic Safety Industry Division President: Taylor Bowlden

Dr. J. Don Brock TransOvation™ Workshop & Exhibit OCTOBER 28-30 • San Jose, California Local Transportation Management Virtual Conference & Innovation Showcase Featuring “Best Practices in Work Zone Safety” NOVEMBER 19-20 • At your desktop

Piatt County, Illinois Assn. of County Engineers, Monticello, Ill.

Council of State Executives: Chris Runyan Ohio Contractors Association, Columbus, Ohio

Immediate Past ARTBA Chairman: Paul Yarossi HNTB Holdings, Ltd., New York, N.Y.

Past Chairman’s Council Chairman: Jim Madara Gannett Fleming, Allentown, Pa.

publisher. Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

Terracon, Olathe, Kan.

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National Convention SEPTEMBER 8-10 • Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Transportation Officials Division President: Eric Seibring

Young Executive Leadership Council Chairman: David Harwood

25th Annual Public-Private Partnerships in Transportation Conference JULY 24-26 • Washington, D.C.

3M, Traffic Safety Systems Division, Washington, D.C.

be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Visit us: www.transportationbuilder.org

5th Annual Transportation Construction Law & Regulatory Forum JUNE 5 • Washington, D.C.

Summit Materials, LLC, Washington, D.C.

Vecellio Group, Inc., West Palm Beach, Fla.

Steve McGough HCSS chief operating officer

Federal Issues Program & Transportation Construction Coalition Fly-In featuring the ARTBA Foundation Awards Dinner JUNE 3-5 • Washington, D.C.

For sponsorship information, contact ARTBA Vice President of Meetings & Events Ed Tarrant at etarrant@artba.org or 202.289.4434 ext. 204.

Joint Committee Representative: Matt Cummings AECOM, Philadelphia, Pa.

March-April 2013

editor’s note Transportation construction is interesting, challenging and rewarding work. And by nature of the equipment used, earth moved and proximity to the traveling public, it can also be very dangerous. In this “Annual Safety Issue” of “Transportation Builder” (TB) magazine, we take a look at the products, projects and people working to make the jobsite a safer place for all involved. Jenny Ragone, Publications Editor & Graphic Designer

On page 16, ARTBA Senior Vice President of Safety & Education Brad Sant shares the personal story of a family member whose life was forever changed by an avoidable fall on the jobsite. Brad also highlights a new campaign to educate workers and employers on how to avoid such incidents. On page 13, Sant provides an overview of the ARTBA safety services and products available to your firm and its employees. A “Q&A” with National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Debbie Hersman on page 29 looks at the agency’s efforts to increase public safety through better infrastructure policies. As part of our ongoing effort to spotlight industry innovation, we take a look at how Georgia’s first diverging diamond interchange (DDI) is reducing rear-end collisions and easing congestion in north metro Atlanta on page 22. And please check out the schedule of events for ARTBA’s upcoming Federal Issues Program (FIP) and Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) Fly-In June 3-5 in Washington, D.C., which can be found on page 9. A special ARTBA Foundation gala awards dinner will be held the night of June 4 to induct the 2012-2013 Hall of Fame classes, present the annual Globe & PRIDE awards, and announce the ARTBA Award winners. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you may have about the articles you read here at jragone@artba.org, and stay safe out there!

March-April 2013

TransportationBuilder

from the chairman

Modal Councils Put the “T” in ARTBA

B Steve Wright President Wright Brothers Construction

ack in 1902, Horatio Earle and our association’s other founders met in New York City to form the “American Road Makers.” Later, including during the early years of the Interstate Highway System, the group was known as the American Road Builders Association. In the 1970’s, however, its leaders showed continued forward thinking by changing the name to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). Then, as now, that “T” signifies ARTBA members’ significant work in markets like bridges, transit, railroads, airports, and ports. As we speak, all of them still have a lot in common with the nation’s highway market. All are driven by billions in federal investment, all need more of that investment, and all need strong advocates for that investment at the federal level. ARTBA’s modal councils give all of us a unique opportunity to get directly involved in this advocacy. We can also help shape federal policy for these modes, network with peers, and learn about market forecasts and opportunities. All of these modal councils have chairmen, staff, policy statements and programs of work in place. They plan to meet with congressional staff and federal transportation officials. What they need is more involvement from ARTBA member-companies. ARTBA’s Bridge Policy & Promotion Council (BPPC) has been very active since its establishment in 2008. It has already emerged as one of the leading forums for those involved in bridge design,

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maintenance, preservation and construction. During the federal reauthorization process leading up to passage of MAP-21 in July 2012, the BPPC met with key lawmakers and staff for detailed discussions on bridge policy provisions. Some of the council’s suggestions on bridge inspection were included in the final language of the bill. As further examples, ARTBA’s Airports Council and Freight, Rail & Transit Council have brought together prominent designers and contractors in those respective markets, and will be in dialogue with officials at the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Transit Administration. The Ports & Waterways Council is currently engaged in the reauthorization process for the upcoming federal Water Resources Development Act. Obviously, our industry had been through some tough times in recent years. All of us have been looking for as many new sources of work as possible. These other markets bring opportunities, but also their own funding, policy and business challenges. ARTBA is unique because we are coordinating comprehensive advocacy efforts and substantive discussions about all of these modes. Please review the summary of ARTBA’s modal councils on page 7. Contact one of the ARTBA staff listed, and get your company’s practice leaders enrolled in the appropriate modal councils. It’s another way you can invest in a better future for your company and our industry.

March-April 2013

Crossing Roads, Rivers, Rails and Runways: ARTBA Moves Across All Modes Maximum investment in all segments of the nation’s transportation infrastructure system—that’s our goal! Our industry needs stakeholders to be actively involved in educating elected officials and the public about the need for investment in all modes of transportation. Through ARTBA’s modal councils, our members have a forum to discuss sector-specific issues and advocate for sector-focused policies that ultimately help strengthen the U.S. transportation infrastructure network as a whole. Council activities include policy development and advocacy, regulatory oversight, meetings with members of Congress and agency officials, conference calls, legislative tracking, informational webinars, news updates, networking opportunities, economic forecasts, and public outreach and education. In the coming issues of “Transportation Builder,” we will provide a closer look at each of the four ARTBA modal councils mentioned below, the specific challenges and opportunities each sector faces, and how you can lend your voice to the call for increased investment.

Bridge Policy & Promotion Council The home for bridge industry leaders to shape and grow the U.S. bridge market. Ensures there is a strong private sector voice in federal bridge policy and regulatory matters. Economic Outlook: The bridge and tunnel construction market will cool off in 2013, likely remaining flat at about $28.2 billion. ARTBA’s annual forecast shows projects in eight states— California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington—will continue to account for about half of the U.S. market activity in this sector.

Airports Council Promotes the advancement of the national air transportation system and its landside access routes by developing and advocating consensus transportation design and construction policy positions. Economic Outlook: Thanks to last-year’s passage of the longawaited FAA reauthorization bill and increased air travel due to an improving economy, airport runway and terminal construction are expected to show growth in 28 states, with sector growth overall of 4.5 percent, reaching $12.5 billion.

Chairman: Ted Zoli, HNTB

Chairman: Dave Pellizzari, Michael Baker Corp.

Staff Contact: Allison Klein, 202-289-4434, ext. 305, aklein@artba.org

Vice Chairman: Tim Duit, TTK Construction

Freight, Rail & Transit Council Dedicated to expanding the U.S. public transportation, rail transit, intercity passenger, and freight rail systems to meet public demand, and to integrating these systems into the overall transportation planning process.

Ports & Waterways Council The comprehensive industry voice for the importance of increased investment and infrastructure improvements in our nation’s Marine Transportation System.

