Tag: Safety

New Construction Worker Safety Tips

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 06/06/2018

New workers think differently than older, more experienced people in the workplace. They are typically inexperienced and may not be familiar with the job tasks or hazards on worksites or in workplaces. New workers are more willing to take unnecessary risks and possibly putting themselves into hazardous situations, without thinking they are, because they are eager to get the job done. They may be new to construction work altogether, and it may be the first job they’ve ever had. They may feel discouraged to ask questions for fear of appearing unknowledgeable to their coworkers and superiors.

It is important for a supervisor to provide new workers with constant interaction along with hands-on training until they are certified or deemed competent for the job at hand. Engaging them to ensure they feel valued and part of the team is also important. It allows them to feel comfortable sharing questions and concerns they may otherwise conceal out of fear of looking incompetent, leading to potential workplace accidents or injuries. Regular safety meetings are a way to keep new workers engaged and feeling like they are able to approach their supervisors with questions, concerns, or ideas they may have for the work they are expected to do.

Training is essential before any work begins. Start with a thorough orientation to the company, the safety rules, emergency procedures, and rights and responsibilities. Document the training, and possibly give a brief quiz at the end of orientation. When supplying workers with personal protective equipment, train them how to use it, educate them on the limitations and show them how to care for and maintain it. Before they can start any work, you must show them how to perform on a job safely. One of the best ways to train workers how to perform jobs safely is to have accurate, well-written safe work practices and safe job procedures. Have an experienced supervisor train them. Engage them by providing specific job-related safety training and specific job procedures for each task they are expected to perform. Train them on hazard recognition and control. One of the keys to safety is to know how to recognize and control hazards.

Download a recording form here.

Blind Spot Safety

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 05/22/2018

Definition: A blind spot is the area around a vehicle or piece of construction equipment that is not visible to the operators, either by direct line-of-sight or indirectly by use of internal and external mirrors.

Many people know that virtually all vehicles have blind spots, however most people don’t realize how big they are!

Here are some tips that can keep us all safe around vehicles and equipment:

  • If you’re the driver, ensure you don’t do things to distract you from your surroundings while operating the machinery.
  • Cordon off the area with temporary fencing or hazard tape where possible.
  • A spotter should be used when you cannot practically isolate your equipment from other workers.
  • All pedestrians onsite should be aware of a vehicle’s blind spots and know how to signal the driver if required.
  • The machinery should be stopped if someone needs to approach.
  • If possible, do the bulk of the work with machinery with minimal people onsite.
  • Tools/Attachments on vehicles can create greater blind spots. They can also reduce visibility, or swing which can increase the risk to workers being struck or pinned.
  • Watch out for heavy equipment moving with raised buckets and be ready for possible sudden movements of booms or changes in direction of equipment movement.
  • Do not cross directly in front of or immediately behind large, heavy equipment or trucks where the operator sits higher in the vehicle.
  • Properly adjusting vehicle mirrors can substantially reduce blind spots. Video cameras are also a good source to use to reduce blind spots.
  • Technology such as proximity detectors are very useful, but technology doesn’t replace the need for situational awareness.
  • Radars and sensors can also be helpful to warn workers and drivers.
  • Consider GPS installed on equipment as well as wearable GPS tracking worn by workers.
  • Develop an Internal Traffic Control Plan- Strategies to control the flow of construction workers, vehicles, and equipment inside the work zone.
  • Reduce hazards for equipment operators such as: reducing the need to back up, limiting access points to work zones, establishing pedestrian-free areas where possible, and establishing work zone layouts to accommodate the type of equipment.
  • Provide signs within the work zone to give guidance to pedestrians, equipment, and trucks.

Download a recording form here.

Eye Safety in Construction

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 03/07/2018

Construction is one of the largest and most dangerous industries in the United States. Bodily harm because of misusing equipment or through plain negligence can range anywhere from cuts and scrapes to loss of sight or limbs and even death. Because of all the hazards we encounter in a typical day, injuries occur regularly. Of those injuries, eye injuries, are one of the most common.

Two main reasons for eye injuries on the job are: not wearing eye protection or wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job. Not wearing eye protection is dangerous. Most workers don’t realize that wearing the wrong kind of eye protection can be just as hazardous. Unfortunately, construction workers contact with just about every eye hazard known to the safety industry: impact, ultraviolet radiation, liquid splash, and infrared radiation just to name a few, are common exposures in construction. Many construction tasks generate flying debris such as: wood, paint chips, dirt, concrete particles, and even nails.

