T HE 2016 GUIDE T O S A FE T Y FOR CON S T RUC TION EQUIPMEN T O W NERS
Investing in Worker Safety Through
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY Insurance companies are investigating how wearable technology and BIM can help reduce risk and increase efficiencies in the construction industry 4
How To Start A Safety Program 10
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How To Approach Jobsite Safety Meetings 16
Driverless Vehicle Safety 22
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Even the Toughest Animal needs a .
Master
Master the skills for safe operation while uncovering the true potential of your machine. Bobcat Company is committed to providing highly effective training and safety resources for owners, renters and operators.
Bobcat.com/Training1 Bobcat Ž, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. Š2016 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 51518-1
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CONTENTS
C O N S T R UC T IO N Z O NE S A F E T Y
F E AT UR E S
4 Investing in worker safety through wearable technology
Here’s how it can reduce risk and increase efficiencies.
8 Quick tips for compact track loader safety Carefully evaluate the jobsite and take good care of your machines for optimum safety.
10 How to start a safety program
Leadership commitment, customization, and a written program are contributors to success.
12 Vacuum technology promotes both safety and productivity
This alternative material handling method eliminates the need for hooks, slings or chains.
14 Promote safety on the job with these universal guidelines
Educating your operators on machine capabilities and safe operation is paramount to minimizing risks on the jobsite.
16 How to approach jobsite safety meetings Tips and topics to help you engage your workers to keep them safe.
19 Roundup of safety products 20 Choose the right light tower
Position and adjust lights correctly to avoid blinding workers or creating a glare hazard for nearby motorists.
22 Safer work zones a reality with driverless vehicle technology
Autonomous attenuator trucks hit the road to improve safety in work zones.
24 Five things to avoid to safely haul your equipment
Ensure safe equipment transport so everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.
26 Reaching new heights in jobsite safety with today’s telehandlers
A variety of features help operators navigate terrain more confidently and safely.
Editor’s note: The material presented in Construction Zone Safety 2016, a supplement to Rental, Equipment Today and Concrete Contractor magazines, relating to the safer use of specified items of equipment, has been compiled by the staffs of the aforementioned publications. This material is intended to provide general safety guidelines to equipment owners on how to impart safer operating techniques to their customers and staff. Only the fundamentals of safety are discussed herein. The manufacturers’ operating and servicing instructions will always take precedence and must be consulted for specific equipment operation, application and maintenance. Under no circumstances should Construction Zone Safety 2016 be used as an exclusive source of information on the use or maintenance of equipment. Operators must study current manuals, operating instructions and maintenance procedures provided by manufacturers, regulatory agencies and national, state and local codes, laws and ordinances. Rental, Equipment Today and Concrete Contractor disclaim any warranty or merchantability or fitness, either expressed or implied, for any use, regarding any of the items of equipment referred to in Construction Zone Safety 2016. Rental, Equipment Today and Concrete Contractor expressly disclaim liability of any loss, damage, injury or cost incurred (including attorney fees) through the use, operation or maintenance of equipment discussed in Construction Zone Safety 2016. Each company accepting this supplement to Rental, Equipment Today and Concrete Contractor agrees to the foregoing and promises to make use of the information herein in the manner so specified. Each company accepting this supplement further agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Rental, Equipment Today and Concrete Contractor, their editorial sources and advertisers from any loss, damage, expense, or cost (including attorney fees) arising from the use of this material.
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T E C HN OL O G Y T R E ND S
Investing in Worker Safety Through
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY by Jessica Stoikes, contributing editor
Insurance companies are investigating how wearable technology and BIM can help reduce risk and increase efficiencies in the construction industry
K Around the world, workplace accidents kill one person and injure another 153 others every 15 seconds.
4
eeping up to date with the latest trends in wearable technology can be overwhelming. It seems there are new products every week that can help workers stay safe while on the jobsite, and for good reason. Around the world, workplace accidents kill one person and injure another 153 others every 15 seconds. “It’s not acceptable that we can push a button and have anything in the world delivered to our doorstep, but that people can still get hurt and even die needlessly when they go to work,” says Peter E. Raymond, CEO of Human Condition Safety (HCS) In response to that, HCS is creating a suite of tools that helps workers and their managers prevent injuries before they happen. Incorporating wearable devices, artificial intelligence, building information modeling and cloud computing, the product suite is designed for the industries that hold the highest risk for workers, including manufacturing, energy, warehousing and distribution, and foremost, construction. HCS conducted its first pilot project at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in 2015 and is currently in its second pilot project at Citi Field ballpark. HCS will continue to conduct pilots in multiple locations and with various industries throughout 2016. These pilots are real-world trials to identify leading indicators of potential injuries, and to demonstrate how HCS’s technology creates measureable improvements to reduce the frequency and severity of work-related injuries. AIG recently announced it has made a strategic investment in HCS, and as one of the world’s largest workers’ compensation insurers, the partnership just makes sense. Wearables are typically miniature electronic devices that are worn under or on top of clothing or are somehow attached to the body; they can even
PERSONAL TRANSPONDERS Each transponder is designed to become part of employees’ personal protective equipment (PPE) and is individually identified. SiteZone tags have a long life and come in a range of options to meet customers requirements.
SITEZONE BASE STATION The base station generates an RF zone or bubble around the vehicle. The size of this bubble can be varied to meet site requirements.
OPERATOR DISPLAY UNIT (ODU) The ODU performs a range of functions including alerting the machine operator to zone breaches controlling authorized approaches.
EXTERNAL ALARM The external alarm alerts any tag wearing personnel breaching a safety zone that they have done so allowing them to retreat to a safer location.
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Y
SiteZone uses the analogy of a “safety bubble” to help relay the message of their technology. The bubble is the danger zone that pedestrians should avoid to prevent accidental collision. When the detection zone is breached, the personnel wearing the SiteZone transponder has “burst the bubble.”
help reduce our clients’ overall cost of risk. We will continue to look for more opportunities with firms like HCS that set the pace for mitigating and managing risks in ways unthinkable just a few years ago.”