Economic Outlook: The U.S. railroad construction market, driven largely by private investment in Class 1 freight tracks and structures, is expected to grow just under 5 percent in 2013, reaching $10.4 billion from $9.9 billion in 2012. Uncertainty caused by the long reauthorization process leading up to the passage of MAP-21 will be felt in the subway and light rail markets, but they should rebound in 2014. Chairman: Foster Beach, Hatch Mott MacDonald

Staff Contact: Rob Regier, 202-289-4434, ext. 505, rregier@artba.org

Economic Outlook: U.S. port and waterway construction will jump nearly 25 percent to $2.65 billion, driven largely by increased sea trade, which is expected with completion of the Panama Canal expansion project in 2015. Co-chairman: Pierce Homer, Moffatt & Nichol Co-chairman: Will Spielvogel, Jay Cashman, Inc. Staff Contact: Kenyon Gleason, 202-289-4434, ext. 504, kgleason@artba.org

Vice Chairman: David Thomson, HR Green Staff Contact: Rob Regier, 202-289-4434, ext. 505, rregier@artba.org March-April 2013

TransportationBuilder

president’s desk

You: The Voting Constituent

T T. Peter Ruane, President & CEO ARTBA

here are a couple of things that happen each spring without fail in Washington, D.C. The first is the return of the cherry blossoms. The second is the return of the tourists. And now, thanks to the playoffcontending Nationals, we can add baseball to the list. But one of the most unmistakable signs that spring has arrived, are the thousands of trade association members who flood the halls of Congress to meet with their elected officials. As anyone who works in Washington can tell you, the most effective lobbyist is often the one who lives in the congressman’s zip code. In others words, it’s you, the voting constituent. That is why these annual association “fly-ins,” as they have come to be called, are one of the most important tools in building political support for an issue. Many trade associations and interest groups will make the annual pilgrimage here, but I can promise you that very few come with an agenda that is more aligned with the public’s interest than ours. Transportation infrastructure touches every aspect of daily American life, from our ability to travel to and from work, spend time with our family, make that trip to school, the store and to the doctor, or to receive the products we purchase online.

nation’s—is in jeopardy if elected leaders fail to find a long-term, sustainable revenue source to support the HTF and make more meaningful improvements to our transportation network. That is why I strongly encourage you to join your industry colleagues June 3-6 in Washington, D.C., for the ARTBA Federal Issues Program (FIP) and Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) Fly-in. In addition to meetings with congressional offices, the FIP will provide you with in-depth legislative and regulatory policy briefings from the ARTBA government affairs team, a transportation design and construction market report from our chief economist, and sessions featuring members of Congress and their staffs. The full program schedule can be found on page 9 of this issue. Remember, as a voting constituent, you have a power no Washington lobbyist has. Your members of Congress will listen to what you have to say about key transportation issues. So, register today for ARTBA’s FIP at www.artba.org, and plan to be in the Nation’s Capital June 3-6—without fail!

Unfortunately, the long-term fate of many federal investment programs, including transportation, remains unclear. MAP-21 will expire in about 18 short months, and the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) will be in a “world of hurt” shortly after, absent any congressional action. Our industry’s livelihood—along with the

TransportationBuilder

March-April 2013

ARTBA FEDERAL ISSUES PROGRAM & TCC FLY-IN SCHEDULE MONDAY, JUNE 3 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Transportation Officials Division

12:00-1:30 p.m.

• Materials & Services Division • ITS Meeting • ARTBA Nominating Committee

12:00-3:00 p.m. Contract Administration Committee Meeting with Federal Highway Administration

ARTBA Foundation Chairman

1:00-4:00 p.m.

Young Executive Development Program

Leo Vecellio & the Board of

1:30-3:00 p.m.

• Ports & Waterways Council • Bridge Policy & Promotion Council • Research & Education Division • Public Private Partnership Division

3:00-5:00 p.m.

• Executive Committee • Environmental Committee Meeting with Federal Officials

4:00-6:00 p.m. Joint Young Executive Development Program & Young Executive Leadership Council 5:00-6:30 p.m. • Council of State Executives • Women in Leaders Transportation Design & Construction Council • Rail Transit Advisory Council

Trustees invite you to a special June 3 gala dinner event to: •

• •

Induct the 2012 & 2013 Hall of Fame classes Present the 2013 Globe & PRIDE Awards Announce the winners of the 2012 “ARTBA Award”

6:30-10:00 p.m. ARTBA-Transportation Development Foundation Reception & Awards Dinner

Hotel Information

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

with the Hyatt Regency Washington on

7:30-9:30 a.m.

• Contractors Division • Planning & Design Division

8:00-9:30 a.m.

Transportation Safety Advisory Council

Make your room reservations directly Capitol Hill by calling 1.800.233.1234 or 202.737.1234. Ask for the ARTBA Federal Issues Program rate of $309 per night, which is guaranteed through May 2.

8:45-9:30 a.m.

Young Executive Development Program

9:30-9:45 a.m.

Networking Break

Hyatt Regency Washington

9:45-11:00 a.m.

General Sessions • Legislative & Regulatory Update • Transportation Construction Market Report

400 New Jersey Avenue, N.W.

11:00-1:00 p.m.

• ARTBA Board of Directors Meeting • Young Executive Development Program

Attire

Buffet Luncheon

• Business attire for June 3 ARTBA

1:00-2:30 p.m.

Washington, D.C. 20001

• Business casual for FIP & TCC Fly-In Foundation Awards Dinner

TCC WASHINGTON FLY-IN SCHEDULE (Begins after ARTBA Program) TUESDAY, JUNE 4 2:30-5:00 p.m.

TCC Legislative Briefing

Contact Ed Tarrant to become a sponsor:

5:50-7:30 p.m.

TCC Capitol Hill Reception

202.289.4434 or etarrant@artba.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5 7:00-8:00 a.m.

TCC Breakfast

8:00 a.m.-:5:00 p.m.

Meetings with Members of Congress

March-April 2013

TransportationBuilder

2013 Estimating Outlook: The Survey Says... by Steve McGough

t’s not news to anyone in the construction industry that margins are tighter and competition is fiercer. But how are these trends affecting you compared to other construction companies?

Construction software developer HCSS set out to see which of these trends was most affecting their heavy/highway customers. They worked with several members of their advisory board to develop an 18-question survey, and emailed it to the lead estimator at companies using HeavyBid for estimating heavy/ highway construction jobs. “The survey is particularly valuable because of the wide range of HCSS’s contacts and their ability to draw on the experience of North American estimators engaged in all major aspects of construction,” explained Michael Rae, president of International Construction Services in Canada. HCSS received survey responses from 442 companies across North America with respondents listing 47 different states, the District of Columbia and Canadian provinces as their primary state for operations. No state represented more than 8 percent of the respondents.

Change in number of bidders in 2012 vs. 2011 50

45% 40%

ABOUT THE

14%

SAME

LESS 0

New Normal—More Bidders, More Competition

The survey results verified that a new normal is emerging across the industry: more bidders per job and more competition. Forty percent of respondents stated they saw an increase in the number of bidders on jobs in 2012 vs. 2011.

survived the economic downturn working efficiently while running leaner operations. These are the best of the best competing for what work is available.

The increasing number of bidders per job doesn’t tell the whole story about the change in competition. The bidders remaining aren’t just ordinary companies. These are companies that have

“What is left standing in our industry are A teams in the A league,” said Jeff Roginsky, division VP/IT at C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc., in Marietta, Ga.

