June 2020 – Indiana Constructors Inc

Hands Free Indiana Partnership

Posted on 2020-06-292025-04-10 by Dan Osborn

Indiana has had a do not text and drive law since 2011. To make things even safer for motorists, starting July 1, Indiana will go completely hands-free with telecommunications devices while operating a motor vehicle. Learn more at http://handsfreeindiana.com.

ICI has partnered with Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Indiana Motor Truck Association and ACEC Indiana to help ensure safer work zones for Hoosier infrastructure and transportation construction workers.

Take a look at the fact sheet and FAQs.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Posted on 2020-06-012025-04-10 by Jim Wood

Pathogens are bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms that can cause disease. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood, saliva and other bodily fluids that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted when blood or other body fluids from an infected person enters another person’s body due to a needle-stick, bites, cuts, abrasions or through mucous membranes like the eyes.

If you help someone who is bleeding or if you are potentially exposed to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids, you must wear personal protective equipment such as disposable gloves and eye protection.
If blood or other possible infectious body fluid is on your gloves, dispose of the gloves properly by putting them in a biohazard waste bag. If you do not have a biohazard waste bag, put the gloves in a plastic bag that can be sealed before you dispose of it.
Always wash your hands with soap and running water after you remove and dispose of the gloves.
It is important that any blood or other potentially infectious body fluids is quickly and completely cleaned up with soap and water to limit the chance of exposing your coworkers to bloodborne pathogens. Wear personal protective equipment when cleaning up blood or potentially infectious body fluids.
Hands are the areas that are most likely to be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids. Wash your hands with soap and running water after contact with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids to reduce your chance of becoming sick or spreading germs to others.
It is very important that you report any exposures to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids to your supervisor. Reporting all exposures helps you get treatment and helps your employer identify and reduce causes of exposure.

Maintain a first aid kit which includes gloves, eye protection and a proper means to dispose of the infected material. Antiseptic hand cleaner or towelettes should also be provided.

Personnel should be properly trained in first aid response and how to correctly handle and dispose of potentially infected material.

Download the printable PDF and recording form here.

Fire Extinguishers

Posted on 2020-06-012025-04-10 by Jim Wood

A fire on a construction site can result in serious injuries and loss of materials, equipment and even lives. All employees need to be familiar with the jobsite’s fire protection program – who to contact, what to do, the various types of fire extinguishers and their locations throughout the jobsite. Employees should be trained in the use and limitations of fire extinguishers to ensure they are used effectively when needed.

Fire extinguishers are meant to handle only small fires. If a fire becomes too large or the environment becomes too dangerous, employees should evacuate the area.

The fire is too large.
The air is unsafe to breathe.
The environment is too hot or the smoke limits visibility.
Evacuation paths are impaired.

Keep the fire in front of you. Never place yourself where the fire obstructs your escape.

Classes of Fires and Fire Extinguishers

A Wood, paper, ordinary trash.
B Flammable liquids (gasoline, oil, grease, solvents, paints, etc.).
C Energized electrical equipment.
D Combustible metals.
K Kitchen fires.

Use the P.A.S.S. Method for correctly using a fire extinguisher.

Pull the Pin – Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
Aim low – Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly to operate and discharge.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Fire Extinguisher Inspection

Visually inspect portable extinguishers or hoses monthly.
Verify the fire extinguisher is properly charge. Indicator must always be in the green zone.
Perform an annual maintenance check on portable fire extinguishers and document.
Fire extinguisher must be easily accessible.

Download the printable PDF and Recording Form here.

Thunderstorm & Lightning Hazards

Posted on 2020-06-012025-04-10 by Jim Wood

Approximately 50 people, on average, are killed by lightning strikes each year and others suffering permanent disabilities, such as severe burns. Thunderstorms and lightning are most likely to develop on hot, humid days. Historically, lightning fatalities have occurred between April and September, with most of the strike events happening in June, July and August.

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

If you hear thunder, even a distant rumble, get to a safe place immediately. Thunderstorms always include lightning. Lightning may occur up to 10 miles away from any rainfall.