Wearables already working
be part of clothing. They capture data and provide feedback about the wearer. HCS creates a comprehensive solution to workplace risk, with a platform that enables workers to reduce injuries and employers to improve operational efficiency. The technology can detect when a worker carries too much weight, makes a “bad bend,” or enters an area that puts them at risk for injury because of environmental conditions or getting too close to dangerous equipment. “AIG’s embrace of innovative, disruptive technologies is opening new ways for us to strategically partner with our clients,” says AIG Commercial Insurance CEO Rob Schimek. “In this case, the technology from HCS will help enable us to work with clients to make their worksites safer places for their employees and
While HCS is working to incorporate technology into every aspect of a construction project, some companies are already pushing wearable technologies that make on the ground construction workers safer right now. In the future, construction Many companies looking to bring more workers might find that common assets, like safety wearable tech to the jobsite are focusing on getting their innovations into workers’ vests, are being infused with new capabilities. existing gear to boost adoption. As a result, in the near future, construction workers might find that common assets, such as hardhats, safety vests and even the tools they carry, are being infused with new capabilities. As a result there are now “smart” hard hats that offer the worker a clear visor that can display 3D visual overlays in the wearer’s field of view. It also features a 360° wireless camera, allowing a full view of the worker’s surroundings. Safer safety vests are also becoming more common as many vests will now be equipped with GPS systems to monitor worker location. These safety vests along with new proximity warning systems are real game changers when it comes to jobsite safety. SiteZone Proximity Warning System (PWS), is an audible and visual warning system designed to reduce the risk of vehicle personnel collisions and can be used anywhere the proximity of people and CONSTRUCTION ZONE SAFE T Y 2016
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T E C HN OL O G Y T R E ND S
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vehicles working together is of concern. And according to OSHA over 10% of all construction fatalities are related to workers being struck by an object, so this technology just makes sense. The devices use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to transport data. These tiny electronic chips transfer information from a transponder to a receptor. Pedestrians wear a small RFID transponder on their hard hat or sleeve, and a small unit is fitted to the vehicle. SiteZone PWS then produces a detection zone, or bubble, around a vehicle, machine or even a restricted area. This invisible radio frequency field completely surrounds the vehicle and is used to detect the presence of the wearable transponders. SiteZone uses the analogy of a “safety bubble” to help relay the message of their technology. The bubble is the danger zone that pedestrians should avoid to prevent accidental collision. When the detection zone is breached, the personnel wearing the SiteZone transponder has “burst the bubble.” The machine operator is immediately alerted to their presence and can take the appropriate action. When this occurs, both the driver and the operator receive warnings through vibration, audio or visual alerts. This two-way alarm is important since it is the responsibility of both the driver and the pedestrian to avoid a collision. SiteZone also offers optional external alarms that can be placed on top of equipment to sound in the event of a breach. The “Don’t Burst the Bubble” message also provides an easily memorable visual reminder to workers, useful in staff inductions and training programs. Importantly, if a pedestrian does breach a safety zone, SiteZone automatically logs the
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Wearable devices use Radio Frequency Indentification (RFID) to transport data.
incident. SiteZone’s developer, OnGarde, has also now launched its OverSite product which transfers all logged data to a secure website. And since each RFID transponder can be individually identified, managers can identify repeat offenders and target further safety training. Through use of this technology, workers are becoming inherently more aware of the risks they encounter every day and are adapting their behavior to protect themselves from potentially dangerous situations. The Sitezone PWS can be deployed onto a wide range of vehicles and machinery across multiple disciplines. It can also be used to tag critical or valuable assets to prevent vehicle collisions or create exclusion zones around no entry areas.
The future of safety HCS is not the only tech company developing workplace wearables and AIG is not the only insurer interested. A survey recently reported by Accenture said that nearly two thirds of insurers expect wearable technologies to have a significant impact on the industry within two years. John Hancock Insurance made news last year by offering its life insurance policyholders a free fitness band to track their health and be rewarded with lower premiums. Wearables have been gaining traction outside the traditional workplace as well. For several years, athletes have been wearing sensors that measure and help them analyze and improve their performance. Some employers and military leaders use wearables to track employees’ and soldiers’ whereabouts, movements and fitness with an eye on improving productivity. ●
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C OMPA C T T R A C K L O A DE R S
QUICK TIPS for Compact Track Loader Safety Carefully evaluate the jobsite and take good care of your machine for optimum safety on the job
B
ecause compact track loaders are used in many different applications with numerous attachments, it’s important to use them correctly and appropriately to decrease the chance of jobsite injuries. Fortunately, there are several quick tips that can help you avoid potential safety hazards.
Evaluate the jobsite environment and machine requirements. The first step is to evaluate the type of jobs the machine will be performing. Then, compare them with the machine’s actual capabilities. Since the compact track loader is such a versatile jobsite workhorse, operators might use the machine for unplanned applications that could extend the machine past its capabilities. It’s important to consider the toughest, heaviest and most rugged conditions in which the machine will be working. For example, a larger machine can pick up a load that weighs less than its rated operating capacity, but if operators attempt to use the machine to carry an exceedingly heavy load, then the machine can become unstable and therefore unsafe.
Take special care in hazardous environments. If the machine is working in a caustic environment, owners and operators must follow strict cleaning procedures when work is completed. Similarly, if the machine works in extremely hot or cold conditions, owners and operators might need to adjust fluids appropriately to keep the machine running smoothly and reduce downtime. 8
Check your machine’s overall visibility. When choosing a machine, consider your visibility from the cab to your external environment, as well as to the front of the machine. Choosing a machine with a low boom profile or single PowerBoom significantly increases all-around visibility and reduces the chance of jobsite accidents. Choose the right attachments. Compact track loaders owe much of their versatility to the many attachments with which they can be fitted. These attachments make it possible to use the machine in numerous ways, allowing owners and operators to offer more services and improve overall profitability. However, it’s imperative for owners and operators to ensure they are choosing the right attachment for the application, as well as for the machine itself. For example, some attachments might require “highflow” or “low-flow” hydraulic systems - and you cannot operate a high-flow attachment if your machine does not have enough hydraulic horsepower. Other attachments might also be too large or small for the size of the machine; their use can reduce productivity and create potential safety hazards. With many compact track loaders operators enter from the front of the machine, climbing over the attachment to enter the cab. Consider a skid steer with side-door entry for a safe, comfortable day’s work.
