(DS)

Road works operations need to be carefully planned and administered to avoid accidents. Most accidents with minor plant and equipment are caused by improper usage and poor maintenance. Management guidelines of construction zones are very comprehensive – we would however like to focus on a few examples of how effective management can limit the risk of accidental road accidents:

· Signs must be kept clean and well maintained if they are to be effective. 

· Press and radio releases are often a valuable means of warning drivers of what to expect at a site, thus minimising impatient and dangerous behaviour. [This is also good PR!] 

· Workers who control traffic must be properly trained. 

· Traffic controllers must know where to stand, how to slow or stop traffic, and how to coordinate public and construction traffic movements.

· Controllers should use two-way radio communication when visual contact between traffic controllers is not possible. Where the site is suitable and they are available, arrangements should be made to use temporary traffic signals to control traffic.

· Traffic controllers and general road workers should wear suitable conspicuous clothing to ensure that they can be seen by motorists

· Unnecessary traffic control signs or road markings must be removed as they tend to confuse motorists and make them careless. 

· Where vehicles are held up in queues, a worker might be appointed to talk with motorists, apologise for delays, estimate the length of the delay, and generally keep people informed.

· Speed limits should be consistent with safe site operations and traffic movements. 

· Compliance with reasonable speed limits will then be more likely - If motorists perceive a speed limit to be unrealistic, they are likely to disregard it.

· A variety of devices and technology can provide information to motorists, including brighter, bigger electronic signs. 

· Trucks which are regularly used for transporting workers should been closed, have seats which are attached to the vehicle, and have a safe means of access and egress. Drivers of trucks carrying passengers should be alert, dependable and careful. 

· A systematic preventative maintenance programme should be established for all trucks, plant, and vehicles. 

· All access points leading to the area where construction blasting works are carried out must be manned to prevent entry during blasting. 

(DS)

Perhaps the best way to avoid long delays, frustration, and the potential for an accident is to avoid construction zones whenever possible. If a construction zone is unavoidable, drivers should allow extra time in their schedules in case there are traffic delays. Every safe driver has a responsibility to exercise caution and good judgment in construction zones. Consideration for the safety of construction workers and other motorists can help turn highway construction areas into "safe zones" for everyone.

Before embarking on the road to the construction zone it is advised to schedule enough time to drive safely and to check the radio or internet websites for traffic information. Expect delays and leave early so you can reach your destination on time.

Safety professionals recommend several precautions to help make construction zones safer for everyone:

• When approaching a construction/maintenance situation exercise caution and slow down. 

• Observe warning and caution signs before entering a construction zone. 

• Observe these posted signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone.

• Turn on your lights to make your vehicle more visible.

• Expecting the unexpected is a golden rule when travelling through construction zones.

• Avoid abrupt driving manoeuvres.

• Always be aware that vehicles ahead of you may stop unexpectedly. 

• Maintain a safe following distance. Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of construction zone accidents.

• Drivers should slow to the posted speed and move to the proper lane as instructed. 

• Traffic and road conditions may dictate an even slower speed. 

• Keep -up with the traffic flow. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging smoothly and not slowing to "gawk" at road work and equipment and crews.

• Obey road crew flaggers! The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her direction.

• Drivers should not wait until the last minute to merge to the correct lane.

• Use correct merging techniques when changing lanes – use your indicators.

• Narrow lanes and restricted shoulders make construction zones a common place for lane-change accidents.

• Regular traffic lanes are often shifted to temporary lanes and shoulders that may not provide the stability regular traffic lanes offer.

• Stay alert for aggressive drivers. If another motorist is aggressively jockeying for position, drivers should let them move on. Challenging another driver encourages road rage and endangers the safety of other motorists and workers in the area.

• Avoid distracting activities. Remaining alert for unexpected hazards is critical when travelling through construction zones. Talking on a cell phone, tuning the radio, eating, reading, or other similarly distracting activities can quickly lead to an accident. 

• Watch for construction equipment and workers. Construction equipment entering and exiting a work zone without warning, equipment extending into traffic, and construction crews and flaggers working dangerously close to moving traffic are a few of the hazards to expect.

• Stay alert for obstacles and debris. Construction equipment, signs, and barriers may be located close to the edge of the roadway. Debris from work projects, especially dust, dirt, and gravel, may cause added disruption. 

• Be patient, cautious, and courteous. Remember, the work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better. 

(DS)

A new road was being preloaded with sand and gravel. An engineer walked across a dump truck staging area next to the road while talking on his cellphone. A spotter was using hand signals to direct a loaded dump truck backwards along the staging area. The truck driver was maintaining visual contact with the spotter in his side-view mirror. The dump truck's backup alarm was working normally. Two or three similar backup alarms were also sounding from other nearby mobile equipment.