Ways to Be Struck by Lightning

Direct Strike – A person struck directly by lightning becomes a part of the main lightning discharge channel. Most often, direct strikes occur to people who are in open areas.
Side Flash – A side flash (also called a side splash) occurs when lightning strikes a taller object near a person and a portion of the current jumps from taller object to the person.
Ground Current – When lightning strikes a tree or other object, much of the energy travels outward from the strike in and along the ground surface.
Conduction – Lightning can travel long distances in wires or other metal surfaces. Whether inside or outside, anyone in contact with anything connected to metal wires, plumbing or metal surfaces that extend outside is at risk. This includes anything that plugs into an electrical outlet, water faucets and showers, corded phones, and windows and doors.

Monitor the Weather

When working outside:

Continuously monitor weather conditions.
Watch for darkening clouds and increasing wind speeds.
Monitor the internet or weather apps for emergency notifications.

Seek Shelter

When a lightning storm threatens, take these precautions:

Seek shelter inside a building whenever possible. Avoid open shelters like pavilions or porches.
Once inside, stay away from open windows, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, appliances, electric boxes and outlets.
If you’re in a vehicle, stay there and roll up the windows.

Stuck Outside?

If you’re caught outside, and there is no shelter or no time to seek adequate shelter:

Crouch down with your feet close together.
Keep your hands on your knees and lower your head.
Get as low as possible without touching your hands or knees to the ground, and DO NOT LIE DOWN.

Download the printable PDF and Recording Form here.

Heat Stress

Posted on 2020-06-012025-04-10 by Jim Wood

What Is Heat Stress?

Working muscles need a greater blood flow to cool the body. The body needs to shift blood away from muscles to assure an ideal sweat rate and to cool the blood. Dehydration can cause low blood volume, which can lower the body’s ability to cool the blood, leading to confusion, fatigue and potentially, heat illness.

Dry Clothes and Skin Don’t Mean You Aren’t Sweating!

You may not feel wet or sticky in dryer climates, but you are still sweating. You can lose as much as 68 ounces (half a gallon) of fluid on a very warm day. Fainting (heat syncope) may be a problem for workers who simply stand still in the heat when they are not acclimated to a hot environment. Victims usually recover quickly after lying down for a brief period. Moving around, rather than standing still, usually reduces the possibility of fainting.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
Weakness and moist skin.
Mood changes such as irritability or confusion.
Upset stomach or vomiting.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Dry, hot skin with no sweating.
Mental confusion or losing consciousness.
Seizures or convulsions.

Ways to Prevent Heat Stress

Hydrating before work activity is crucial. Consume water or an electrolyte beverage 24 hours prior to activity.
Drink 16 ounces of water two-three hours before work activity.
Drink water frequently (every 15-30 minutes, drink six-12 ounces)
Most people consume enough salt in their diets. Salt tablets are NOT necessary for general use.
Post work activity – drink 16 ounces of water for every pound of weight loss.
Take breaks and move a person showing symptoms of heat stress away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
Utilize ventilation or fans in enclosed areas.
It takes one-two weeks for the body to adjust to higher temperatures. This adaptation to heat can be quickly lost, so your body will have to adjust after a vacation.
Avoid caffeine (makes the body lose water and increases the risk for heat illness).
Avoid alcohol consumption. Many cases of heat stroke have occurred the day after heavy drinking.
Wear light-colored, cotton clothes, and keep your shirt on.

What to Do for Heat-Related Illness

Call 911 at once if a worker exhibits heat stroke symptoms.
Move the worker to a cool, shaded area.
Loosen or remove heavy clothing.
Provide cool drinking water.
Fan and mist the person with water.

Download the printable PDF and Recording Form here.

Month: June 2020

Hands Free Indiana Partnership

Bloodborne Pathogens

Fire Extinguishers

Thunderstorm & Lightning Hazards

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

Ways to Be Struck by Lightning

Monitor the Weather

Seek Shelter

Stuck Outside?

Heat Stress

What Is Heat Stress?

Dry Clothes and Skin Don’t Mean You Aren’t Sweating!

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Ways to Prevent Heat Stress

What to Do for Heat-Related Illness

follow us

View the Latest Facebook News

Indiana Constructors, Inc.