 Nearly 40 workers died in cave-ins last year marking an alarming rise in excavation accidents. When it comes to trenching and excavations, knowing your surroundings can be the difference between life and death. Here are 5 rules to live by when working in and around open trenches and excavations:
1. All trench and excavation projects need a competent person OSHA defines a competent person as someone who is capable of identifying/predicting hazards with the authorization to eliminate them. The competent person should inspect each excavation every day before work begins to confirm it is safe to work in/around. If conditions change, be sure to inspect again. 2. Keep soils at least 2ft from edge of excavation Spoil piles should be greater than two feet from the edge to prevent equipment and spoils from falling in. If there is not enough clearance for a spoil pile, they should then be hauled away from the jobsite. 3. Extend all egress ladders and walkways 3ft above trench For ingress/egress means, extend your ladder above the trench to allow for proper footing while using the ladder. Falls are the greatest risk to every construction project. 4. Excavations greater than 4ft require ladder for egress Every trench/excavation deeper than 4ft is required to have an egress ladder. When working in trenches and large scale excavations, make sure you have a ladder accessible every 50ft. 5. Protection systems are required for excavations greater than 5ft Remember the four types of protection systems: sloping, shoring, shielding, benching. Determine which type of protection will work best for your jobsite and its surroundings. When the excavation becomes greater than 20ft in depth, make sure the protection is designed by a professional. Trenches and excavations are constantly changing and require every worker to be aware of their surroundings. If conditions change for the worse, remember all workers have the right to stop work. To keep the conversation going, download the Trenching and Excavation Toolbox Talk (TBT).
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 An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is your way to ensure a safe evacuation in the event of an emergency. A successful plan will be able to highlight all the potential and likely threats you may experience in your workplace while identifying the steps employees need to take to safely leave the workplace. Today we will look at the OSHA requirements of EAPs and some other helpful tips that will ensure you won’t fail when an emergency arises.
Reporting an Emergency There are many ways to report emergencies. From dialing 911, activating an alarm system, or providing an intercom announcement, all reporting features are critical to beginning an evacuation. Every second counts, and all employees must know how/where your systems are in place to trigger an emergency response. Make sure these alarms are distinct and recognizable by all who hear them. Evacuation Procedures and Critical Operations Once an alarm is triggered, employees need to know where to go and how to get there. Escape routes should be posted so that pathways are clear and visible to reach a designated location (usually deemed as Rally Point). Multiple escape routes will be needed in case one is blocked by a fire, disaster, etc. If critical operations need to be completed prior to evacuation, make sure designated employees know these operations and how to complete them prior to finding their escape route. Some critical operations can include shutting down machinery, closing fire doors, or sweeping areas to make sure all employees have reached the Rally Point. Having a chain-of-command for employees and their duties will help this process reach each employee and allow them to know who to report to. Rescue and Medical Operations As employees reach the Rally Point, ensuring all employees have safely evacuated will assist in rescue operations. Once employees are accounted for, notify rescuers if there are any left in the building and where they may be based on their workstation or last known location. Since most organizations will rely on public resources, having them know your facility will aid in emergency situations. Workplace walkthroughs will help first responders be prepared before entering an emergency situation while open communication with hospitals or local clinics can help them prepare to handle first-aid. Proper Recordkeeping In the event employees become injured or your workplace is damaged, having proper recordkeeping and backup accounts will help you tackle the aftermath of an emergency. Emergency contacts for injured employees will be important in notifying their loved ones while documented training will help you know who has been properly trained for their emergency roles. Knowing important information such as accounting, human resources, and other essential records will help your company be able to continue running while the damage is repaired. At STAC, our Training Management System can assist you with employee records including emergency contacts, training, certifications, and important HR information to provide peace of mind over your records regardless of the situation. Preparing your EAP takes lots of effort from all employees to ensure that you are prepared in case of an emergency. Creating your plan, sharing it with employees, practicing drills/evacuations, and updating as changes arise will help make sure you are prepared for any emergency situation. To keep the conversation going, download the Emergency Action Plan Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.  With Summer now in full swing, higher temperatures, higher humidity, and longer exposure to the sun are all major factors of Heat Illnesses. With nearly 75% of heat-related fatalities happening during the first week of exposure, knowing the major symptoms and the ways to mitigate their effects are the keys to keeping workers safe while outdoors. Let's take a look at two major heat-related factors and the best ways to combat their effects.