Perform recommended maintenance on schedule. Having a well-maintained machine not only extends the machine’s life, but also improves its productivity. Maintenance also helps prevent unexpected service failures which could put operators into dangerous situations. And ultimately, a well-maintained unit increases your compact track loader’s resale value. Transport your machine appropriately. Before transporting your compact track loader to a jobsite, ensure you have an appropriate trailer with tie downs to properly secure it. Doing so will protect both the machine and the people around it. ● Information provided by JCB Inc.
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SIMPLY SAFER
SOMETIMES COMMON SENSE ISN’T SO COMMON It makes sense that the world’s leading telehandler brand would design a compact track loader with a single PowerBoom design. It provides the operator industry leading 270º visibility, unmatched comfort and even a side door. Imagine that–an actual door on a compact track loader. No wonder it’s simply the safest on the market. Visit JCBNA.com to learn more about JCB’s line of skid steers and compact track loaders today.
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O N T HE JOB B y J o h n M e o l a , C S P, A R M
How to
Start a Safety Program
Leadership commitment, customization, and written program lead to success
T
he construction industry is tough enough without having to endure accidents, along with everything else. We all get a bad name when someone gets hurt or there’s a bad crash. The smart folks in the business, those who plan to be around for the long haul, will recognize that a safety program is a big part of the company culture. If your employees truly mean something to you besides swinging a shovel, then you get it. Here are some of the operative elements for basic, intermediate and advanced safety programs. If you are doing some of these now, this article should confirm that you’re on the right track. If you have ‘zippo’ on the books, then this is your wake up call. We’re basically trying to move the industry ahead, one safety meeting at a time!
PROGRAM MUST HAVES: »» Top Leadership Commitment. The more visible, the better. It cannot start in the middle of the org. chart. This key element will determine how effective your program and outcomes are. »» Written Safety Program. Generic programs are free and available from OSHA, your state safety people, or your insurance company. • A custom-written program might cost a few bucks but they’re worth it. • 75% will be ‘corporate wallpaper,’ but you need to have it. • The level of customization will reflect the degree of interest your company has in the program. • In other words, oats that have been through the horse already, will look it. »» Kick Off/Roll out meeting. If you are starting the program from scratch, this roll out is an important first step. If you are giving the existing program a boost, make this meeting memorable. Hand out some meaningful souvenirs - seasonal clothing, tools, etc. Put your name and safety message on everything. Make it a positive, upbeat and energetic meeting. »» Accountabilities and responsibilities. Name the names, due dates, etc. »» Safety Committee – include representatives from major food groups. Must have at least one supervisor and an admin to record the progress. »» Regular safety meetings for all employees, with a ‘No Excuses’ policy. Mandatory attendance sends the message
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»»
»»
»»
»» »»
you are serious. These are not gripe sessions. Use an agenda, stick to the schedule. Keep it moving, relevant. • Once a month - hold a one-hour meeting • Weekly meetings can be 30 minutes • Daily Tool Box Talks, 10-15 minutes Basic OSHA compliance trainings: • New Employee Safety Orientation • Haz Com/GHS • PPE training • First Aid & Fire Safety, BBP • Emergency Response Plan • Lock Out/Tag Out Task-specific training at the awareness or action level, depending how deep you’re going: • Fall Protection • Confined Space Entry • Power Tools • Machinery and equipment – Operator safety training Inspections - in some shape or form - Office, shop, yard, jobsite. With a checklist and follow-ups for corrective measure. Designated Spotters for movement of vehicles and machinery, as applicable High-Visibility Apparel for all employees, dress for respect!
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NICE TO HAVES:
THE HOLY GRAIL:
»» Guest speakers at safety meetings who can share meaningful information, such as equipment and hardware vendors, PPE specialists, fire and EMS folks, law enforcement, etc. »»Insurance agent or carrier participation in your program. These guys love staying under the radar, but if you’re paying the big bucks, make some noise and get them involved in your message. »» Pre-Work warm up exercises for the crew. Five minutes at the start of the shift can make a big difference. Plus it sends the message. For extra credit, the boss should lead the session. »» Defensive Driving - preach the basics. Because everyone drives. Including the family. »» Suggestion Program, with follow up. »» Pay-check stuffers on wide range of topics, but safety primarily. »» Close Call reporting & follow up »» Fleet Safety Program – use the ANSI Standard as a guide. »» Personalized uniforms, seasonal selection, with high visibility built in. »» Customized safety meeting agendas, written by someone who actually knows your business and employee needs and concerns. Avoid using generic stuff off the internet. »» Safety Newsletter or other regular safety communications, periodic bulletins, holiday safety messages, etc. »» Safety Footwear program - percentage reimbursement or outright purchase. There are a lot of safety shoe vendors who will give you a pretty good break on pricing. Well worth the effort. »» Seasonal Safety Gear - gloves and ice scrapers in winter, first aid kits to take home, recreational and camping gear, etc. Make sure your name and safety message is all over everything. »» Job Hazard Analyses - for just about everything you’re going to do. »» Contractor controls - because these guys can cause a lot of problems if they’re not carefully managed.
»» Employee Safety Performance Recognition – define it, measure it, talk it up, show some pride of achievement. »» Safety Incentive, rewards, bonus. Start small, ramp it up.` »» Zero Incident Program. »» Continuous Improvement Program. »» Engage the employees’ families. »» Continuing (Safety) Education – OSHA courses, Community College. »» Codify and publish your Best Safety Practices. This shows LEADERSHIP and pre-eminence in your field. »» Trade Association participation, attend conferences, make presentations on your Best Practices. »» Be an acknowledged LEADER in your industry. »» Review Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. You’ve arrived.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs
John J. Meola, CSP, ARM is safety director at Pillar Engineers and can be reached at 804-751-0600, ext. 4314 and jmeola@pillarens.com.