TransportationBuilder

March-April 2013

Adapt to Survive

Unfortunately, there have been companies that didn’t make it through the tough times. Sixty percent of survey respondents said they knew of five or more companies that have gone out of business since 2008. Those companies remaining are having to adapt to stay in business. One way companies are surviving is by expanding their scope outside of their normal specialties or bidding jobs outside of their normal geographic range. Fifty-three percent of respondents reported having to bid on work outside of their normal geography or specialty area. “Before the downturn, our business was about 80 percent public work,” said Nick Jones, vice president at Ford Construction Company in Lodi, Calif. “We are now about 80 percent private work, where more of our work is based on relationships and value rather than just lowest price. We’ve also had to move into new markets like wind energy and hydroelectric,” he said.

How many companies do you know that have gone out of business since 2008?

an OK year with a small profit

23% 20

a fairly good year

14%

we’ll lose some money but stay in business

we should break even

It will be difficult to stay in business

7% I don’t know

Although there are some positive signs in the industry, some companies continue to play it safe.

43%

“Construction optimism is still low from our perspective,” said Casey Dillon, chief executive officer at Atlas Excavating, Inc, in Lafayette, Ind. “We hear of positive things, but until we see funding we will remain lean and mean.”

48%

customers, it’s reassuring to see that only a few of those responding to the survey expect to have a hard time staying in business given the current economy.”

40%

Business Expectations for 2013

5-10

10%

11-15

3% 16-20

4% >20

2013 Looks Fair

Despite the downturn over the past few years, companies in general are optimistic for 2013. Only three percent of respondents said it will be difficult to stay in business in 2013, and 69 percent expect to make a small profit or even have a fairly good year. In February, 29,000 jobs were created in the non-residential construction industry (building, specialty trade, and heavy and civil engineering construction), and according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America, more people are working in construction than at any point in the last three and a half years. “As far as our customers go, HCSS has not seen a significant drop in customers on annual software maintenance,” said HCSS President Mike Rydin. “Although the survey was only of HCSS

March-April 2013

Download a Free Copy of the Survey Companies that previewed the survey results found the information valuable. “It was very enlightening to see that our company was running very similarly to others in our industry with competition, available work on which to bid, success rates, competition, etc.” said Roy Huemer of Earle Asphalt. To view more survey data such as DOT and private bid volume, or to see where your company compares to others in the industry when it comes to estimator and field employee raises, download the complete 2013 HCSS State of Heavy Civil/Infrastructure Estimating Survey findings, at http://www.hcss.com/estimating-survey.

Steve McGough is HCSS chief operating officer: steve.mcgough@ hcss.com

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March-April 2013

SAFETY SERIES

2013 Safety Source

ISSUE: Backing Safety Backing up construction vehicles is one of the most dangerous operations in which workers and other pedestrians are vulnerable to struck-by incidents, especially if the equipment is a large dump truck. Problem: Backing accidents statistically account for

approximately 50 percent of all fatalities involving construction equipment in roadway work zones. These accidents can also result in serious disabling injuries.

Solutions: There are several key principles to safe backing in work zones:

1. The work area should be organized to minimize backing.

4. Operators and drivers must walk around their vehicle to check for hazards before moving. 5. Operators, drivers and workers on foot should be aware of blind areas. Given the known hazards involved in backing large construction vehicles, several states have enacted statues to govern safe backing practices.

2. Backing should only take place in designated locations. 3. There should be clear communication between the operator and workers on foot before backing begins. 4. Before driving, ensure mirrors are positioned properly.

Washington State: WAC 296-155-610 Before backing a dump truck, the driver must determine that no one is currently in the backing zone and it is reasonable to expect that no employee will enter the backing zone while operating the dump truck in reverse.

5. All vehicles should be equipped with backup alarms & must be checked prior to operation to ensure they are in proper working condition.

If employees are in the backing zone or it is reasonable to expect that an employee will enter the backing zone, you must make sure the truck is backed up only when:

6. Drivers should keep their windows down when backing or driving in the vicinity of pedestrian workers.

•

An observer signals that it is safe to back; or

•

An operable mechanical device that provides the driver a full view behind the dump truck is used, such as a video camera.

7. Radios, cell phones or other distracting devices should be turned off. 8. Park vehicles so the driver can leave in a forward motion, and choose a place free of congestion. In addition to the safe backing principles, there are several good practices each worker in the construction zone should employ: 1. Spotters should be identified and used when possible and practical, especially when backing or maneuvering near workers on foot or other hazardous locations. 2. All workers should be trained to avoid approaching or working near backing equipment. 3. Operators and drivers should avoid backing up unless necessary.

Virginia State: 16 VAC 25-97 Do not back up any regulated vehicle unless it has a back-up alarm audible above the surrounding noise level, and it is backed up only when a ground guide signals that it is safe to do so; or before backing up, the driver must check to see that no employee is in the path of the vehicle. •

If the back-up alarm stops working properly and an immediate fix is not possible that day, the vehicle shall be backed up using ground guide signals; or taken out of service until the alarm is repaired.

•

Regulated vehicles with operable video or similar technological capability can replace ground guide.

Sponsored by:

National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse 14

TransportationBuilder

March-April 2013

Highway contractor Bill Cox wants all his employees on the road to safety.

That’s why Corman Construction relies on the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse to ensure employee and motorist safety and health in road construction zones. The world’s largest cyber library of educational webinars, best practices, laws and regulations, statistics, training information and more is available at www.workzonesafety.org.

Use It…Save Lives!

Information provided by the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, award #DTFH61-06-H-00015, does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, (FHWA) or the American Road & Transportation Builders Association-Transportation Development Foundation. References to specific products and March-April services do not 2013 imply endorsement by the Clearinghouse or FHWA.

TransportationBuilder

AVOIDING Falls in

Horizontal Const 16

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March-April 2013

2013 Safety Source

by Brad Sant

n the heavy and highway construction industry, we don’t often talk about fall hazards. While falls from heights are the leading cause of accidents and deaths in other segments of the construction industry, many of us who work on roads, ports, tarmac and other un-elevated projects have the impression we are immune from falls on the jobsite. That perception is wrong. Insurance claims data show falls (from heights and resulting from slips and trips) account for approximately 25 percent of our workers’ compensation claims. They are one of the most frequent sources of injury and death. This fact alone should command our attention.

Business Case for Preventing Falls

The hard or tangible costs resulting from falls are things such as medical treatment, equipment repair, or worker compensation accrual rates, and they are fairly easy to track. However, the larger and less clear financial impact can result from indirect costs such as lost time of a supervisor and crew around the accident scene, dropped tools, and contract delays that can run between four to 10 times those of direct costs. Also, increases in the frequency of incidents or accidents will lead to a potential increase in the severity. This increase in frequency and severity can lead to a higher Experience Modifier Rate (EMR) for your insurance. While this rate may appear as a complex calculation from your actual loss data, every business owner, manager and foreman should understand the implications. Each contractor starts with an EMR of 1.00. Good experience (fewer claims) will result in an EMR less than 1.00. Poor experience (frequent claims) will result in an EMR higher than 1.00. Insurance rates start as an industry average, and then are multiplied by your company’s individual EMR. As such, a low EMR lowers the rate, and a high EMR raises the rate. This alone can affect how you compete in the bidding process. There are some owners or contract holders that will not accept bids from companies with an EMR above 1.00.

truction March-April 2013

In the heavy and highway construction industry, most falls are from vehicles. When combining falls from trucks, trailers, construction equipment and other vehicles, they make up about 45 percent of our fall incidents. Such incidents are easily preventable when using standard mounting/dismounting safety practices, such as maintaining three points of contact and keeping steps and ladders clean. Other major sources of falls include ladders, stairs and scaffolding, for a combined 20 percent of industry fall incidents. Falls on walking and working surfaces round out the top causes at six percent.