While working outdoors, UV rays are present in ordinary sunlight and can cause damage to the eyes. Construction often takes workers both indoors and out, not realizing the hazards faced can be a serious problem. Workers also come in contact with highly toxic cleaning chemicals, paints, and adhesives that can cause liquid/chemical splash hazards. Contact from these substances can cause momentary vision loss or even blindness, not to mention burning and discomfort in the eyes.

Lastly is infrared radiation. Torch welding and cutting produces an invisible hazard that can damage the cornea and retina of the eye, and in extreme cases it can cause blindness.

By wearing appropriate eye protection workers should be able to avoid injuries to their eyes however, there is still a possibility that you or those around you might need first aid. Listed below are a few points to remember in case of an eye injury:

  • Wash hands before examining the eye, this will help prevent infection.
  • Avoid rubbing the eye, this may force the particle deeper into the tissue.
  • Do not attempt to remove a particle that is embedded in the eye, you can cause serious damage. Place clean, preferably sterile, patches over both eyes and get to a physician as soon as possible.
  • In case of a chemical burn to the eye, do not close your eyes as it can trap the chemical causing further damage. Rinse the eye for 15-20 minutes with clean water, get medical help as soon as possible.
  • Get periodic eye examinations. This is often the only way people learn that their vision is defective.
  • If you’ve had an eye injury, contact your doctor if you: have changes in your vision, have blurry vision, see flashing spots or lights, have eye pain that becomes worse or pain with the movement of your eye(s).

Clean your safety glasses daily, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Store them in a case when they are not being worn. Replace glasses that are scratched, pitted, broken, bent or ill-fitting.

Use only safety glasses that are manufactured to meet the American National Standards Institute’s standards for Eye and Face Protection Standard.

Download the recording form here.

Winter Work Safety

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published 01/31/2018

When performing construction and other work during the winter season, be mindful of the weather, its effects on the body and proper actions to prevent serious injury, permanent tissue damage or even death. Employers should monitor the weather to keep track of forecasts.

Following are several tips to consider while working outdoors during the winter months:

  • Require proper gear. Workers need to have the right clothing for severe weather, including boots, heavy coats, gloves and hats. Employers should require all workers to wear clothing that will keep them warm and dry to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Also, shoes should have nonslip soles to prevent falling. Consider keeping extra clothing on hand should your clothing get wet.
  • Protect your head, neck and ears. Up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost when the head is exposed.
  • Wear the right gloves for the work you are doing. They should have enough insulation to keep you warm and prevent frostbite, but thin enough so you can feel what you are doing if you are manipulating controls or tools. Avoid putting your hands in your pockets to reduce the risk of falling or losing your balance in case you slip while walking on ice or snow.
  • Keep your safety eyewear from fogging up in the cold. Use anti-fog coatings and wipes that are appropriate for your eyewear.
  • Avoid alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and some medications that inhibit the body’s response to the cold and can impair judgement. These items can increase your heart rate and may cause your blood vessels to constrict. Encourage workers to drink water.
  • Warm up your vehicle to help reduce the moisture condensation on the inside of your car windows. Remember, though, not to warm up your vehicle in a closed area.
  • After a winter storm, immediately report any downed power lines or broken gas lines in your area or workplace.
  • Prepare and identify a warm break area for workers to retreat. It can be a heated trailer or a tent with portable heaters. Always follow proper safety procedures with heating devices.
  • Before work begins, review the area to ensure no new hazards have formed while you were away. Common hazards are snow and ice accumulations or downed power lines and trees.
  • Before work is started on a site, ensure that snow is removed, salt or sand is put down and large patches of ice are chipped away to greatly reduce the risk of injury.
  • All work vehicles should be inspected to determine if they are fully functioning. Winter kits should be added to every vehicle including an ice scraper, snow brush, shovel, tow chain, flashlight with extra batteries, emergency flares, a blanket, snacks, and water.

Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. Prepare in advance, observe safety precautions and reduce your risk of weather-related injury. Safety is being prepared.

Download the recording form here.

Highway Contractors Receive 2019 Statewide Safety Awards

Posted on by Andria Hine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 26, 2019
CONTACT: Andria Hine, Indiana Constructors, Inc. (317) 634-7547

(INDIANAPOLIS) As part of its ongoing effort to lead the Indiana highway, heavy and utility construction industry in the area of workplace safety, Indiana Constructors, Inc. (ICI) presented its 2019 Safety Program Awards at the association’s annual meeting on Nov. 21 in Indianapolis.

An independent panel of judges chose the following firms for their overall excellence in safety culture as shown through metrics, innovative programs and anonymous supervisor and onsite worker evaluations.

Click on the company name for a brief video overview of their award-winning safety efforts.