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AT TA C HME N T S
Vacuum Technology Promotes Both Safety and Productivity for Material Handling in the Field This alternative material handling method eliminates the need for hooks, slings or chains
A
major task for most construction companies is handling heavy materials on jobsites. Safety should always be a priority, yet efficiency is also important to the bottom line. With the help of vacuum lifting technology, companies can complete jobs faster while keeping personnel safe. Traditional material handling methods include rigging materials with hooks, slings or chains. Loads, however, are at risk of shifting or coming loose. Furthermore, they are often free-swinging and difficult to control. Personnel must climb on top of materials to attach rigging. On the ground, it often requires several tag line operators to guide materials into position. All of these factors introduce potential hazards on the job and increase the risk of injury.
Vacuum lifting offers a safer way Vacuum lifting is a safer alternative for material handling, providing many benefits over conventional rigging methods. Importantly, it eliminates the need for unsafe and time-consuming mechanisms such as hooks, slings or chains. The principal components of a vacuum lifting system include a vacuum pump, a vacuum reservoir and valve, vacuum pad(s) and visible and audible alerts. A self-contained engine or hydraulic power from the host machine drives the pump, which maintains a constant vacuum in the pressure reservoir. When activated, the system pulls a vacuum between the pad and the object to be lifted, creating a positive engagement of the load for secure and dependable material handling. The vacuum seal will hold until the operator activates the release even in the event of a power failure. Vacuum lifting systems are able to go in areas where people should not be. There is no need for workers to climb on materials or for tag line operators to work in close proximity to suspended loads while on the ground. 12
Given that crews do not have to stop between lifts to attach rigging, there is less downtime. Materials can also be lifted without displacing adjacent pieces and placed with more precision.
Systems are customizable for different needs Vacuum lifting devices should never be treated as “general purpose” material handling equipment. Vacuum lifters and pads are available in a wide variety of configurations, so it is important to choose the proper components based on the specific material to be lifted. A vacuum lifter can be used with multiple pads to accommodate different material types, weights and sizes, which in turn increases the versatility of the system. Vacuum lifters and pads are also available for rent to meet short-term or unusual material handling needs. As with any equipment, operators should undergo training to ensure safe and proper use. Contractors should consult manufacturer’s instructions to determine the regular inspection and maintenance schedules, and safety checks should be performed prior to each use to make sure the lifter and pad are in proper working order.
Safety with bottom line benefits A 2015 study by Travelers Insurance, which evaluated more than 1.5 million worker compensation claims submitted from 2010 to 2014, found that material handling was the most common cause of accidents, accounting for 32% of the claims for all businesses and industries analyzed. By employing safer material handling methods such as vacuum lifting, construction companies can minimize the occurrence of accidents while also benefiting their bottom line. When vacuum lifting systems are utilized as part of an overall safety strategy, contractors find that their costs are reduced by fewer insurance claims as well as increased productivity. ● Information provided by Vacuworx
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C OMPA C T E Q UIP ME N T
Promote Safety on the Job
With These Universal Guidelines for Compact Equipment Operation
Educating your operators on machine capabilities and safe operation is paramount to minimizing risks on the jobsite
W
hen it comes to operating compact equipment, safety should be at the forefront of every stakeholder’s mind, including business owners, managers and the operators themselves. Those who know and understand how to safely use equipment have the ability to work faster and more efficiently, leading to better overall performance and profitability. Knowing how to properly use compact equipment can also help reduce the risk of injury to operators or others on the jobsite.
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Building a safety mindset requires a shared responsibility at all levels, proper training, daily integration, continuous improvement and positive reinforcement. A safety culture starts with management and operational staff members who treat safety and health as an investment, not a cost, and who value as well as demonstrate model behaviors. Also, operators who know how to properly operate their equipment and follow manufacturers’ recommendations are more likely to operate more safely and efficiently. “Educating your operators on machine capabilities and safe operation is paramount to minimizing risks on the jobsite,” says Shawn Warkenthien, director of product safety for Bobcat Company. “The amount of money you invest in safety education and training can reap dividends in increased performance and profitability, not to mention the decreased negative consequences of a careless work environment — injuries, insurance claims, lost revenue or even worse.”
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Safety is always being refined and continuously improved upon, so dedicating time and resources will help strengthen areas as well as define strategies that can positively impact safety performance. Positive reinforcement — by celebrating and acknowledging efforts — is another key aspect that goes hand-in-hand with continuous improvement. Knowing how a machine works, realizing a machine’s capabilities and limitations, and exercising appropriate behavior inside and around the machine can help minimize the risk of accidents. Some universal guidelines that can be used for all compact machines include: ✔✔Consult the operation and maintenance manual before operating any type of compact equipment. ✔✔Follow instructions on machine safety signs to avoid situations that can cause serious injuries or even death. ✔✔Wear tight-fitting clothing that cannot get caught on working components or controls inside and outside of the machine. ✔✔Always face the machine when getting in, and grab handles and use steps that are provided for a three-point contact. ✔✔Fasten the seatbelt. ✔✔Pay close attention to all warning lights and gauges. ✔✔Never attempt to start the engine or operate the controls from outside the machine. ✔✔Look to the rear first before backing up and check each side before swinging or turning the machine. ✔✔Run at a low speed until the operator is comfortable with using the machine. ✔✔Never allow riders on the machine. ✔✔Keep all body parts inside the machine while it is running. ✔✔Be aware of overhead or underground power lines or obstacles. ✔✔Make sure proper ventilation is provided if working in an enclosed area or building. ✔✔Move slowly uphill or downhill, with the heaviest part of the machine uphill. (When loaders or handlers are empty, the heaviest part might be the rear of the machine.) ✔✔Avoid sudden stops or turns; steep slopes or drop-offs; rocks; culverts and stumps.