My Friend, Jeff

While these numbers and percentages help us understand the size and scope of the problem, they do not tell the personal side of the story. They do not help us understand the life-long consequence of a severe fall incident. My friend, Jeff, has one such story. TransportationBuilder

Jeff loved his job as a construction worker, because it gave him the opportunity to be outside. When Jeff wasn’t at the jobsite, he was hunting, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. One day, the scaffold on which he was working collapsed, and Jeff fell, severely breaking bones in both legs and injuring his back. As far as statistics go, Jeff would be one of those thousands injured each year.

The campaign materials—in English and Spanish—include a poster showing a worker who had a fall that “shattered his body and livelihood.” It urges contractors and workers to plan ahead to get the job done safely, provide the right equipment and train everyone to use the equipment safely. It also includes is a four-page fact sheet with tips for ladder, scaffold and roof safety. The materials can be downloaded from OSHA’s new “Stop Falls” website (www.osha.gov/stopfalls.com).

As a person, however, we see a much different story. Because NIOSH also has a new website (www.cdc.gov/Features/Preof his fall, at age 26, Jeff could no longer work construction. His ventingFalls) related to the campaign. It includes links to its fatal bones healed, but the pain never left. He could not stand for very fall investigations, “Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation long, nor could he sit comfortably. Reports,” in which each fatality is The constant pain impacted every described and NIOSH’s prevention aspect of his life. I worked construction for 10 years recommendations are listed. Jeff had difficulty holding down a good job because of his physical problems, which meant his wife and kids did without a lot of the things most people take for granted. And he could no longer enjoy the outdoor activities he loved so much.

before my fall. It shattered my body and my livelihood. Work safely. Use the right equipment.

To withstand the pain, Jeff took a lot of medicine, which damaged his heart and kidneys. At the end of the day he would collapse into bed, missing out on quality time with loved ones. Jeff ’s injury as a construction worker not only impacted his life, but had long-lasting consequences for his wife, children, siblings, and friends.

With OSHA and NIOSH accepting leadership roles, a broad array of partners have joined in support of the campaign. The main campaign website (www.stopconstructionfalls. com) is maintained by CPWR—the Center for Construction Research and Training. It contains additional materials useful in fall prevention and was started by the NORA Construction Sector Council, an industrylabor-government group organized by NIOSH to identify the best research opportunities for improving construction safety and health. ARTBA has been an active partner with NORA for over a decade.

To plan the campaign, the Sector Council created a work group and Safety Pays. Falls Cost. asked OSHA to take a lead role in the effort, much as it did in 2011 in its Falls From laDDErs, sCaFFolDs anD rooFs Can bE PrEvEntED! I know this story well because Jeff heat stress campaign. The campaign PLAN PROVIDE was my brother-in-law. It has only now aims to raise awareness TRAIN www.osha.gov/stopfalls/ been one year since I attended his throughout the industry and change funeral and comforted his wife, my the expectation of workers and sister. contractors. Many of the campaign Industry campaign poster to prevent falls in construction. materials will soon be available Jeff is just one story. Each year, through the ARTBA Foundation10,000 construction workers are injured as a result of falls from managed National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse heights. Many, like my brother-in-law, are permanently disabled. (workzonesafety.org). Sadly, over 200 are killed each year —just about one every work day. Through awareness and outreach campaigns such as these, we can reduce the number of avoidable fall incidents on the jobsite, “Stop Falls” Campaign and hopefully prevent injuries to other people, so workers like Jeff To reduce the number of falls, OSHA recently teamed with the and their families are spared decades of pain. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to promote fall prevention. The campaign aims to draw attention Brad Sant is ARTBA senior vice president of safety & education: to these hazards and to encourage contractor supervisors to plan bsant@artba.org. for fall safety while providing the right equipment and necessary training. The campaign’s outreach encourages all employers to take a helpful, proactive stance in calling attention to fall dangers, and provides support for contractors who embrace the message. In short, Jeff was left with a difficult life. Finally, at age 57, his body gave into the stress and the pain.

ahead to get the job done safely. the right equipment.

everyone to use the equipment safely.

U.S. Department of Labor

www.osha.gov

1-800-321-OSHA (6742) • TTY 1-877-889-5627

NIOSH 2012-141 / OSHA 3531-04 2012

TransportationBuilder

March-April 2013

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Avoiding Runovers and Backovers A comprehensive training program designed to keep roadway construction workers safe from being struck by construction trucks and equipment. This four-hour training program is now available from ARTBA with support from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The program is FREE to all participants. A course accreditation card will be provided by ARTBA. For information on attending or hosting this valuable course Contact Omar Lopez at 202.289.4434 or email him at olopez@artba.org

March-April 2013

TransportationBuilder

2013 Safety Source

ARTBA is Your Partner in Improving Work Site Safety

by Brad Sant

Safety has been a key part of ARTBA’s mission since its founding in 1902. We continually strive to ensure the association’s members have access to top-quality training materials and services to help enhance their corporate safety culture. Here are some products for your consideration as you gear up for the 2013 construction season:

Onsite Safety Assessments Through facility and jobsite assessments, we can help prepare you for a comprehensive Occupational Safety & Health Administration inspection. We can also evaluate “new employee” and “on-going safety” training programs, complete an illness prevention program evaluation, and assess your DOT/ driver qualification compliance. In sum, we can help reduce incident citation fees and incident claims.

Training ARTBA broke ground over 10 years ago with the “OSHA 10-Hour Training Exclusively for the Roadway Construction Industry.” Now revised and updated, this revolutionary program for owners, safety managers, supervisors, and workers is focused directly on the hazards and situations that roadway construction workers face every day. From work zones to night work, this training sets the standard for the entire industry. The ARTBA Foundation’s “Best of the Best” Safety Academy brings together senior leaders and project management executives from the industry’s safest contractor firms to share “best practices” and other secrets that have made their companies the safest in the industry, year-after-year.

Federal Contracts As a result of ARTBA’s partnership with various federal agencies, we provide a number of valuable services to participants and users, including: FHWA Work Zone Safety Training: It provides free or low-cost instruction to the industry on work zone safety issues, evaluates available training programs, determines where new instruction is needed, and develops and conducts training in new areas to promote safety for both public and private sector employees. Preventing Runovers & Backovers—Internal Traffic Control: This course explains in detail the concept of “Internal Traffic Control.” It is designed to train contractors and their employees

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how to safely navigate around workers and equipment in work zones to avoid runovers and backovers of workers on foot. National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse: It is the world’s largest online resource (www.workzonesafety.org) on road construction zone safety topics. The Clearinghouse offers webinars, conferences, group discussion forums, safety posters and materials in many languages.

Conferences & Educational Materials National Traffic Management & Work Zone Safety Conference: Since 1985, ARTBA has organized and conducted national conferences to promote transportation safety. These events connect transportation leaders with people at all levels of government and private industry to discuss challenges and cutting-edge solutions to help improve the safe and efficient movement of traffic under many different roadway conditions. In 2012, ARTBA hosted this conference for the first time using a virtual platform as part of the “Local Transportation Management Virtual Conference & Innovation Showcase.” The 2013 event is scheduled for November 19-20. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD): For the first time in a convenient, searchable e-book format, ARTBA is pleased to offer the MUTCD. Last issued in 2009, but containing updates through 2012, it is a comprehensive document issued by FHWA and contains standards by which traffic signs, road surface markings, and signals are designed, installed, and operated. The manual is an essential tool for state and local agencies as well as private construction firms to ensure that the traffic control devices they use conform to the national standards. You can purchase your MUTCD on iTunes or Amazon through www.artbastore.org. To learn more about how ARTBA’s safety services can help you, contact me at bsant@artba.org or 202.289.4434.

