ICI members may apply for the 2023 Safety Program Awards by downloading the application and returning it with the required documentation. Contact Jim Wood (317) 634-7547 with questions or for additional information about the program.
Tag: Safety
2022 Safety Program Awards Application
ELIGIBILITY
To be considered for an award, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Current ICI membership.
- No serious and/or “knowing” IOSHA citation associated with a work-related fatality since January 1, 2019.
- Must have one or more active jobsites available for visit during June through September 2022.
- Must allow random and unannounced jobsite walk-throughs and worker interviews.
- Award recipients must work with ICI’s Safety Committee to participate in a safety roundtable gathering in early 2023.
COMPLETING THE APPLICATION
The ICI application process consists of:
- Interactive application form which is filled in and submitted electronically once you have completed all of the requested information. Each section of the application clearly states what is required for that section.
- The application form will also request some independent documentation. These documents must be submitted as PDF files and included as attachments when you submit your application.
- SurveyMonkey will save your data in your browser until you click done at the end of the survey. After you click done, you won’t be able to edit the application. It’s best to collect all your information and complete the application in one sitting.
DEADLINE
Applications are submitted electronically and must be received by Aug. 12, 2022. All applications, at a minimum, must include OSHA 300A logs for 2019, 2020 and 2021, EMR data for 2019, 2020 and 2021 and a copy of the company safety program to be considered complete. Unanswered questions will be considered as “not applicable” responses.
CONFIDENTIALITY
To ensure fairness in the judging process, ICI will remove all identifying information, such as company name and address, from the applications and supporting documentation before providing information to ICI’s Safety Program Awards Selection Committee.
CONTACT
Please contact Jim Wood at (317) 634-7547 if you have questions or issues submitting the application data.
CONCRETE SAFETY – CONCRETE BURNS
HEALTH HAZARDS
Along with quartz (crystalline silica), dry concrete contains calcium oxide. When it’s dry, calcium oxide can potentially cause respiratory irritation. The more serious hazard is when you add water to the concrete mix. When water mixes with calcium oxide, it forms calcium hydroxide, which is extremely alkaline (caustic) with a pH of 12 to 13.
Skin contact with calcium hydroxide can result in red, irritated or blistered skin. Calcium hydroxide contact can cause second- or third-degree burns that can form slowly over hours or days. Wet concrete is also hygroscopic, drawing water away from anything that holds moisture, including wet clothing or skin.
If your skin or eyes have been exposed to wet concrete, you need to take immediate action to reduce the severity of the injury:
- Immediately wash the exposed area with clean water for approximately 20 minutes. Add vinegar to the water to help neutralize the alkalinity. Never use a water/vinegar solution to rinse the eyes.
- Flush eyes with clean water and get immediate medical attention.
- Remove and replace any wet PPE or clothing.
- Wash all exposed skin areas, even if you are not aware of contact. Concrete burns can take hours to form.
- Seek professional medical attention immediately and provide the medical personnel with the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
You must wear PPE to protect the skin and eyes from contact with concrete containing calcium hydroxide.
- Safety glasses –create a barrier between your eyes and wet concrete with appropriate eye protection.
- Chemical-resistant gloves – protect the hands with PVC, nitrile or neoprene gloves.
- Rubber boots – prevent contact with the feet, ankles and calves. Take additional measures to prevent concrete from entering over the top of the boots.
- Knee pads or boards – knees and lower extremities are susceptible to concrete exposure during finishing activities. Wear knee pads or use knee boards to prevent contact.
DO NOT DELAY in getting medical treatment if your skin is exposed to wet concrete. Delaying treatment can mean the difference between a mild burn and a severe injury.
Download a printable PDF and recording form here.
Members can download the audio version of this toolbox talk here.
JACKHAMMER & CHIPPING HAMMER SAFETY
Chipping and hammering for concrete removal are common work activities in bridge work and repair. Workers use compact pneumatic chipping hammers and jackhammers to do the job. These compact battering rams pack a lot of punch, and they can be dangerous if you don’t use them properly. Here are some common-sense tips provided by tool manufacturers.
WEAR THE CORRECT PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
- Safety glasses.
- Face shield.
- Hearing protection.
- Hard hat.
- Gloves.
- Durable work boots with protective toes.
- N95 or greater respiratory protection unless you’re using water for silica dust control.
INSPECT BEFORE USING
- Inspect the jackhammer or chipping hammer for damage and make sure all controls and safety interlocks work properly.