The spotter turned away from the dump truck for about 10 seconds to check for other vehicles. He continued to motion the dump truck to reverse, without maintaining visual contact with it. During this 10-second interval, the engineer stepped onto the staging area between the spotter and the reversing dump truck. Still talking on the cellphone, he stopped directly behind the reversing vehicle with his back to it. The driver could not see the engineer and continued to reverse as directed by the spotter. The spotter did not see the engineer.

The engineer was unaware that the dump truck was approaching. One of the dump truck's rear tires snagged the back of the engineer's leg, pulling him under the truck. He died from his injuries.

• Establish and enforce safe work procedures for working around mobile equipment, including the following:

  - the use of cellphones and other communication devices
  - wearing high-visibility apparel
  - making eye contact with equipment operators or spotters when entering mobile equipment work zones

• Remind spotters or signallers to maintain continuous visual contact with mobile equipment operators.

• If practicable, ensure that mobile equipment backup alarms are audible above ambient noise levels.

• If practicable, establish designated pedestrian routes through worksites and use signs to indicate them.

A worker was using a hand-held 5-inch angle grinder while working on a wrought iron gate when the abrasive wheel broke and pieces flew off. One piece cut into the worker's thigh, severing a large artery. The worker collapsed from the blood loss and later died.

The accident investigation found that the abrasive wheel that broke was rated for a maximum of 6,110 rpm but the angle grinder was rated at 10,000 rpm. As well, the abrasive wheel was larger than 5 inches in diameter, preventing the installation of the guard provided with the grinder.

• Use only abrasive wheels that match the diameter and speed (rpm) rating of the grinder.

• Before using a grinder, always make sure the guard is installed.

• Ensure that workers are adequately trained in the safe use of grinders and that they know about rpm limitations.

• Always wear adequate eye and face protection when using a grinder. Hearing protection and flame-resistant clothing must also be worn.

(DS)

Worker dies after being thrown back by concrete pump hose

A concrete pump truck was pumping concrete into the walkway of a house while a worker held the end hose. The rubber hose was 6 metres long and had a coupling device attached at the end. The operator of the concrete pump truck saw that the concrete had stopped flowing out of the hose as the result of a blockage. He pushed the emergency stop button and the pumping stopped. However, compressed air trapped behind the blockage forced it to clear suddenly. Concrete burst out of the hose, causing the hose to whip out. The worker holding the hose fell backwards. He struck his head on a piece of scrap lumber and later died of his injuries.

Safe work practices:

• Train workers to prevent blockages in pumping delivery pipelines and to recognize the warning signs of blockages with trapped air behind them.

• Establish and enforce safe work procedures for concrete pumping operations, including the following:

- Maintain regular communication between workers about hazards while the pumping operation is in progress.
- Stay out of the end-hose discharge area when air has entered the delivery system and a blockage is suspected.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the operation and maintenance of concrete pump trucks. For example, the end hose should be no longer than the manufacturer allows, and it should not have a coupling attached at the end.

(DS)

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

• Always keep the vehicles and equipment in good running conditions. This includes brakes, lights, turn signals, and back-up alarms if so equipped.

• Any loads extending past the vehicle body must be tagged.

• No employee should be allowed to ride the load or exterior of any vehicle not designed to transport personnel.

• Always give the right-of-way. Don’t worry about who should go first, rather who is the safest.

• Avoid backing in vehicles; when you have to, have front and rear ground guides.

• Report any unsafe road conditions to your fellow employees and supervisor(s).

Remember: Unsafe acts when compounded by the force of large vehicles can result in severe injuries and expensive repair or damaged material bills.

(DS)

Several truck drivers have been struck by their own vehicles after exiting the cabs to troubleshoot or do repairs. In three incidents, the workers were experienced truck drivers. One driver was troubleshooting an engine problem, another was fixing a headlight, and a third was adjusting brakes. All of the trucks were idling without the parking brake applied and were parked on slopes ranging from 1 to 17 percent.

To make sure their trucks are secured against inadvertent movement, drivers should not rely solely on the parking brakes. A backup safeguard to secure the truck will protect the driver in the event of a mechanical fault, a deficiency in the air system, or an unintentional omission of a critical step.

Safe work practices:

• Apply the parking brakes on the tractor and trailer before exiting the truck. Do not rely on the trailer hand valve as it may release suddenly.