Brad Sant is ARTBA senior vice president of safety & education: bsant@artba.org.

March-April 2013

TransportationBuilder

Part of an ongoing series on project innovation

2013 Safety Source

Innovative Interchange Design Aims to Address Safety and Congestion by Liz Rothman

here are lots of smiling faces in north metro Atlanta. That’s because the interchange at Interstate-285 and Ashford Dunwoody Road—previously known for gridlock—is now known as the location of Georgia’s first diverging diamond interchange (DDI). The DDI opened to traffic in June 2012, one month ahead of schedule, and motorists, commuters, law enforcement, residents, retailers and the business community are singing its praises.

Location. Location. Location.

The I-285 and Ashford Dunwoody Road interchange in Dunwoody (DeKalb County) serves an urban area with numerous commercial and residential traffic generators in the immediate vicinity. In fact, it is a major gateway to the Central Perimeter Market, the dominant office market in metro Atlanta and one of the region’s largest employment centers, with over 700 office buildings. It is also home to the regional Perimeter Mall, with nearly 2,000 employees and 18 million annual visitors. The heaviest traffic is usually on weekdays when some 55,000 motorists travel through the interchange to jobs at companies like Cox Communications, AutoTrader.com, and a major regional customer service center for State Farm. “When I-285 was built in 1969, much of Perimeter was still farmland,” noted Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs) President and CEO Yvonne Williams. “Today, more than 123,000 people work in Perimeter and nearly 90 percent of those commute to the area. And of the nearly 67,000 people who live in Perimeter, almost 80 percent commute out of the area to work. So changes needed to be made to accommodate this tremendous growth.”

A Team Effort

The I-285 and Ashford Dunwoody Road DDI is a partnership between Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the PCIDs. In 2009, the PCIDs hired engineering firm Moreland Altobelli Associates, Inc. (MA) to conduct pre-engineering studies and find an immediate, low-cost way to improve safety and provide relief for the extreme congestion on Ashford Dunwoody Road and at the partial cloverleaf interchange. Georgia DOT recommended an operational improvement to convert the interchange to a diverging diamond, a relatively new concept in the U.S. MA analyzed options, including a standard diamond interchange, and—based on factors including safety, congestion and cost benefits—they recommended the DDI concept to the PCIDs. GDOT funded the $4.6 million construction cost.

Pre-DDI: Collision Rates on the Rise

A 2010 traffic analysis by Moreland Altobelli of crash data for three years prior to the design of the DDI, showed that the

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original interchange had not only operated at higher collision and injury rates compared to the average rates for similar facilities statewide, but also that crash rates were dramatically increasing. “Fifty-eight percent of the total accidents were rear-end collisions, which is indicative of traffic congestion,” Williams explained. The report projected that under free-flowing conditions on surrounding highways, the DDI would reduce traffic delay during evening rush hours by 15 to 20 percent.

Commutes Improved

“I have seen much better flow of vehicular traffic in both directions in the interchange and on Ashford Dunwoody Road, especially during rush hours,” said Dennis Kemp, general manager of Perimeter Mall, the second largest mall in Georgia. Kemp said the DDI helps improve the commute of the mall’s employees and visitors. “There has been a significant change in the traffic flow since the Ashford Dunwoody DDI opened. Our employees love it. My commute is less, and I hear the same thing from our employees,” said David Spotts, director of Facilities & Corporate Services at the 1,600-employee AutoTrader.com, located near the south side of the interchange. “I would like to see more DDIs across Atlanta.” And it looks like he will. Georgia is working on additional diverging diamond interchanges. “The DDI is a creative and innovative intersection design that not only promotes safety, but also addresses increased capacity and minimized project cost,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Keith Golden. “We anticipate that the DDI concept will become an option for congested metro area interchanges.” In fact, two DDIs are coming to I-85 in Gwinnett County—construction is well underway at Pleasant Hill Road and construction has just started at Jimmy Carter Boulevard. Golden also noted that construction time is reduced and traffic flow is maintained while contractors perform their work. “We awarded the construction contract in August 2011, and traffic was flowing through the DDI 10 months later.”

DDI is a Breeze

“I use this every day to get on 285 East to get my son from after school care,” said Heath Barker, regional manager for Gemini Transportation Underwriters, located just north of the interchange. “It is a Godsend! Before this interchange, I would often sit through numerous lights waiting to turn left onto Ashford Dunwoody from Ravinia Drive. Now, it is a breeze!”

March-April 2013

Traffic heading south along Ashford Dunwoody Road in north metro Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Perimeter Community Improvement Districts. Photo by Aerial Innovations GA.

“I think the new design has been very helpful to traffic flow and has made a material difference in congestion at this very important intersection,” said Allen W. Nelson, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of insurance claims management company Crawford & Company, whose global headquarters with 1,000 employees is located close to the interchange. Sgt. Jason Dove of the Dunwoody Police Department is also enthusiastic about the DDI. He says motorists have adapted well. “I see no issues. Crashes are down a lot, especially rear-end collisions.”

The DDI concept: fewer left turns mean fewer chances of a collision

The DDI design, which originated in France, was first used in the U.S. in 2009 in Springfield, Mo. Because of how left turns are handled within a DDI, total crashes were down 46 percent in the first year of operation of the Missouri DDI. Left turn type crashes were eliminated and left turn right angle type crashes were down 72 percent. The DDI design shifts the flow of traffic to the opposite side of the road to reduce points of traffic conflict and improve safety and traffic flow. It allows vehicles to turn onto the freeway with less time spent at traffic signals; vehicles turn left onto on-ramps without stopping after crossing through one set of lights. The concept is to cross arterial traffic from the right side of the road to the left at the ramp terminal and allow for unobstructed left-turns onto the interstate on-ramps. The traffic is crossed back over from the left side to the normal right side at the second ramp terminal. In our DDI, the traffic on Ashford Dunwoody Road briefly crosses from the right side of the roadway to the left side at a ramp

March-April 2013

intersection signal so vehicles may make free left turns onto the I-285 freeway on-ramp. Traffic crosses back to the right side of the road at a second ramp intersection. Signs, striping, curbs and concrete barriers are designed to guide and safely separate opposing traffic as it moves through the interchange. Another safety feature is a pedestrian walkway—inside a concrete barrierprotected pedestrian-only zone—across the center of the bridge. GDOT’s Regional Traffic Operations Program (RTOP)—a cutting-edge ITS-based traffic signal synchronization program— continues to work with the city of Dunwoody and the PCIDs to optimize signal timing through the DDI and along the Ashford Dunwoody corridor. DDIs not only promote intersection safety by eliminating potential crossing conflicts, they also offer operational and cost benefits by meeting the often conflicting demands for increasing capacity, decreasing congestion and minimizing the cost of new infrastructure.

Results Promising, But Unofficial.

Based on preliminary data and commuter feedback, Williams says the DDI appears to be a success. PCIDs Program Manager Jennifer Harper agrees. “A preliminary analysis of accident data shows that weekday accidents have declined at the Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 Interchange,” Harper noted. “The PCIDs will continue to analyze the safety impact of the Ashford Dunwoody and I-285 DDI as we get more long-term data.” See an interchange flythrough visualization at www.CanYouDDI.org. Visit www.dot.ga.gov. Liz Rothman is a Georgia DOT public affairs writer: erothman@dot.ga.gov.

TransportationBuilder

BEST-SELLING ARTBA SAFETY PRODUCTS

2013 Safety Source

VIDEOS Playing it Safe with PPE

Price: $99

Available in English and Spanish in the same download, or on DVD, this 20-minute video contains two segments. The first helps company managers understand what to look for when purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) and provides tips on motivating workers to wear it. The second—and most valuable—is a “must-see” for your company’s employees. It compares scenes from sporting events to roadway construction work, educating workers about the importance of properly wearing their PPE even if they don’t see the hazards around them.