✔✔Stop the machine on level ground when finished on a jobsite. Always lower the booms, lift arms, buckets and attachments before exiting the machine. ✔✔Engage the parking brake and stop the engine before leaving the unit with the three-point exit strategy. An owners’ manual is the ideal source for equipment information, but manufacturers like Bobcat Company offer operator training kits and safety videos, in both English and Spanish, designed to improve
Safety is always being refined and continuously improved upon, so dedicating time and resources will help strengthen areas as well as define strategies that can positively impact safety performance. safety and productivity for their machines. Bobcat operator training kits can be obtained by contacting your local Bobcat dealer or visiting Bobcat.com/train. Incorporating safety on the jobsite can help employees experience not only increased health and safety, but also increased pride in their work. “According to research done by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), a commitment to a safety culture almost always leads to better employee safety and health, less hazardous working conditions, lower workers’ compensation and other insurance costs, improved productivity and efficiency, enhanced employee morale and reduced turnover,” Warkenthien says. “Visible ownership/ management commitment to safety also facilitates more trusting relationships between management and employees.” Customers also tend to notice operator safety as well. Being safe presents a favorable impression that can go a long way toward promoting a business. Building and maintaining a safety culture is something all managers and operators should strive for and is a commitment well worth making. ● Information provided by Bobcat Co.
Knowing how a machine works, realizing its capabilities and limitations, and exercising appropriate behavior inside and around the machine can help minimize the risk of accidents.
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E MP L O Y E E M AT T E R S
HOW TO APPROACH
Jobsite Safety Meetings
Tips and topics to help you engage your workers to keep them safe By John J. M e o l a , C S P, A R M
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mong the most common complaints from field staff are 1) they need to hold a safety meeting every day or at least weekly, and 2) they don’t have much to talk about that’s new under the sun. Same old, same old, and you really can’t fault these guys — their job is construction, not creating safety stories. It’s a proven fact that holding a safety meeting daily will keep your guys focused on working safe. In fact, you should be allowing for at least a halfhour per day, per person in your bid, to show you’re not going to try and skate on holding the meetings, at least you show some time for it. If the owner is serious about their project and safety, they will respect your position. Here are some general suggestions for topics and approaches to safety meetings. You need to figure out how to add the “local color and commentary” to make these topics applicable to your jobsite. Always discuss the job, what’s going on and how to do it
safely. Always ask for everyone’s input, feedback, thoughts, and ideas on how to improve.
Focus on the job Divide it into small steps and talk about the safety factors of each step: Machines running around, dump trucks, defensive backing, use of a spotter, stay well away from anything that moves, i.e. no sidewalk superintendents. Think about something called the Internal Work Zone Traffic Control Plan. Google that term and see what OSHA & NIOSH have to say about it. Also, talk about the use of tools, noise, PPE, etc. All this stuff qualifies. You can get an app to turn your phone into a noise meter. You’d be surprised how noisy things can get.
Insist on high visibility This applies to people but also to the rigs. Make sure they see you! Use buggy whips on your rigs if they can be obscured by dirt piles, geography, other machines, etc. Use LED strobes and daytime running lights on everything.
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• All persons must have high-visibility apparel, clean and properly worn. • Apply DOT red and white conspicuity tape to rear-facing surfaces. • Paint any obstructions on the site in high-visibility marking paint. This paint will wash off with a pressure washer if it conflicts with the landscape décor, but your focus right now is safety, get it?
Plan for first aid and emergency response For example, a lot of the 911 communication in rural or remote areas is pretty much a toss-up. They can’t always find you based on you saying “I’m on a big construction site.” Really? Talk about sending someone out to meet and greet the EMS so they know exactly where to find you.
Talk about your SSIP Pick any section and walk through it. You will already have talked about the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) forum in your pre-work mobilization meetings, but there are always sections that can bear repeating. For example, your emergency response plan (who will go to meet the EMS, who knows first aid, who calls the office, etc.) are all fair game to review
Explain water gel burn blankets This is a safety meeting all by itself. These blankets or pouched sheets are used to cool and antiseptically passivate a burn on a person. But they can also double as a fire extinguisher or escape device, depending on the situation, such as trying to get people out of a burning car at a gas pump. They’re a little pricey in the larger sizes, but when you need it, they are, in fact, priceless.
Require daily pre-work stretching Do this at the start of the shift and after lunch. Yes, you heard right, twice a day. This takes all of about four minutes but can save you a lot in soft tissue (sprain and strains) injury avoidance. Great for building safety awareness. Better still if the Boss leads the exercises.
Encourage defensive driving We all drive at some point. In fact, over 40% of the 4,700 occupational fatalities last year were transportation related. Does this number tell you something?
SAFETY MEETING “Dos”
»» Bring stuff to show and tell: Safety hardware, tools, seasonal gear, etc. »» Buy the crew a coffee and donut »» Keep it brief, moving right along — not a sermon »» Whenever possible, the boss should show up; he doesn’t even have to talk, just show up »» Use a sign-in sheet – they’re a free cell phone app now, so you’ve got no excuse »» Leave time for questions. Not a philosophical debate, but honest questions »» ALWAYS try to stimulate discussion and thinking about safety by asking for input, comment, discussion, “What are you thinking?” etc. »» Turn off the cell phones; bad news will find you, with or without the phone
“Don’ts” »» Reading from the page is a guaranteed snoozer; make it at least sound current, fresh and real »» Saying “They told me I had to do this” is a guaranteed turn off; show some team spirit, even when it hurts »» Accepting lame excuses for non-attendance »» Acting like you don’t care by trying to “hurry it up” »» Screwing around with your smart phone; making or taking a call
Here’s a tip: call your safety supplier and tell them you want a dozen high-visibility seat belt sleeves. Make these standard issue for your company vehicles. Yes, we understand that you have a seat belt policy. Yes, your drivers religiously wear their belts. This sleeve sends a message that you are serious about it. Not to mention it might save them a speeding ticket if the cops figure the guy is part of your safety program. Remember, this is not a beauty contest.
Discuss and provide PPE Personal Protective Equipment in all its wondrous forms: eye and face protection, hard hats, different types and properly fitted gloves (a tight glove will decrease hand fatigue and improve dexterity and grip) and more.