• When troubleshooting or doing maintenance, take additional precautions beyond using your vehicle’s braking system:

- Chock the wheels, and/or

- Shut off the engine and place the transmission in a low gear or other specified park position.

• Where possible, do troubleshooting and adjust brakes when safely parked on flat terrain with the wheels shocked. Keep in mind that trucks can roll on even a slight slope.

• Inspect brakes at the start of your shift in your pre-trip inspection and as required at other times to ensure they are effective.

(DS)

Nobody likes to stick a foreign object in or over their ear, but to protect ones hearing the worker must choose the most comfortable device for the noise in the environment he or she works. Workers must also be educated, trained and motivated to wear their ear protection at all times, while exposed to excessive noise levels.

The law says that when workers are exposed to an average of 85 dba or more over an 8-hour period, hearing protection should be worn.

There are three principal excuses for not wanting to wear hearing protection:

1) Hearing protectors are uncomfortable

This is the most common reason employees refuse to wear hearing protection. Very

often this excuse is due to past experience. This problem can now be eradicated due

to the latest and most modern hearing protectors now available, which offer comfort

that was previously not available as well as different size devices for different size ear

canals.

2) Earplugs make me feel funny

This is often due to a fear that comes from childhood when one was told never to put

anything small into the ear. Hearing protectors do feel strange for example: ones own

voice seems different, but this will become less noticeable if it is worn properly.

3) I can’t hear when I wear hearing protection

By wearing your hearing protection correctly, this will cut down on the excessive noise

and make it easier to hear speech, machinery and warning signals in noise. Most

employees will be less tired at the end of a work shift when they wear hearing

protection in noisy areas as well as exhibit improved efficiency, work performance and

increased productivity.

Advise in caring for your ears and wearing the correct hearing protection:

a) Choose hearing protection that will be comfortable for you.

b) Don’t share earplugs as you can pick up ear infections.

c) Keep reusable earplugs clean by washing them each day with soap and water.

d) Clean your outer ear with a damp facecloth.

e) Do not use pins, matches or chemicals to clean the inside of your ear. Ear wax is

important and usually comes out on its own.

f) Keep your fingers out of your ears. Scratching can scrape and irritate your ears.

g) If your ears ring, ache, are painful or have drainage, consult your doctor.

Remember loud noise can hurt your hearing when it lasts for a long time and cannot be repaired. Hearing protectors are easy to use and are effective if used properly.

Industrial Safety Products is the only safety Company represented as a member of the MBA in the Eastern Cape. For over 20 years, we have supplied Industry with a comprehensive range of Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, safety shoes, safety spectacles, respiratory protection, earplugs, fall-arrest equipment and much more) and are well placed to offer you expert advice, together with your MBA Health and Safety Advisers

(DS)

As far as safety is concerned, trenching and excavation operations are very similar. Both expose workers to the same types of hazards. Therefore, many of the same basic safety rules apply. The main difference is that a trench allows for only restricted working space. This restriction increases the potential for injury. As just one result, the need for safety awareness is increased when compared to excavation operations.

Locate all underground utilities.

Determine, if possible, soil conditions.

Determine if there is an overhead exposure.

Based on the depth of the trench, determine the amount of shoring needed or angle of repose.

Determine the number of access ladders needed.

Estimate the number of workers who will be working in the trench

Appoint a "top man;" someone who will monitor the trenching operations.

Always maintain a "top man."

Constantly monitor the soil conditions.

Shore or slope any trench with a depth in excess of 1.5m

All shore or stored materials must be kept at least 1m away from the edge of the trench. (Same with "spoil," the dirt removed from the excavation.)

Keep all unnecessary use of equipment away from the open trench.

Devise and practice escape routes.

Place access ladders every 6m

Never allow personnel in trenches where there is a likelihood of a cave-in or slough-off.

Review rescue techniques with all workers.

Remember: A safe and successful trenching operation is the result of carefully following several safety techniques and taking no short cuts. One key is to shore or properly slope all trenches. That knowledge comes from training and supervision.

What Does An Accident Cost ?

Every accident has something in common: It costs everyone involved something. There are direct and indirect costs, both to the employee who was injured and the employer who eventually will pay for the accident. The costs are more than rands.

Employee Direct Costs

• Lost regular wages and overtime

Employee Indirect Costs

• Mental anguish, physical pain and suffering

• Decreased active participation with their family and friends

• Inability to be productive on or off the job

Employer Direct Costs

• Workers’ Compensation claim

• Medical bills

• Associated legal and possible increased insurance costs

• Uninsured property damage costs

Employer Indirect Costs

• Loss of valuable employee with a result of lost efficiency on the job

• Managerial and clerical time expended to handle injury claims

• Time loss wages paid with no work performed

• Hiring and training replacement

• Damaged or destroyed equipment, materials or tools

Remember: The indirect (or hidden) cost in an accident is between three and ten times the actual cost of the claim. But it is not the costs, direct or indirect, that totals the most. More often than not it is the loss of a valuable co-worker or member of a family that causes the most problems for a company.