- Check all couplings and accessories on all compressors and ensure that only correct, compatible couplings are in place.
- Make sure safety or holding pins used on all hose connections are in place.
- Inspect the safety clip or tool retainer for proper operation. This prevents you from unintentionally shooting the chisel or tool from the barrel.
BEWARE OF AIR UNDER PRESSURE
- Never exceed the tool’s designated operating pressure.
- Never point a compressed air hose at yourself or anyone else.
- Never use compressed air to blow dirt or debris from your clothes.
- Always disconnect the tool when you’re not using it or when you are changing accessories.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
- Make sure that loose clothing doesn’t get caught in the equipment.
- Verify that workers won’t encounter electrical or gas lines while performing the work.
- Keep both hands on the tool.
- Watch for excess lengths of the air hose, which can cause a tripping hazard.
- Properly position your body while moving and using the equipment.
- Allow the tool to do the work by using a grip light enough to maintain control.
- Discontinue use if numbness, tingling, pain or discoloration of the skin occurs.
- Always follow any manufacturer special instructions.
Download a printable PDF and recording form here.
Members can download the audio version of this toolbox talk here.
INSECT BITES & STINGS
Bites and stings from bees and wasps, fire ants, spiders, ticks and mites can be common occurrences for contractors.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the five insects that cause most allergic reactions in the United States are honeybees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets and fire ants. Watch bite or sting victims of these insects for severe allergic reactions. The following symptoms require immediate emergency medical attention:
- Coughing.
- Trouble breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Severe sweating.
- Itching.
- Nausea/Vomiting.
- Redness and swelling around the area of the bite/sting.
- Hives.
Areas of the body most susceptible to bites and stings are your head, exposed arms and exposed hands. You can reduce bites and stings by keeping these areas covered. You can also reduce your exposure by keeping work areas clean. Insects may be attracted to discarded food or open drink containers.
If you are susceptible to an allergic reaction from an insect bite or sting, you should inform your employer. People that are aware that they have a severe allergy to insect bites or stings should also:
- Consider making their co-workers aware.
- Wear a medical warning bracelet or necklace.
- Carry a wallet card.
- Carry an epinephrine auto-injector.
IF YOU ARE STUNG
- Remove the stinger by using a gauze wipe or by scraping a fingernail over the area.
- Never squeeze the stinger or use tweezers.
- Wash the site with soap and water.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling.
- Seek medical attention and report work-related injuries.
Download a printable PDF and recording form here.
Members can download the audio version of this toolbox talk here.
HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S) & CONFINED SPACES
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a rotten egg smell. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas and can be produced by the breakdown of organic matter and human and/or animal wastes (i.e., sewage). It’s heavier than air and can collect in low-lying, enclosed, poorly ventilated areas such as basements, manholes, sewer lines and underground telephone and electrical vaults. When hydrogen sulfide gas burns it produces other toxic vapors and gases, including sulfur dioxide.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Health effects vary with the length of the exposure and the concentration levels in which you are exposed. People with asthma may be at greater risk. The OSHA Construction Permissible Exposure Limit is an eight-hour limit of 10 ppm.
- Low concentrations (2 -5 ppm) – Effects include irritation of eyes, nose, throat or respiratory system. These effects can be delayed.
- Moderate concentrations (20 -50 ppm) – Effects include more severe eye irritation and difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, nausea, coughing and vomiting.
- High concentrations (100 ppm and greater) – Effects that can be extremely rapid (within a few breaths) include shock, convulsions, inability to breathe, coma or death.
BEFORE ENTERING A VAULT, TANK OR OTHER CONFINED SPACE
A qualified person using gas detection equipment must test the air for the presence and concentration of hydrogen sulfide (and other atmospheric hazards). The qualified person also determines if fire and/or explosion precautions are necessary.
- If gas is present, you must ventilate the space.
- If you can’t remove the gas, use appropriate respiratory protection and any other necessary personal protective, rescue and communication equipment.
- Atmospheres containing high concentrations (greater than 100 ppm) are immediately dangerous to life and health and require a self-contained breathing apparatus.
There are absolutely NO circumstances under which you would ever enter a confined space (a space large enough to enter, limited entry and exit, not designed for continuous occupancy) without:
- Testing for atmospheric hazards.
- Having the equipment and training to do a non-entry rescue. Calling the fire department is NOT a rescue plan. It’s a recovery plan.
- Following all confined space requirements under OSHA 1926 Subpart AA.
Download a printable PDF and recording form here.
Members can download the audio version of this toolbox talk here.