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E MP L O Y E E M AT T E R S
Basic Safety Meeting References »» Use the internet, mother of all information. There are no rules on the internet so you can use anything you find (almost). But rule Number 2 is: Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. You’ll get the point eventually. »» The Operators Manual from the cab of each machine. This is normally permanently attached on a cable so it does not get lost. You can go online and download a copy, ask the dealer for a copy, or cut the cable and steal the book and use it for show and tell at your meeting (reattach it when you’re done). A lot of machines offer their manuals on-line. All you are looking for is the safety information, most of which is clearly spelled out with warning decals, pictorials and other easy-to-decipher symbols. »» Bring in a vendor for an “expert witness” presentation. The guys who are selling you gloves, shovels, hard hats, glasses, etc. need to step up and show up (bearing a tub of Coke and donuts) and host a meeting for you on PPE. »» Every tool can have an “ergonomic lesson” associated with it. Most of the important stuff will be in the manual, so review it with a highlighter and use that as your lesson plan. »» There is no safety manual for a shovel. But a lot of soft tissue injuries occur from improper shoveling. So teach the correct way to shovel. There is an ergonomically correct way to do this, and a lot more incorrect ways. The denser the material, the more attention you need to pay to this. Ask the more experienced guys to watch over the new guys to reinforce this message. »» HazCom. This topic has been around since the Egyptians and is basically useless in terms of applicability on a jobsite — or so you might think. There are a surprising amount of chemicals on the average site, and you should have a Safety Data Sheet (paper or electronic) on hand for each of them. Admittedly, it is a rare occurrence that a chemical causes a problem on the typical job, but at least you’re making the effort. Diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid, anti-freeze, WD 40, motor oil, etc. Talk it up. If the stuff can burn, relate it back to your fire safety talk. If someone gets a face full of something, you will probably be looking for a data sheet to figure out what to use to flush it out of their eyes or mouth.
Watch the weather Yes, you heard right: Talk about the weather. OSHA is obsessive during the warmer months because of the growing number of heat exhaustion cases. Do the research and preach it. In the winter, talk about dressing in layers to stay warm and comfortable. This is a wide open topic, but trust us, all of your peeps are going to have their own religion on their dress code.
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Make sure they understand that hydration is important all year round, and how eating junk food for lunch will take its toll during the hot afternoons. Also make clear how our blood will thicken in cold weather and thin in hot weather, and how by staying properly hydrated this can make a big difference in alertness levels, onset of fatigue, and a few other human cognition factors. We hope this information is helpful to you. Honestly, we have seen some very high-energy safety meetings take place in the rain, on a muddy site, in the cold, because the guy running the meeting connected with his crew and they knew he cared about them. Very often, it’s not so much what you say, as how you say it.
Just because you’re the boss doesn’t automatically make you the best person to handle the meeting. If you have someone on staff who is a better speaker and presenter, well, delegate, and let them deliver the message. All you need to do is show up. Another lesson: Just because you’re the boss doesn’t automatically make you the best person to handle the meeting. If you have someone on staff who is a better speaker and presenter, well, let them deliver the message. All you need to do is show up. You presence alone sends the message of importance. The speaker is just the mouthpiece. Remember, this is not a personality cult, it’s about the crew safety and not getting hurt. So leave the egos at the door and get your meeting going!
John J. Meola, CSP, ARM is safety director at Pillar Engineers and he can be reached at 804-751-0600, ext. 4314 and jmeola@pillarens.com.
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S A F E T Y P R ODUC T S
Safety Today Brass Knuckle SmartShell BKCR4499 Gloves The Brass Knuckle SmartShell BKCR4499 high-visibility gloves feature a machineknit, ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene shell that offers ANSI cut level 4 protection with a strength-to-weight ratio 8 to 15 times higher than steel. • Thermoplastic rubber padding on the back offers protection from contusions, smash injuries, punctures and object strikes, with pinch protection extending to each fingertip • Sandy finish of the black nitrile palm coating offers wet grip and slip and abrasion resistance • Double stitched in high wear areas ForConstructionPros.com/12137565
Caldwell DuraLite Lifting and Spreader Beams Dura-Lite models are engineered from durable composite materials bonded together to form ultra-strong lifters that can withstand the demands of rugged environments. • Available in Lifting Beam or Spreader Beam configurations with capacities from 500 to 6,000 lbs. • Lightweight and easy to handle and transport • Non-conductive • Corrosion-resistant • Proof tested to 150% of rated capacity • Comply with ASME B30.20, BTH-1, design category B, service class 4 ForConstructionPros. com/12052096
Worksafe Dump-Lok This dump truck and dump trailer safety support device locks the truck’s dump bed in the raised position, preventing it from falling. • Holds dump boxes at angles higher than most manufacturer body props • Supports up to 95,000 lbs. ForConstructionPros.com/10091772
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t MSA Arc Flash Full Body Harnesses EVOTECH and Workman Arc Flash Full Body Harnesses are designed to self-extinguish quickly to prevent melting or dripping in the event of an arc flash, keeping workers safe around electrical hazards at heights. • EVOTECH made from 100% Kevlar webbing with lightweight Kevlar shoulder padding and a horizontal leg strap design that conforms to the user’s body • Lightweight Workman uses high-strength nylon designed to maintain integrity after exposure to an arc flash and in the event of a fall ForConstructionPros.com/11569577
u Trench Shoring Services ultraSHORE The ultraSHORE trench shields include panels made of specially corrugated aluminum that provide protection in trenches up to 12 ft. deep in Class C soils. • Available in 2-, 3- and 4-ft. heights and lengths from 4 to 12 ft. • Models weigh from 42 to 300 lbs. • Two or more can be stacked for deeper trenches, or can be used vertically standing on end • Options include wheel kits and legs ForConstructionPros.com/10090394
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L IGH T T O W E R S
CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHT Tower to Achieve Jobsite Safety Position and adjust lights correctly to avoid blinding workers or creating a glare hazard for nearby motorists