Dehydration When your body begins losing more fluid than you are taking in is when dehydration starts to affect your body. The biggest factors for dehydration include fluid intake, climate, and direct sun exposure. The safe practices to follow for combating dehydration include:
Heat Stressors As the first stages of Heat Illness, Heat Stressors are when your body begins to overheat leading to rashes, muscle cramps, and nausea. Since these are the first signs that your body is beginning to overheat, spotting the symptoms right away can be critical. Some ways to alleviate Heat Stressors include:
Making sure you stay hydrated while easing into working conditions will be some of the best ways to combat Heat Illness and its harmful effects on the body. To keep the conversation going, download the Heat Stress Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.  Each year there are over 2.5 million workplace injuries across the nation. Ensuring safe and healthy workplace conditions is the main purpose of OSHA as it sets and enforces workplace standards. Last year the Top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety standard violations were:
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 5,260 2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 2,424 3. Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 2,185 4. Ladders (1926.1053): 2,143 5. Scaffolding (1926.451): 2,058 6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 1,977 7. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 1,749 8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 1,556 9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 1,401 10. Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,370 Studies have shown that for every serious workplace injury, there are 300-500 near miss incidents that by chance, aren’t accidents. This is why Hazard Recognition and Risk Assessments are vital in determining the hazards associated within your workplace. When determining hazards in your workplace, some helpful processes include: Risk Assessments Prior to beginning a project, Risk Assessments are a great way to identify and rate the hazards that are present in the workplace. Once the hazards have been identified and assigned a risk level, controls can then be implemented to help reduce or eliminate risks entirely. Workplace Safety Inspections Weekly safety inspections can help identify hazards as the workplace changes. When new hazards become present, additional controls and PPE requirements can be implemented to reduce the risk of injury. Job Hazard Analysis A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) or Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is completed by workers as they begin new tasks on a daily or weekly basis. When workers can take time before each task to identify and assign hazards, they will be the frontline of hazard recognition. Identifying and eliminating hazards in the workplace is the responsibility of everyone. Providing the tools and methods to recognize hazards will be the best way to eliminate injuries and OSHA citations. To keep the conversation going, download the Risk Assessment Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.  Falls continue to be the leading cause of fatal injuries in the workplace accounting for over 35% of all workplace deaths. While these injuries are the most common, the important thing to remember is that all falls are preventable. One of the most commonly used systems to prevent falls is the Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). A PFAS is a system that is used to stop an employee during a fall from a working level. The system consists of three components: Anchor, Body Harness, and a Connector. This system must be able to:
Anchor The anchor of a PFAS is the component that attaches the connector to a fixed point and is meant to support the employee in case of a fall. Anchors are required to be completely independent of other support structures and be capable of supporting 5,000lbs per employee or maintain a safety factor of two. Anchors should always be installed per the manufacturer’s recommendation and by a qualified employee. Body Harness The full body harness is the component that wraps the employee and distributes the impact through the thighs and buttocks. The body harness is meant to be custom to each employee as the fit should be snug while still allowing movement. Body harnesses should be free of damage such as frayed edges/fibers and pulled stitching while buckles and d-rings should be free of distortion. Make sure your employees are trained properly on inspecting and wearing their harnesses prior to tying off. Connectors Connectors in a PFAS are the components that connect the harness to the anchor and restrict the fall. Connectors can consist of:
When it comes to PFAS, each component can vary based on the height from the ground, type of job, and number of workers. Make sure you know which system will be best for you and your employees know how to inspect and properly use each system. In case of a fall, be sure to have a Rescue Plan in place to be able to assist and remove an employee quickly and safely from the fall height. To keep the conversation going, download the PFAS Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.  Work zones are designated areas used to help move traffic alongside an active construction zone. It is in these areas that struck-by and transportation incidents account for the largest number of fatal work injuries. This is why work zone safety is so important to both the workers and pedestrians that travel through them. Today we will be looking at safety tips for both workers and pedestrians on ways to keep safe when entering work zones.
Worker Safety Tips When it comes to worker safety within work zones, visibility is key. Some of the best ways to keep workers safe include: Use Signs and Traffic Control Devices Work zones are typically identified by signs, cones, or other types of barriers to notify pedestrians of a change in the traffic pattern. Make sure the path is easily identified by signs and cones both inside and outside the work zone. Include Work Zone Protections Work zone protections are concrete barriers, water/sand barrels, or other types of moveable cushions that help keep car and foot traffic from entering the work zone. Know where your intrusion points are and include protections in these areas. Utilize Flaggers When Needed Flaggers should be used when the traffic pattern is limited. Make sure the flaggers are properly trained, wearing the proper high visibility clothing, and pedestrians are notified by signage as they near the work zone. Pedestrian Safety Tips As a pedestrian in a work zone, your attention will be pivotal to your safety. Some pedestrian tips include: Stay Alert Traffic patterns, speed changes, and flaggers will be constantly changing within work zones. Make sure you are alert and ready for any changes along the road. Keep Your Focus Distractions are the leading cause of roadway accidents. Avoiding distractions will keep yourself and others the safest in work zones. Seat Belts Save Lives Seat belts can help reduce your risk of death by up to 60%. It’s the law and it will save your life in an accident. Work zones are an integral part to the upkeep of our infrastructure. Whether you are working in them or just passing through, you are responsible for keeping everyone safe. To keep the conversation going, download the OSHA Fact Sheet on Work Zone Traffic Safety or comment below.  From the soil that holds the building foundation to the lights that illuminate the sky, construction equipment has helped build our infrastructure for over a hundred years. These modern marvels have improved manufacturing, increased production, and continue to help reduce hazards when used correctly. This blog will explore what training is required to become an operator and the necessary refresher courses to continue to stay certified.
