Construction Motor Vehicles

 

Spotter Signals

While working in construction, employees must always be aware of their surroundings. There are many hazards that could potentially lead to injury or death. Many fatalities occur from being “struck by” or “run over” by motor vehicles or heavy equipment on a project due to limited visibility and congestion. This is why “struck by” is one of OSHA’s Focus Four Hazards. Depending on the type of project, there may be several types of motor vehicles present including:

• Cranes
• Loaders
• Scrapers
• Graders
• Excavators
• Skid steers
• Dozers
• Forklifts
• Pavers
• Aerials lifts

When all of these motor vehicles are running, it can be difficult to always know when and where they are coming from or going to.  Employees must always keep their heads on a swivel instead of relying on the sounds of the motor, exhaust or backup and travel alarms. This can be frustrating and stressful. Safely working in an area where motor vehicles are present is a shared responsibility between the equipment operator and workers on the site. To prevent incidents that can lead to severe injury or death, everyone must: 

·        Avoid equipment blind spots where an operator may not see you

·        Keep in constant communication with the operator/worker and make eye contact

·        Ensure backup and travel alarms are operable and do not disconnect them for any reason

·        Respond to backup and travel alarms

·        Use a spotter to warn others of nearby hazards

·        Use a predefined set of signals when spotting, see photo below

·        Always have an escape route

·        Always wear proper high-visibility clothing with reflective material on the outermost layer

·        Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle and never access pinch / crushing points such as the swing radius

·        Never walk or work underneath a suspended load

·        Always stay alert

 

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

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Eye Protection

 

The Importance of Eye Protection
The majority of work-related eye injuries are a result of flying or falling objects or sparks striking the eye.

Other Common Potential Hazards Include the Following:

• Fumes

• Vapors

• Chemical splashes

• Extremely bright or hazardous light, such as from welding

Common Types of Eye Protection
A job hazard assessment performed prior to the start of a particular task will determine the type of eye protection required.

• Safety glasses are a common form of protection against low-to-moderate impacts and sparks from activities such as grinding and woodworking. Only use safety glasses with side shields.

• Goggles form a protective seal around the eye area to better protect from hazardous chemical vapors, splashes, or dust or other small particles that may enter the eye. Make sure that your goggles include ventilation mechanisms to prevent fogging.

• Face shields provide protection for the entire face against flying particles, sparks, splashes, harmful mists, and other hazards.

• Welding masks are specially designed to protect from radiant energy, sparks, and metal splatters from welding.

Proper Use
• Always wear proper eye protection where required, even if danger to your eyes seems remote.

• Before use, verify that your equipment is appropriate for the task.

• Inspect eye protection prior to each use.

• If you wear prescription eyewear, use eye protection that accommodates it. Prescription eyewear by itself is not a substitute for safety glasses or goggles.

• When welding or cutting, always wear safety glasses or goggles underneath face shields or welding helmets.

• When your work is complete, store eye protection properly and away from extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.agencyassurance.com