Flagging Fundamentals: 6 Steps to Safety

Price: $99

This DVD, also available in English and Spanish in the same download, provides the latest information to revitalize your organization’s flagging training programs with information from the most recent federal and industry standards. By focusing on six steps to safe flagging operations, the video is an excellent tool to refresh flaggers who may need to sharpen their skills and remember the basics of flagging operations. The program also includes assessment questions so instructors can ascertain the knowledge gained by their trainees.

Avoiding Runovers & Backovers

Price: $99

This 20-minute training video, aimed at helping managers, operators and workers, is available as a download or on DVD, and offers “common sense” tips and information about safe work procedures to reduce and eliminate the hazards which lead to death and injury for roadway construction workers.

Videos are available for purchase individually, or as a three-pack for $225.

BOOKS The OSHA Answer Book

Price: $85

The OSHA Answer Book, now in its 10 th edition— “The Anniversary Issue” – has been called an “excellent resource for any size business” by the “Washington Post.” According to “Forbes,” “It’s affordable and the author is an excellent writer… it’s worth more than the double the price.” With more than 100,000 copies sold, The OSHA Answer Book is your one-stop resource designed to provide you with quick answers to complicated issues. It includes: a complete listing of all OSHA’s recordkeeping regulations; sample forms to use; tips on what to do when an OSHA inspector shows up; coverage of all OSHA General Industry Regulations (1910) in easy-to-understand language; explanations of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program and how it applies to companies; and details on how the Obama Administration decides which workplaces to inspect.

The Hazard Communication Answer Book

Price: $150

“The Hazard Communication Answer Book,” covers the revised Hazard Communication Standard, also known as Hazcom, HCS, 29 CFR 1910.1200 and Right to Know. OSHA is aligning HCS with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), a global hazard communication system developed by the United Nations (UN) that standardizes the classification of chemicals and the communication of hazards via labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). With GHS alignment, the classification of chemicals will include the categorization of hazards based upon severity. Other changes will significantly alter labels and safety data sheets. This book, which also includes a Written Hazard Communication Program companies can customize on a CD, will help you: learn about the New Labels and MSDS Sheets; what the GHS is, and why your understanding of it is crucial; how the New Standard will affect your workplace; what changes are required in Classification, Labeling, and Employee Training; what are the new pictograms; and practical tips for compliance that you can implement right away!

Check out the full list of safety products at www.artbastore.org, or contact ARTBA Sales Manager Peter Embrey: 202.289.4434, or pembrey@artba.org. 24

TransportationBuilder

March-April 2013

2013 Safety Source

Statistics Show Work Ahead to Improve Highway & Bridge Construction Worker Safety by Dr. Alison Premo Black

State-level rates of injury and illness per 100 employees in the highway and bridge construction industry. Nationwide the average is 4.4 incidents per 100 workers. WA 3.7

NH MT* 2.7

OR 8.2

MN 3.0

MA WI 5.6

SD WY

NV 1.8

UT 4.2

CA 3.4 AZ 3.3 AK 4.9

IA 6.9

NE 6.5 CO

KS 5.8 OK

MO 4.5

MI 3.9

IL IN 4.7 4.7

RI CT NJ 8.4 DE

PA MD 4.3

KY 9.5

WV 2.9 VA 3.1

DC 4.4

NC 2.3

TN 6.5

SC 3.1

AR MS

TX 3.4

ME 2.9

AL 5.2

LA 3.3

GA 3.4 FL* 4.4

HI 4.7

Rate below Rate average below national national average Rate equal to average national Rate equal to national average Rate above national average Rate below national average Information not

available Information not available

The working environment for the men and women in the highway and bridge construction industry has been steadily improving over the past decade, but work-related injury and illness rates are still among the highest in the construction industry, according to ARTBA’s analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This article is primarily focused on sharing with you some of the key statistics and trends relating to our industry.

fatalities that occurred in road construction sites in 2011. Most were related to construction and passenger vehicles—highlighting the importance of not only worker training, but also establishing safe work zones for road and bridge projects. Overall, there were 617 work zone fatalities in 2011, including construction workers and the traveling public, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Highway and bridge construction workers continue to put their lives on the line in work zones, with 119 work-related

The good news is workplace-related injuries and illness for highway and bridge contractors declined in 2011 and have

March-April 2013

Jobsite Injuries Drop

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dropped over 40 percent since 2003, according to the annual BLS “Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Industry Survey.” There were 11,500 reportable cases in 2011, down from 24,200 in 2003. The rate of injury and illness per 100 full-time employees for highway and bridge contractors dropped from 7.6 in 2003 to 4.4 in 2011. This is a welcome trend we have seen throughout the entire construction industry where the rate of injury and illness fell from 6.8 incidents per 100 employees in 2003 to 3.9 in 2011 for all sectors. This means fewer workers are getting injured on the job.

percent of the fatal accidents happened between 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and 35 percent were between 12:00-4:00 p.m. Nearly 12 percent of fatalities occurred between 4:00-8:00 a.m.

Despite this good news and progress made, the rate of work-related injuries and illnesses in highway and bridge construction is still higher compared to many other construction sectors and the overall industry average. The rate of incidents is 3.6 for building construction and 3.5 for other heavy and civil engineering work. Some of the highest incident rates are for employees working on framing (7.3 cases per 100 employees), poured concrete foundation and structures (6.5), roofing (5.6), structural steel and precast concrete (5.5), foundation, structure ad building exteriors (5.1), plumbing and heating and airconditioning (4.5). The national average is 3.5 cases of injury or illness for every 100 employees.

Over two-thirds of fatalities, 67 percent, were employees working for private firms. Nearly 20 percent were local government employees and 13 percent of the victims worked for the state government.

The incident rate for workplace-related injuries and illness was up for 13 of the 28 states tracked by BLS in 2011. The biggest increase was in Kentucky, where the number of injuries and illness per 100 workers rose from 5.2 in 2010 to 9.5 in 2011.The rate increased by 4.2 in Tennessee and 2.4 in New Jersey. The states with the biggest decline were Wisconsin (from 10.8 to 5.2), Minnesota (from 7.6 to 3) and Michigan (from 7.7 to 3.9).

Fatalities Up in 2011

Although age may indicate experience, this does not seem to help when it comes to industry fatalities—19 percent of victims were between the ages of 25 and 34; 22 percent were 35 to 44 years old; 27 percent were 45 to 54 years old; and 26 percent were over the age of 55.

Nearly half of the fatalities occurred in just seven states— Texas (12 percent), Florida (7 percenet), California (6 percent), Arkansas (6 percent), Tennessee (5 percent), Missouri (5 percent) and Virginia (5percent). The work-zone continues to be a dangerous place. Nearly two-thirds of the highway and bridge construction work-related fatalities were from injuries related to motor vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, tractor-trailers, delivery and dump trucks and multi-purpose vehicles. The other fatalities were due to machinery, parts and materials, other people or falling and striking a surface. It is a sobering reminder, as we look at some of these injury and fatality trends, that there are real people behind each of these numbers. Although the industry has made great strides in focusing on safety, we owe it to the men and women who are out in the field every day, to continue making this a priority. There will always be risks associated with building roads and bridges, but implementing a company and industry culture that values and promotes safety will mean that we can continue to reduce the incidents of injury and the number of people who make the ultimate sacrifice for improving America’s infrastructure.