Initial Training Requirements OSHA requires employers to implement a training program that provides the operator with the principles to operate equipment safely. This includes a formal instruction (presentation, video, etc.), practical demonstration, and a written evaluation. Topics that should be covered in the training include:
Once the employee has demonstrated they are competent in operating the equipment safely and have passed their evaluations, employers can certify them to operate the given equipment. Recertification Requirements Depending on the type of equipment you are operating, refresher training may be required to continue being certified. While all equipment is not required to have a refresher course, most companies recommend refresher training every three years to update the operator on relevant topics and changes to the equipment. Alongside recommended training every three years, refresher training is also required when:
If the employee fails to complete additional refresher training or continues to operate equipment in an unsafe manner, additional actions and training should be reviewed before the employee returns to operating equipment. When developing a company equipment training program, it is important to remember training is only part of a safe operation. Be sure to review the OSHA standards, operator manuals, and operating procedures when creating training to help make your certified operators safe, competent, and mindful of those around them. To keep the conversation going, download the Forklift Safety Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.  Falls are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. This makes working from heights one of the most dangerous tasks within construction. Ladders are the most frequently used equipment when working from heights due to their ease of use and portability. In this blog we will be reviewing portable ladders and how to properly inspect, use, and store them.
Ladder Inspections Prior to using your ladder, a proper inspection and ladder placement is crucial for safety. When inspecting and placing your ladder, make sure that:
Ladder Use Falls from heights below 6ft are the most common type of fall in the workplace. To reduce your risk of falls when using a ladder, be sure to:
Ladder Storage Once your work is complete and you have safely descended your ladder, proper storage will help increase the lifespan of your ladder. When storing your ladder, make sure that:
Ladders are a fast, effective way to work at heights. While falls from these short distances are common and dangerous, following the proper inspections, use, and storage of ladders will help keep you and others safe around your jobsite. To keep the conversation going, download the Ladder Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.  As the temperature drops and rain turns to snow, the risk of Cold Stress can become increasingly dangerous for workers exposed to the elements. Cold Stress is a condition that occurs when the body can no longer maintain its normal temperature and begins to drop. This drop can cause tissue damage to the skin and potentially death if the body cannot retain heat. In this blog we will examine the factors of Cold Stress, the two main types of Cold Stress, and how to spot the symptoms.
Factors of Cold Stress While many people believe temperature is the main factor of Cold Stress, there are many others that affect the body in worse ways. These factors include:
Types of Cold Stress The two main types of Cold Stress are Frostbite and Hypothermia. Frostbite is a skin condition that develops when the skin and underlying tissues freeze causing a serious rash. If not treated, the rash can cause the skin cells to die resulting in the affected area turning black. Hypothermia is a serious medical condition when your body cannot produce heat, causing your body to decrease in temperature and begin to shut down. If medical attention is not sought quickly, organ failure or death can occur. When working outdoors, the typical symptoms to monitor include:
Cold Stress is one of the biggest safety concerns while working outdoors. Before you begin a long shift outside, make sure you know and understand the weather, your health, and how to spot the symptoms to keep yourself and others safe. To keep the conversation going, download the Cold Stress Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.  It’s that time of year where lights illuminate the home, families gather around the fire for warmth, and everyone waits for sleigh bells in the night. While the holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends, there are dangers lurking around the home that can turn Christmas cheer into fright and fear. Let’s take a look at some of the dangers surrounding the holidays and how we can bring the safety principles from work into the home: Cold Weather Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are a dangerous combination wherever you may be. Around the home these conditions make for slip/trip hazards and the potential to develop cold stress. When working and playing outdoors some things to remember are:
Fire Hazards Christmas lights and décor illuminating the fireplace are some of the things that make the holidays special. While the lights and fire make for cozy comforts, the added electrical/heat sources run the risk of fires. Before hanging the lights and stocking the fireplace, be sure to:
Working at Heights Decorating the home almost always includes outdoor lights and large tree displays that can’t be setup from the ground alone. Falls from heights are the most common injury at work and at home making this decorating the most dangerous. Before you climb the ladder, remember to:
The holidays are meant to be a wonderful time of year. Make sure you can celebrate with friends and family by being safe at work and around the home. To keep the conversation going, download the NFPA Safety Tips or comment below. |
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