It’s Summer-Let’s Make It A Safe One – 06/21/2021
Safety E-QuickTips
U.S. Compliance Systems, Inc.
Monday June 21, 2021
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It’s Summer – Let’s Make It a Safe One
Based on the calendar we are one day into summer. It has felt like it has already been around for a while but now it’s official.
As we move into this time of year construction is in full swing throughout the country. You’re probably seeing grading and excavation equipment at work everywhere, so I thought it might be a good time to talk a little about trenching safety and working around heavy equipment.
For those of you who work in trenches and around heavy equipment everyday this will be a little refresher. For those of you who are working in other trades or watching this work take place at your job site, don’t think this isn’t for you. These hazards can catch anyone off guard.
Let’s start with working around heavy equipment.
The first thing you might notice when you’re around heavy equipment like excavators, dozers, graders, and backhoes, is that they make a lot of noise and it’s difficult to hear. This can be deadly for those working or walking around them.
I’m sure you know why that is, but it never hurts to be reminded. This equipment is big and the operator has some blind spots. If you get in a position where you can’t be seen and that piece of equipment is posing a threat, there’s a good chance you won’t be heard. And that won’t end well for you.
Here are a few more tips about working around heavy equipment.
- ·Wear high-visibility clothing
- Make eye contact with and alert the operator to ensure the operator sees you before approaching the equipment
- Never ride on the equipment other than in approved seats and wear a seat belt
- When possible stay out of designated work areas
- ·Avoid setting up your work area near heavy mobile equipment
I’m sure you can think of a few more ways to protect yourself from the hazards of working around heavy equipment. If you do, please share them with your co-workers.
Now let’s look at working in and around trenches. We’ll start with OSHA’s definition.
“OSHA defines an excavation as any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the Earth’s surface formed by earth removal. A trench is defined as a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground.”
Here are a few tips on how to protect yourself from trench hazards.
- ·Make sure there is a safe way to enter and exit
- ·Protect from cave-ins by sloping, shoring or by using trench boxes
- ·Keep materials away from the edge of the trench
- ·Look for standing water or other hazards
- ·Never enter a trench unless it has been properly inspected
For more detailed information regarding trench safety, check out this OSHA Fact Sheet.
Employee QuickTip
The summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the weather, but it can also be a dangerous time when working in and around heavy equipment and trenches.Do your part to help make it a safe one so you can enjoy the summer.
Employer/Management QuickTip
Although it may seem like common sense, it never hurts to remind your employees of the hazards of working in and around heavy equipment and trenches.
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Thanks for Reading and Please – Stay Healthy and Work Safe.