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n any jobsite, the most important aspect of safety is the well being of the workers as well as pedestrians that happen to be on or around the jobsite. It’s essential to make sure the product you choose to light your jobsite is set up correctly to provide the appropriate amount of light as well as a safe jobsite. It’s also very important to position and adjust the lights correctly to avoid blinding workers or creating a glare hazard for nearby motorists. Some companies claim to have non-glare light towers, and while there are ways to make the light less invasive, there is really no such thing as non-glare lighting. Any type of light that is shined into a person’s eyes is going to cause glare and be a safety issue. Some models allow for all of their lights to be aimed directly down for critical applications to prevent the light from blinding those on or passing around the jobsite. Visor shields are also offered by some manufacturers in order to shield some of the light from passers-by while still providing adequate light to illuminate the appropriate area. Protecting sensitive environments is always a concern, not only for the environment but for the operator’s bottom line 20
as well. Fines and clean-up costs for even the simplest oil or fuel spills can quickly eat up any profit. A fluid containment system holding at least 110% of the fuel and crankcase oil in the light tower can help prevent spills, and their resultant environmental damage and expense. Fuel capacity is also an important factor when choosing a light tower. Some jobsites are very large or remote and the light towers need to be located in hard to access locations, so it can be very beneficial for a light tower to have a larger fuel capacity in order to lessen the number of times a fuel truck has to service them. Some manufacturers offer fuel tanks with 100 gallons of capacity, allowing the light tower to operate for extended periods before refueling. This kind of savings can add up very fast, especially on large and remote jobsites. Hazardous gas accumulation is a real problem in the oil and gas industries. When you need to operate in this environment, the possibility of an accumulation of dangerous gases can create a serious danger. Light towers equipped with hazardous gas detection systems provide an extra layer of safety. The systems are designed to monitor hazardous gases, warn of any accumulation, and provide status identification by triggering lights, warning sirens, and shutting down the light tower. Other aspects to consider on a jobsite would be wind and mother nature. Some manufacturers offer four- or even five-point stabilizer systems to ensure that a light tower can remain operational in gusts of up to 65 miles per hour. Making sure the product won’t be blown over, possibly causing damage to itself, other equipment, or bystanders, is very important and should be carefully considered. ● Information provided by Allmand Bros.
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NL5000 LIGHT TOWER
ROI-DRIVEN SOLUTION BUILT WITH THE DURABILITY & PERFORMANCE YOU DEMAND 90 HOUR RUNTIME LOWER RISK DEPLOYMENT 18 UNITS ON 48’ FLATBED 20 UNITS ON 53’ FLATBED
Contact Allmand to order yours today. | (800) 562-1373 Holdrege, Nebraska since 1938 | www.allmand.com
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IN T HE Z O NE By Jessica Stoikes, contributing editor
Safer Work Zones a Reality with
DRIVERLESS VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
Autonomous attenuator trucks hit the road to improve safety in work zones
I Keeping your driver safe from this danger has always been the challenge.
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f there was a way to cut construction work zone injuries and fatalities in half, would your company make the investment? According to the Journal of the Transportation Research Board, a device called an attenuator can do just that. Today, your company probably has a specialized truck onsite, outfitted with a crash barrier to keep oncoming traffic away from your workers. These crash trucks, fitted with a device called a truckmounted attenuator (TMA), have been credited with saving lives. Attenuator technology has been around for 30 years and these TMA’s are built to absorb the impact of high (or low) speed crashes, decrease damage made to each vehicle involved, and most importantly, save people’s lives. The founder of Royal Truck & Equipment Inc., Rob Roy, saw a hole in the market for a quality TMA Truck. “There are many trucks on the market today that are meant to act as a crash truck, but are built so poorly that the drivers and workers were still getting injured, or worse, killed,” says Samantha Schwartz,
marketing & business development manager at Royal Truck & Equipment. “He sought out many users of the product, asked questions, listened and developed his own high quality, safe, regulationstandard TMA Truck – and it absolutely saves lives every day.” However, since a TMA Truck is meant to act as a crash cushion between a distracted driver coming into a work zone, and the construction workers that are in the work zone doing their job, there is no true purpose of the vehicle except to be hit. This means your workers who drive these vehicles are inevitably placed in harm’s way, “literally waiting to be struck,” Roy says.
Look, no hands Keeping your driver safe from this danger has always been the challenge. However, with the development of driverless vehicle technology, along with an attenuator, the game has changed.
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58’ TELESCOPING BOOM TOWER
putting the driver’s life in a high-risk and dangerous situation. The pilot program will yield a significant amount of never before captured data regarding the automation of road construction vehicles and the utilization of these vehicles in work zones. What will be learned from the pilot program will apply toward further integration of these technologically advanced vehicles in an effort to continue to create a more safe and accident-free work environment on roadways.” ●
16 INDEPENDENTLY ADJUSTABLE LED LIGHTS
“If you can remove the driver of the TMA Truck, you are removing someone from an inevitable situation,” Schwartz says. “Rob asked: “why have a sitting duck in a crash truck? “Our partners in this technology, Micro Systems Inc., approached us when they found out the purpose of a TMA Truck, to keep drivers safe,” Schwarz continues. “They thought this same autonomous technology that is used to remove our armed men and women out of dangerous war zones (military drone technology), would do the same in our dangerous work zones.” Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), developed by Micro Systems Inc., are playing an increasingly important role in commercial and military applications. These robotic and autonomous systems are improving safety and significantly reducing the number of dangerous tasks performed by humans. “Automating a TMA truck and transforming it into a UGV enables autonomous driving capability,” Schwartz says. “The Autonomous TMA (ATMA) will maintain the safety of the work zone without
Royal had been testing the ATMA technology for 10 months before it made its debut. Two of the autonomous vehicles will begin work on highway construction sites in Florida under a state Department of Transportation demonstration program.