Injury & Illness Incidents per 100 Employees

As noted earlier, there were 119 workers across all industries that died in road construction sites in 2011, according to preliminary data from the 2011 U.S. Census Bureau report “Fatal Occupational Injuries.” Most of these employees were construction workers or truck drivers. When you look just at highway and bridge contractors, there were 97 work-related fatalities in 2011, most Injury & Illness Incident Rates per 100 Employees of them on construction sites. The rate of 8 fatalities for every $1 billion in highway and 7.5 bridge construction work dropped from 7 1.98 in 2005 to 1.05 in 2010, but increased 6.5 to 1.19 in 2011. Overall, there were 759 fa6 talities in the construction industry in 2011. 5.5

5 Most of the work-related fatalities in our 4.5 industry are white, middle-aged men who 4 are either operating a vehicle or working 3.5 at a road construction site. Seventy-one 3 percent of all highway and bridge contrac2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 tor workers who were killed on the job in All ConstrucAon Highway, street, and bridge Buildings (residenAal & commercial) Heavy and civil engineering 2011 were white, 19 percent were Hispanic Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor StaAsAcs and 11 percent were African-American. BLS reports that Hispanics accounted for 29 percent of total employees in construction occupations and African Americans were nearly six percent of total employment in 2012. Most of the fatalities occurred during the workday—32 Dr. Alison Premo Black is ARTBA chief economist: ablack@artba.org.

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March-April 2013

BridgeDataPro™ is a unique, high-speed, web-based software solution that allows users to easily sort and organize 60 million data points on nearly 610,000 U.S. bridges. It’s a “must have” for management, market research and policy applications.

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March-April 2013

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March-April 2013

& QA

2013 Safety Source

awareness, stimulate conversation and to challenge decision makers to action.

BM: “Preserving the integrity of transportation infrastructure” was among the categories identified for improvement this year. Why did NTSB choose to add this issue to the list? DH: The state of our transportation

NTSB Chairman Debbie Hersman.

Interviewed by ARTBA’s Beth McGinn

Beth McGinn: Late last year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) unveiled its annual “Most Wanted List,” which identifies the top 10 transportation safety challenges for 2013. Can you explain to our readers the goal of the list as it relates to policy making and improving safety for American travelers? Chairman Debbie Hersman: The issues on the Most Wanted List reflects what the NTSB believes are the most important safety concerns that need to be addressed in a given year—and they focus on areas where we think we can have the greatest impact on improving safety and saving lives. Also, when we see a safety issue emerging from our recent investigations and safety recommendations, we can put the issue on the Most Wanted List to increase awareness. The strength of the program comes from our ability to raise

March-April 2013

infrastructure deserves greater awareness as a serious safety issue. And when lawmakers are debating where and how to spend dollars on infrastructure improvements, safety should have a seat at the table. A lot has happened since the early 20th century, when many of our rail lines were built and since the 1950s, when the national highway system was approved and thousands of pipeline miles were laid. Materials have improved, technology has advanced, and we have learned a lot about safety through our investigations. We have seen that as a nation, we don’t always provide sufficient guidance for the owners and inspectors of bridges, pipelines and other infrastructure across the country. While some assets must be replaced, with proper inspection and maintenance however, other parts of our transportation infrastructure can age gracefully and retain their structural integrity.

BM: While the “Most Wanted List” covers all transportation modes, six of the top 10 issues focus on highway travel. How did you decide which categories would be chosen? DH: We start with our investigations and

their associated safety recommendations and then we look at areas of transportation safety that need more attention. We’ve made great strides in making commercial airline travel safer. But if you look at the numbers, Americans are dying and being injured on our roadways. The NTSB’s mission is to make transportation safer. To do that, we have to focus our energies,

“The NTSB’s mission is to make transportation safer.”

BM: Has the NTSB made any specific recommendations in this area? DH: Yes, the NTSB has recommended

strengthening inspection requirements and standards. We have recommended that a risk-based priority be assigned to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of each structurally deficient and functionally obsolete bridge. Many of these recommendations were a direct result of NTSB’s investigation of the I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis.

our resources and our advocacy on making our infrastructure safer and changing the culture of driving.

BM: If our nation’s policy makers and thought leaders take away one thing from this important discussion, what do you hope it will be? DH: I agree with President Obama’s idea of

“Fix it First.” We should focus our limited infrastructure dollars on fixing our aging bridges, pipelines and other transportation facilities. Our infrastructure is being tested. We know that when these tests are failed, the results can be tragic. By investing in existing infrastructure, our critical assets will last longer and we can focus precious resources where new investment is most needed.

Beth McGinn is ARTBA director of public affairs & new media: bmcginn@artba.org.

TransportationBuilder

The Road to Increasing Returns by James P. Pinkerton

critical issue, in both economics and politics, is the rate of return on investment: Is it positive or negative? In terms of economic capital, does the investment yield up increasing returns, or decreasing returns? The fate of nations, including ours, depends on the answer to this fundamental question. As with economics, so with politics. So we can also ask: Does the investment of political capital—that is, the areas where political parties choose to focus their energy—yield up increasing or decreasing returns? If it does, the party embracing such a strategy is more likely to win.

A Closer Look at Economics

Increasing returns are what you get when your investment or innovation yields up a positive return. These investments can be private or public; sometimes, they yield up spectacular returns—over decades, centuries, even millennia. Let’s consider a simple yet profound example: a road. One of the most famous roadways in the world is the Appian Way; the Romans started building it in the fourth century, B.C. For more than 2,000 years, the Appian Way connected Rome to southern Italy, offering incalculable economic benefits to the whole region. It also offered strategic benefits, since the Romans used it to move their legions around quickly. Even in our time, parts of the Appian Way carry vehicular traffic, and other parts are perhaps even more valuable as tourist attractions. Now that’s a positive rate of return—increasing, and compounding, over 23 centuries. The economic integration of Roman Italy, helped greatly by robust infrastructure, made the ancient nation rich. And yet, as we know, the greatest economic returns in human history have occurred in the last four centuries, heralded by the scientific and industrial revolutions. According to the historian Angus Maddison, from the years 1600 to 2000, the economies of northern Europe grew, in

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real terms, by 11,456 percent. This exponential growth occurred despite Europe being ravaged by the Thirty Years’ War, the Napoleonic Wars, World Wars One and Two—and myriad lesser conflicts. The immediate variables in economic growth are innovation, followed by mass production, mass distribution, and mass consumption. In addition, a moment’s reflection tells us that these systems for economic growth presuppose many contributing factors, including political order and an enterprise-friendly environment. We might think of these factors as the political infrastructure: the framework that allows business to flourish. Yet rich nations also need physical infrastructure, so that industries can bring in raw materials, process them, and then move them on to market. So just as the right political infrastructure of a nation cannot be taken for granted, neither can its physical infrastructure. None of these infrastructural elements—political and economic—happen by themselves; a wise system protects and improves both. We might note, for example, that infrastructure is one of the enumerated powers of America’s treasured document; it’s mentioned in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7. In other words, increasing economic returns go hand-in-glove with the right sort of political system. And the political party that seems to voters to have the best handle on economic management— including the positive-return-producing technologies of the future—is likely to flourish. In the second half of the 19th century and into the early 20th century, the Republican Party was the party that best championed the new technologies of railroads and industry; the GOP won 10 of the first 13 presidential elections it contested in, from 1856 to 1908. And oh yes, the Republican-controlled North won the Civil War, mostly because of its superior industry and logistics.