PLATINUM SAFETY PROGRAM AWARD

Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Inc., Goshen
From left: ICI Chairman Daniel F. Brown, president and CEO of Phend & Brown, Inc. in Milford along with Bob Montel and Dan Livingston of Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Inc. in Goshen at ICI’s 2019 Membership Meeting in Indianapolis on Nov. 21. The Platinum Safety Program Award reflects the highest safety achievement for 2019. (ICI photo/James Reid, Anchor Media LLC)

GOLD SAFETY PROGRAM AWARDS

HIS Constructors, Inc., Indianapolis
From left: ICI Chairman Daniel F. Brown, president and CEO of Phend & Brown, Inc. in Milford along with Brian Keeney and Brian Pickering of HIS Constructors, Inc. in Indianapolis at ICI’s 2019 Membership Meeting in Indianapolis on Nov. 21. HIS Constructors, Inc. received this award in the Contractors With an Average of Between 100,000 and 300,000 Labor Hours category. (ICI photo/James Reid, Anchor Media LLC)

Walsh & Kelly, Inc., Griffith
From left: ICI Chairman Daniel F. Brown, president and CEO of Phend & Brown, Inc. in Milford along with Matthew Gill and David Limbaugh of Walsh & Kelly, Inc. in Griffith at ICI’s 2019 Membership Meeting in Indianapolis on Nov. 21. Walsh & Kelly, Inc. received this award in the Contractors With an Average of More Than 300,000 Labor Hours category. (ICI photo/James Reid, Anchor Media LLC)

SILVER SAFETY PROGRAM AWARDS

Gridlock Traffic Systems, Inc., Indianapolis
From left: ICI Chairman Daniel F. Brown, president and CEO of Phend & Brown, Inc. in Milford along with Bryan Madson of Gridlock Traffic Systems, Inc. in Indianapolis at ICI’s 2019 Membership Meeting in Indianapolis on Nov. 21. GridLock Traffic Systems, Inc. received this award in the Contractors With an Average of Less Than 100,000 Labor Hours category. (ICI photo/James Reid, Anchor Media LLC)

Calumet Civil Contractors, Inc., Whitestown
From left: ICI Chairman Daniel F. Brown, president and CEO of Phend & Brown, Inc. in Milford along with Kevin Green of Calumet Civil Contractors, Inc. in Whitestown at ICI’s 2019 Membership Meeting in Indianapolis on Nov. 21. Calumet Civil Contractors, Inc. received this award in the Contractors With an Average of Between 100,000 and 300,000 Labor Hours category. (ICI photo/James Reid, Anchor Media LLC)

Superior Construction, Portage
From left: ICI Chairman Daniel F. Brown, president and CEO of Phend & Brown, Inc. in Milford along with Bobby Greer and Jeff Carlson of Superior Construction of Portage at ICI’s 2019 Membership Meeting in Indianapolis on Nov. 21. Superior Construction received this award in the Contractors With an Average of More Than 300,000 Labor Hours category. (ICI photo/James Reid, Anchor Media LLC)

BRONZE SAFETY PROGRAM AWARD

Specialties Company, LLC, Indianapolis
From left: ICI Chairman Daniel F. Brown, president and CEO of Phend & Brown, Inc. in Milford along with Joe Hile of Specialties Company, LLC in Indianapolis at ICI’s 2019 Membership Meeting in Indianapolis on Nov. 21. Specialties Company, LLC received this award in the Contractors With an Average of Between 100,000 and 300,000 Labor Hours category. (ICI photo/James Reid, Anchor Media LLC)

Brooks Construction Co., Inc., Ft. Wayne
From left: ICI Chairman Daniel F. Brown, president and CEO of Phend & Brown, Inc. in Milford along with Andrew Brooks of Brooks Construction Co., Inc. in Ft. Wayne at ICI’s 2019 Membership Meeting in Indianapolis on Nov. 21. Brooks Construction Co., Inc. received this award in the Contractors With an Average of More Than 300,000 Labor Hours category. (ICI photo/James Reid, Anchor Media LLC)

Gradex, Inc., Carmel
From left: ICI Chairman Daniel F. Brown, president and CEO of Phend & Brown, Inc. in Milford along with Jason Dapp, Mike Hoffman and Jacob Norris of Gradex, Inc. in Carmel at ICI’s 2019 Membership Meeting in Indianapolis on Nov. 21. Gradex, Inc. received this award in the Contractors With an Average of More Than 300,000 Labor Hours category. (ICI photo/James Reid, Anchor Media LLC)

Indiana Constructors, Inc. is the voice of the Indiana highway, heavy and utility construction industry. We promote and protect the well-being of our members through legislative and agency advocacy, labor relations and negotiations, education and workforce development opportunities, safety initiatives and communications tools.