1-800-369-6671 L ARS ONE L E C T RONIC S .CO M
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T R A IL E R S
THINGS TO AVOID
to Safely Haul Your Equipment Ensure safe equipment transport so everyone goes home safe at the end of the day
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t the end of a long work day, you just want to go home to your family, have dinner, visit with the kids, take care of some household chores and then relax for the evening. You look forward to grilling or going to the movies. Your spouse and the kids are excited to see you, or you have plans with your friends. You work hard so you can play hard. Everyone wants to go home at the end of the day, which makes it so important to be safe when hauling equipment from jobsite to jobsite. LOOSE CHAINS AND UNSECURED ITEMS - Probably the most common safety concern when hauling equipment is having loose tie-down chains or unsecured items bouncing around on the trailer bed. Once you have your equipment properly positioned, make sure you tighten all tie-down chains. Loose chains can allow the load to shift, causing improper load balance. Also, make sure all items are secured, whether they be equipment accessories, wheel chocks, tools, spare tires, or anything else. A tool or wheel chock bouncing down the highway can be a deadly hazard. CRACKED WIRES AND LEAKY HOSES - Having proper working lights is important, but the main cause when lights aren’t working is a bad ground wire. There can be several causes, but a common one is cracked wire insulation. This lets water and other chemicals seep through the wires and cause corrosion. Rust or corrosion on the ground terminal is another cause. If your trailer is equipped with air or hydraulic lines, make sure all connections are sealed properly. Leaky hoses can cause brakes to fail or come on suddenly. Even faulty wiring on electric brakes can cause a failure. Periodically check all wires and hoses to make sure everything is in good working order.
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UNDER-INFLATED OR OVER-INFLATED TIRES Properly inflated tires offer the best in trailer control, tire wear, and fuel economy. If your trailer tires are under inflated, it can make the trailer hard to pull, cause braking issues, excessive tire wear, and be hard to turn corners. If the tires are over inflated, it can also cause control issues and excessive tire wear. Properly inflated, tires give their best performance and wear characteristics. UNBALANCED LOADS - Trailers have a balance point in order for them to tow properly. When the load is not positioned correctly, it can cause stress on suspension and frame parts, and stress on the tow vehicle. If the load position is too forward, it can cause the front of the tow vehicle to lighten and lose steering control. If the load position is too far back, it can cause the back of the tow vehicle to be light and also cause steering control issues. If the load is positioned too far to one side of the trailer, it can cause suspension damage and increases the risk of a tipped load going around a corner. Make sure the load is positioned evenly over the wheel area of the trailer on a tag type trailer, or properly positioned on the deck of a lowboy or fifth-wheel trailer. EXCESSIVE SPEEDS AND ROAD HAZARDS Sometimes road hazards are hard to avoid, but hitting a pothole or marked bump too fast could jar your load and allow it to shift. If you must hit a road hazard, slow down and ease over it. Avoid excessive speeds when hauling equipment. Losing a piece of equipment or stopping to pick up pieces will take much longer than the time you save driving too fast. Your due diligence is important so everyone can get home to their families without injury or inconvenience. While these five tips are great to consider, follow all safety rules and highway regulations and not only will you be home in time for dinner, everyone else will be as well. â—?
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Information provided by Towmaster Inc.
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T E L E H A NDE R S
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS in Jobsite Safety with Today’s Telehandlers A variety of features help operators navigate terrain more confidently and safely
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isit any construction site and chances are at least one telehandler will be hard at work. The versatility of these machines makes them a popular choice for unloading, transporting and placing materials at height on a jobsite. New technologies and operator attention to operating and maintenance procedures can make them a safe choice as well. A variety of features help operators navigate terrain more confidently and safely, including new cab designs that provide a better field of vision and options such as reversing cameras and reverse sensing systems that alert operators to objects behind them. In addition, rear-axle stabilization systems available on some telehandlers automatically switch the machines from a three-point to four-point stance to increase operator confidence and performance. But features like these are no substitute for general safety practices that begin with operator training. Before driving any piece of equipment, operators should read the machine’s Operation and Safety Manual. The operator must then complete training and demonstrate proficient operation of the equipment under the supervision of an experienced and qualified person. Operators should also wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, which might include boots, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and personal fall protection. 26
Safety guidelines also call for jobsite inspections. Operators must be sure the machine is positioned on a firm surface and check the allowable capacity of floors, bridges, tracks and surfaces. They should also look for holes, bumps, drop-offs, obstructions, debris, concealed holes, and other potential surface hazards. Wind conditions should be considered and the area checked for clearances overhead and on the sides and bottom of the telehandler. Just as important to jobsite safety is a consistent maintenance routine to help ensure proper and safe machine use. Although the equipment owner is required to conduct inspections and routine maintenance, the operator plays a critical role in machine maintenance by conducting a pre-operation and walk-around inspection, warm-up, and pre-operational checks. A typical walk-around inspection of a telehandler includes approximately 20 check points, among them: • Standing at the boom sections and cylinders, checking the front, top, side, and rear wear pads for grease and making sure pivot pins are secure and hydraulic hoses are not leaking. • Looking inside the battery compartment for tight cables with no visible damage or corrosion. • Checking the engine compartment to be sure drive belts are in good condition and engine mounts are secure. • Ensuring tires are properly inflated, secured with no loose or missing lug nuts, and free of worn tread, cuts or tears. • Checking that mirrors are clean and undamaged, front and rear axles display undamaged steer cylinders, pivot pins are secure, and hydraulic hoses intact. • Ensuring safety decals are legible and in place, and applicable manuals, including the Operation and Safety Manual, are located in the manual holder. Once the walk-around inspection is complete, begin the warm-up and operational check per manufacturer’s recommendations. ● Information provided by JLG Industries Inc.
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LIKE HAVING EYES IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD OPERATE WITH CONFIDENCE IMPROVED VISIBILITY STABILITY YOU CAN FEEL
BACK UP WITH CONFIDENCE OPTIONAL REVERSING CAMERA OPTIONAL REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM
COMPLETELY REDESIGNED WITH THE OPERATOR IN MIND. You can never be too careful on a job site. That’s why we redesigned the JLG® telehandlers to help you navigate the terrain more confidently and move materials more efficiently. Our new cab design gives you better field of vision while an optional reversing camera and reverse sensing system alert you to objects behind your machine. Plus with our Stabil-Trak rear axle stabilization system, you’ll feel more confident when landing loads. Learn more at www.jlg.com/en/JLG-TH-29 The reversing camera is not a substitute for establishing a direct line of sight. General safety practices regarding travel hazards must be followed: always look in the direction of travel, and avoid personnel, machinery and vehicles in the area. Refer to the Operation and Safety manual for your model.
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