(DS)

Reams and reams of paper have been used in efforts to convey to all concerned the full responsibility of those at the supervisory level for the prevention of accidents in construction. Included in supervisory responsibility, and with high priority, is the training of the new employee for the work he or she is to perform.

All too often new employees are hired, given their assignment, and are then expected to perform efficiently and safely without adequate job instruction. Even new employees with previous experience often need retraining and reorientation if job efficiency is to be maintained, for all skills and work habits the worker must possess must be taught to him or her. Training begins when the employee is hired if our efforts are to be most effective.

Who, then, should be responsible for training the new employee? We believe, and it is generally agreed, the logical person to impart the required knowledge and technique required for the job is the safety supervisor or the worker's immediate supervisor. They are in the best position to give actual on-the-job instruction and, in addition, they are persons to whom the employee will be directly responsible. This accomplishes two things: First, it makes for job efficiency and second, it manifests interest in the employee's welfare.

What should we teach and what procedures should the supervisor follow? Quite logically, the supervisor's task is to instruct the worker on the job to be done so he or she can produce it in as short a time as possible. Yet, safety precautions should be taught by the safety supervisor prior to beginning the job. Specific job hazards should be pointed out in connection with each phase of the job, and instruction should be given on specific safe work practices that will help him avoid these hazards. Poor instruction or none at all results in injuries and production inefficiencies due to the supervisors not organizing all the important parts of the job clearly before actually giving instruction.

Many organizations have found from experience that effective job training is a must if an efficient operation is to be maintained. Proper job training means efficiency with safety. Efficiency and safety get the desired results—quality and production.

(DS)

(DS)

Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDS, if read and followed, are a powerful means of controlling chemical exposures.

MSDS are written by chemical manufacturers for the chemicals they produce or import. The purpose of the MSDS is to communicate information on the recommended safe use and handling procedures for that chemical.

• identification (physical and chemical),
• hazardous ingredients,
• emergency and first aid procedures,
• recommended control measures,
• physical and health hazards,
• safe handling precautions,
• date of preparation/revision,
• manufacturer's name, address and phone number.

Your employer is being required to assemble and provide unhindered access to a MSDS collection for all of the chemicals found in your work area. Know where this MSDS collection is located. Read and follow the MSDS recommendations.

EXPERIENCE CAN BE THE WORST TEACHER

Experience teaches us a lot about working around cranes. But often the lessons are costly. For example: A laborer carrying a bag of cement walked between a crawler crane and a building column. The crane swung round and fatally crushed him between the counterweight and the column. On another job, a workman was leaning on the crane frame, talking with one of his buddies. The load came in contact with a live power line and he was electrocuted. Today, we'll discuss things we should and should not do when working around this equipment.  

STAY OUT FROM UNDER

It's a smart move on your part to stay out from under suspended hooks and loads. There's always a chance that during a lift, the load could shift and fall. It may be a slim chance because of the good rigging techniques we use. But once is all it takes to cause a serious injury or a fatality. Also stay clear of swinging loads. That big "I" beam can squash you like a bug if you get in the way. 

YOU'RE NOT SAFE WHEN NOT SEEN

Remember, too, that the crane operator may not see you. He's concentrating on moving his crane into position or swinging his load. Think of the swing area of the crane as "no- man's land." And stay out. The crane will have no sympathy if you get in the way.

OTHER DANGERS

Have you ever heard of a P.L.P.? It stands for Public Leaning Post. And a lot of people think that's what the crane is. They're asking for a shocking experience if the load or boom touches a live wire. So don't lean on the crane. Stay clear. It's too bad the workman we talked about earlier didn't take this advice. He'd still be around today. Of course, with all the overhead work going on, we always should wear our hard hats. Concrete slopped out of a lifted bucket can crack an unprotected skull. Some employees never use the stairs or personnel hoists. They insist on "riding the hook." And they're asking for trouble when they do. It's one of the most dangerous means of transportation around.  

USE EXTRA CARE AROUND CRANES

The crane is a fantastic piece of equipment. It saves us an enormous amount of work. But like anything else that's big and powerful, it can be dangerous. That's why I've taken the time to stress that you be extra careful when working around cranes.

(DS)