Thus the twinned power of positive economics and politics: the party that most ably advances a strong economic agenda also reaps political benefits. Let’s fast-forward to the present day. Economic growth and job growth have been slow for years now, and while we must look to many negative factors—including taxation and regulation—we also know this much for sure: “Financial innovation” falls into the category of decreasing returns. Yes, derivatives and swaps and clever mortgagebacked securities can create a financial and a real-estate bubble that can superficially appear to be economic growth, but in reality, as we have learned, those bubbles pop. So today, both parties are struggling to find the right economic agenda, and both are struggling politically. The Republicans won a big victory in 2010, and although the Democrats won big in 2012, if the economy continues to limp along, the Democrats will not be secure in their newfound gains. Thus once again, both parties should be looking ahead, seeking to take the lead on economic investments that yield up increasing returns. And that means more technology, more high-tech education, and more up-to-date infrastructure. Ah, some might say, “What about the Internet? What about cloud computing? Mightn’t those digital innovations eclipse the need for ‘old’ infrastructure?” The answer is “no.” For all our advances in the new virtual world, we still need a firm foundation in the physical world. As long as people and their goods are tangible, they will need tangible infrastructure.

Jim Pinkerton, an ARTBA consultant, regularly appears on Fox News. These remarks were adapted from a talk at the “Frontiers of Freedom” panel at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington D.C., March 16, 2013.

March-April 2013

THE STRENGTH OF FOUR CORE BRANDS

In all areas of the road construction business, the WIRTGEN GROUP stands out through innovative solutions, recognized processes and a full range of modern products meeting the highest demands. It is these characteristics which have made the WIRTGEN GROUP the market leader for mobile road construction equipment. ROAD AND MINERAL TECHNOLOGIES

March-April 2013

www.wirtgen-group.com Wirtgen America 6030 Dana Way 路 Antioch TN 37013 Telephone: 615-501-0600 路 Fax: 615-501-0691 www.wirtgenamerica.com TransportationBuilder

25th Annual ARTBA Public-Private Partnerships in Transportation Conference

SAVE THE DATE July 24-26

Grand Hyatt Washington Washington, D.C. Featuring a special gala awards dinner

Program Contact: ARTBA P3 Division Managing Director, Hank Webster at 202.289.4434 or hwebster@artba.org Sponsorship & Exhibits: ARTBA Vice President of Meetings & Events, Ed Tarrant at 202.289.4434 or etarrant@artba.org 32

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March-April 2013

AEM corner many as 50 contractors will be part of the program.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014 Wants to Know: How Do You Build Our Quality of Life? A free trip to Las Vegas could be yours. The transportation construction industry has many deserving, but unsung individuals who make a difference in our quality of life every day. Advanced highway and bridge systems, transit, airports, rail, and ports and waterways—they all improve how Americans safely and efficiently get from point A to B. By submitting a construction project to the new CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014 public awareness “Quality-of-Life Campaign,” ARTBA members can highlight the achievements of contractors and the entire industry. The campaign will publicize the positive benefits of construction projects of all sizes and descriptions across the U.S. If a project is selected for coverage, contractors will not only have the opportunity to share their accomplishments with a wider audience, but CONEXPO-CON/AGG will also provide the contractor and a guest with airline tickets to Las Vegas during the show with two nights in a hotel room. Along with attending CONEXPO-CON/ AGG, the contractor will be included in a special recognition ceremony onsite. As

March-April 2013

“CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014, as the global gathering place in North America every three years for the construction and construction materials industries, provides an ideal context for the culminating recognition event that will focus on the people of the construction industry and their significant contributions to our modern quality of life,” said Glen Tellock, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014 chair and chairman and CEO of The Manitowoc Company. Every day we have the pleasure of waking up and enjoying the highest quality of life in the history of the world. The transportation construction industry helped build the modern world and continues to lead the way advancing quality of life and economic prosperity around the globe. By helping AEM and CONEXPOCON/AGG recognize the projects and contractors who played a role in this progress, ARTBA members can tell a wider audience how the construction industry makes our lives better.

the campaign by filling out a simple form online at http://www.conexpoconagg.com/ Media/ConstructionProjects/Submit/: Include the following: • • • • • •

Where the project is located; What the project is or how it came to be; The ways the contractor/local project improved lives; The economic value of a specific project to the community; The results of a project of a project or the consequences of not completing the project; and/or The specific benefits in the community.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is looming on the horizon, and the experience of the show starts now. That experience is about celebrating the quality of life brought to us by the people in the construction industry. Help AEM and CONEXPOCON/AGG tell their stories.

Projects submitted for consideration can be on roads, highways, bridges or any other construction-related category. The stories developed from information will be publicized every possible way. Each project selected will be covered by an experienced construction communications professional, with a story, photography and possibly video from the construction site. The outreach will include a variety of media outlets and stories will also be posted at www.conexpoconagg.com. There is no limit to the number of projects that may be submitted. You may contact the CONEXPO-CON/AGG “Quality-of-Life Campaign” by phone at 414-298-4122 or via email: Rich Jefferson (rjefferson@conexpoconagg.com) or Project Manager Greg Sitek (gsitek@conexpoconagg.com). If you prefer, you may relay your information to

Mark your calendar: CONEXPO-CON/ AGG 2014 will be held March 4-8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) provides trade and business development services for companies that manufacture equipment, products and services used world-wide in the agricultural, construction, forestry, mining and utility sectors.

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ADVERTISER INDEX HIGHWAY SAFETY PRODUCTS & RESOURCES Trinity www.highwayguardrail.com.................IFC Work Zone Safety Clearinghouse www.workzonesafety.org...................... 15 Harwood Grant www.workzonesafety.org...................... 19 Transpo www.transpo.com.............................. 19 LTAP www.ltap.org.....................................21 Roadway Safety + Training Program www.workzonesafety.org...................... 28 BriteLine www.brite-line.com............................34 Plastic Safety Systems www.plasticsafetysystems.com..............IBC 3M www.3m.com/tss..............................BC CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT Weiler www.weilerproducts.com.......................5 Caterpillar Inc. www.cat.com.................................. ..12 Wirtgen America www.wirtgenamerica.com.................... 31

STAY CONNECTED

WITH ARTBA Facebook: American Road & Transportation Builders Association Twitter: @artba YouTube: www.youtube.com/ARTBAmedia LinkedIn: ARTBA Young Executive Leadership Council

SOFTWARE HCSS www.hcss.com...................................19 Advertise with “Transportation Builder” Promote your company’s products and services in “Transportation Builder!” Contact ARTBA’s Peter Embrey at 202.289.4434 or pembrey@artba.org Check out our rates in the 2013 media kit available at www.artba.org.

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“ARTBA reserves the right, at its discretion and without liability of any nature whatsoever, to reject, cancel or suspend any advertising in whole or in part, in which case any fees paid in advance shall be refunded to the advertiser on a pro-rata basis.”

March-April 2013

Watch the video!

Temporary Portable Rumble Strip RoadQuake 2 is a winner of the 2012

• Designed to reduce accidents and save lives • Ideal for work zones of short duration

WORK ZONE SAFETY AWARENESS AWARD

• For posted speed limits of 70 MPH or less • Withstands temperatures from 0°F to 180°F • No glue, nails or adhesive required for installation

March-April 2013 "On the Roadway for Safety" ®

Plastic Safety Systems, Inc. 2444 Baldwin Rd. Cleveland, OH 44104 www.plasticsafety.com 800-662-6338

For a product demonstration, contact:

Tim Cox National Sales Manager

216-244-3207

tjcox@plasticsafety.com TransportationBuilder

The Safety

Innovation Leader for 70 Years No other company is as dedicated as 3M to improving traffic safety and mobility. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-performance reflective sheeting for signs or vehicles, tape or liquid-based pavement markings, or roadway maintenance services, 3M helps you improve roadway visibility, reduce long-term costs and conform to the most stringent government standards in the world. For more information on 3M Roadway Safety Solutions, visit 3M.com/roadwaysafety, or call 1-800-553-1380.

TransportationBuilder

March-April 2013