Tag: workers

Safe Use of Cut Saws

Posted on by admin_ici
Originally published on July 19, 2016

Construction workers often need to use cut saws to cut pipe, concrete, brick or block. Kickback – when the saw jumps back toward the operator – is the primary cause of serious injury when using a cut saw. Because cut saws are very dangerous, operators must have the proper instruction and training, and be regularly assessed to make sure they know how to safely operate the saw.

You should be in good physical shape and well rested if you are going to use a cut saw. Fatigue can cause you to lose control of the saw. Before you use the saw, familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions, and never use an abrasive blade on objects for which it was not intended.

When using the saw, hold it firmly with both hands, maintain good balance and footing at all times and avoid using the saw in awkward positions. It is important to position the saw in such a way that you are not bending over or standing directly behind the blade, especially when the guard is pulled back towards the top of the blade. Never overreach or hold the saw above the line of the shoulder.

A kickback can be caused by using the upper part of the cutting blade, or if the wheel is pinched at the front. It can also happen when a cut is interrupted, or when putting the blade back into a cut that has already been started. Material that sags or moves during a cut could bind the wheel or cause a kickback. Make sure that the object you are cutting is fully supported, secured so it cannot roll or slip and does not vibrate. Wet cutting not only helps keep the abrasive cool and reduce dust, but in a pinch situation, the water can act as a lubricant and reduce the energy of reactive forces. The saw’s guard should be designed to prevent cutting with the front and upper quadrant of the blade. You should never pull the guard beyond the limit stop.

A blade lock in can be caused when the work piece shifts, pinching the blade. Make sure that the work piece is clamped so that this can’t happen. You can also cause a lock in if you try to cut too deeply too quickly, or try to cut on a radius. These can lock the blade or cause the diamond segment to pop off. It would be safer to make a shallow guide cut, then come back for a deeper cut.

General safety tips for using a cut saw include the following:

  • Inspect the saw for damage before use, and make sure the guard is in place and secure. Do not use a wheel that has been dropped.
  • Wear the proper personal protective equipment – i.e. eye/face protection, non-slip gloves, ear protection, hard hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants (but they should not be loose fitting), and a respirator when dusty conditions exist.
  • Fuel the saw outdoors in a well-ventilated area while the engine is cool.
  • Establish a safe work zone to ensure that no one is exposed to any risks because they are too close to the saw while it’s in use.
  • When finished using the saw, turn off the engine and let the wheel stop rotating before carrying the saw or setting it down.
  • When carrying the saw, be sure the hot muffler is on the side away from your body.
  • Store the saw in a cool, dry place. Abrasives are heat and moisture sensitive.

Cut saws are valuable tools in construction, but they can also be dangerous. Safety is one of the most important issues you need to consider before picking up a saw.

Download a recording form here.

New OSHA 30-Hour Elective Course

Posted on by Andria Hine
Source: OSHA December 15 QuickTakes newsletter

OSHA offers new outreach training elective on safety leadership

OSHA’s Outreach Training Program and the Center for Construction Research and Training have developed a new OSHA 30-hour construction training elective course: Foundations for Safety Leadership. Responding to a training gap identified by contractors, unions and other industry stakeholders, FSL is designed to introduce construction workers, particularly foremen and lead workers, to five critical safety leadership skills needed to improve jobsite safety climate and safety outcomes. The course stresses the importance of leading by example, engaging and empowering team members, listening and communicating effectively, coaching and providing feedback, and recognizing team members who go above and beyond for safety. The FSL course will be available on OSHA’s Outreach Training Program webpage starting January 1, 2017.

Quick Connect Excavator Head and Attachments

Posted on by admin_ici

Quick connector heads that allow different excavator attachments to be quickly interchanged are a tremendous innovation for construction. Today, one properly-sized excavator with several different attachments can do the work of several excavators. However, with this ease of changing attachments comes a responsibility to make sure these attachments are properly installed.

The main risk arising from the use of a quick-connect device is that the attachment, such as an excavating bucket, can become disconnected from the device and fall from the machine. Some of the reasons for this type of accident include:

  • Being in a hurry and failing to engage the quick-connect device properly;
  • Not activating a secondary locking device;
  • Poor maintenance; and
  • Overloading the attachment.

Train operators to do a complete motion check before swinging the attachment near other workers. The operator should always follow the manufacturer’s requirements for doing motion tests. All manufacturers specify steps to assure proper installation of attachments. Following is a generic list (but you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations):

  • Switch to the “LOCK” position after fully seating the coupler to engage the link pin with the locking lever.
  • Test the connection by completely curling the coupler inward to make sure the attachment is completely engaged.
  • Cycle the coupler attachment from “fully closed” to “fully open” at least twice.
  • Try to disengage the bucket from the coupler using the machine weight. Dig the bucket teeth into the ground, lower the attachment against the ground to lift the tracks off the ground and try to force the bucket off.
  • Perform all tests every time you engage an attachment. All tests must be performed away from personnel. NEVER swing coupled attachments over personnel.
  • Some manufacturers have developed a retrofit kit to improve the mechanical locking safety of quick-connect heads and attachments. Check with your dealer to make sure your equipment has been retrofitted, if available.
  • Instructions for testing of quick-connect heads should be in the cab of all excavators equipped with these heads.
  • Operators should always follow the testing procedures required for the type of quick- connect head they are using.
  • Consider using an independent secondary locking system to keep the attachment from falling if the primary lock fails.

Don’t take risks with your safety or that of your co-worker.

Download the recording form here.

Prosecutors Share Success in Work Zone Fatality Conviction

Posted on by admin_ici

Here are the minutes from the October Safety Joint Coop meeting, in which we were fortunate to have a representative from the Marion County Prosecutors office, Christina Gull, as well as from the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, Chris Daniels, to share and address concerns that our members had regarding the prosecution or a lack there of by motorists who injure or kill workers in work zones. Our members were eager to learn why the prosecutors were so successful in the case where a motorist was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing two highway workers in 2014 but not in other obvious situations of negligence involving highway worker deaths. They also wanted to know what contractors can do to assist in the success going forward.

Ms. Gull, who actually worked on the 2014 case, praised ICI members for their cooperation and willingness to help educate the attorneys as well as the jury on the specifics of a work zone and what goes into designing, building and disassembling them. She shared that they could have in no way been successful without the help of our members.

Mr. Daniels enlightened members to the fact that these cases a very challenging to prosecute because of the way the laws are written. The law is written in a way where when trying to try a case involving a motorist killing a worker with a vehicle is no different than a case attempting to prosecute an individual who used a gun to kill a person. His office is working with the legislature to fix these problems.

One of the major takeaways from the presentation was that there is no automatic path or process to prosecuting these violators. Contractors and others concerned should feel free to alert the local prosecutor’s office to ensure that they are aware of incidences that could warrant prosecution. In most cases this awareness comes from the police department; however, when they don’t recognize the opportunity for prosecution, they will not move the case forward.

The ICI Safety Joint Coop forum meets bimonthly and is a great platform for our members and their safety directors to gather to share and keep abreast of the latest industry happenings as they relate to road construction safety. These gatherings regularly involve representatives from IDOL, ISP and INDOT. One of the main features of the Safety Joint Coop meeting is the open discussion session in which members get the opportunity hear details of injuries that have occurred in the industry and learn ways to avoid them in their own shops. The group thinking here is one of the worst things that we can experience as an industry is for the same injury to occur in one member’s shop that has already occurred in another’s shop, and there was no platform to learn from others mistakes.

Download calendar appointments for the meetings scheduled for:

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

The Onsite Competent Person

Posted on by admin_ici

One of the most common misconceptions about designating a Competent Person on a construction site is the person with the most knowledge of the activity being performed, or the person who has attended training should be the Competent Person. In fact, that individual may or may not be the best person for the job. There are other factors that must be considered when making this designation. Also, this designation should not be confused with that of a qualified person.

OSHA defines “Qualified” as one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work or the project. A Competent Person observes specific job activities and is responsible for assuring that the work is performed safely. However, a certificate or card alone does not automatically make a person “competent.” The Competent Person must:

  • Be capable of identifying all workplace hazards relating to the specific operation (considering your particular type of work, process, equipment, tools, etc.)
  • Be designated by the employer. The task is often assigned to a foreman or supervisor, but anyone can be designated as a Competent Person if they have the proper training and experience. In most cases, the safety duties assigned to the Competent Person are in addition to his or her normal duties on the jobsite. However, on some large projects, being the Competent Person can be a full-time job.
  • Have authority to take appropriate actions to provide a safe workplace, correct unsafe conditions and stop work.

OSHA standards require a Competent Person to be at the work site performing or observing certain tasks. Companies are often cited by OSHA because they don’t have a Competent Person overseeing activities onsite. Below is a partial listing of OSHA standards that require a Competent Person to perform specific functions:

  • Excavating and Trenching
  • Fall Protection (scaffolds, ladders, stairways)
  • Hearing Protection (noise measurement)
  • Material Handling (rigging equipment, cranes and derricks)
  • Material Hoists, Personnel Hoists and Elevators
  • Concrete and Masonry Construction (lift-slab operations)
  • Steel Erection (bolting, riveting, fitting-up and plumbing-up)
  • Demolition (preparatory operations)
  • Blasting
  • Lead and Asbestos Handling

A Competent Person is a key individual on every jobsite. Their inspection and guidance are for your protection and safety. Respect and listen to them. It could save your life.

Download the recording form here.