Safety and Education
Each winter and spring, AGC/VT presents a wide variety of safety and training courses to contractors throughout the state. These classes regularly include First Aid, CPR, OSHA 10-Hour Training, MSHA, etc. At our quarterly meetings, AGC/VT periodically sponsors seminars on current industry topics in addition to the meeting's traditional evening dinner and speaking program.
Safety News
Toolbox Talk, January 17, 2013
Tool Box from RoadSafe
To See More Clearly
When you are driving, turn your head to scan all mirrors every five seconds. Adjust the side view mirrors outward, just beyond the point where you can see the side of the car on the inside edge of the mirror.
Adjust the rear view mirror slightly higher than normal which will increase the distance you can see behind your vehicle.
Adjust the seat so that you are high enough to see the road and you have a comfortable reach for the pedals and steering wheel.
Be aware of your blind spots.
Dont be distracted.
For more roadway safety information, contact info@agcvt.org
Associated General Contractors of Vermont Think Safety A Mirror -- Most Important PPE
Look around your job site. There are hazards including suspended loads, moving equipment, heat, electricity, insects, falling objects and traffic. Your mitigation plan to control some hazards includes PPE. You inspect it, store it properly and wear it as directed. In short, you protect it so it can protect you. You are covered in PPE from head to toe and ready to go to work. Or are you? Have you forgotten the most important PPE you will ever use a mirror? You have probably never seen a mirror included with your PPE on a job hazard analysis or pre-job briefing form and probably are not trained in mirror use. So lets examine why a mirror is an essential component of your PPE along with how and when it should be utilized. Mirrors are an important component of PPE because you can be the biggest hazard on your job site and a mirror is your only protection. To utilize a mirror properly, position yourself directly in front of it and think about the following. Fit for Duty What is my physical fitness level? I should probably stretch before doing strenuous work. Did I sleep well? When was my last meal? Its hot; am I drinking enough water? Should I tell my supervisor about this prescription medication I am taking?
Distractions Whats happening in my personal life? Am I focused on the task at hand? Im leaving for vacation as soon as we get done today. Better hurry. Training What are we doing today? Am I trained for this? Do I understand my role? What questions do I need clarified before we start work? Perception Have I performed this task so many times that I take it for granted? What are the risks versus rewards of me taking a shortcut? Am I scared to speak up if something doesnt seem right or if I dont understand my task? Did I just go through the motions on that pre-job briefing or does my crew understand what we are doing? Attitude Im tough. I dont need help picking this up. Yes, its hot, but Im not drinking water. Sissies get sick. I dont like my foreman Ill show him. Ive been doing this longer than hes been alive. No way is he telling me I cant use my pocketknife to skin this wire. Im so good at this task I dont need PPE. Mirrors and Hazard Identification You should use a mirror before you do anything else. Typically, the first thing a worker does each day is participate in a pre-job briefing. Among other things, these briefings are conducted to identify hazards. Think about your role in hazard identification and why using a mirror is important in your perception of hazards. You perceive hazards differently as you process them through internal filters based on factors such as experience and attitude. If youve ever thought, Ive done this 1,000 times there is no way Im getting hurt, then you should have used a mirror.
As is the case with any PPE, a mirror has its limitations. No matter how self-aware you become, you are still subject to distractions and will perceive hazards based on internal filters. Work as a group to identify and mitigate hazards, utilize a qualified observer during critical tasks and communicate with echo protocol for mutual understanding. You wont have to look far on the bulletin board or in your safety manual to find something printed that says you are responsible for your own safety.
Date Posted: January 21, 2013
Previous Stories
Toolbox Talk, January 4, 2013
Date Posted: January 04, 2013
Crane Safety info
A follow up to this weeks crane mishaps
Date Posted: August 26, 2011
RRP Lead Renovator Courses price reduced
Beginning with the April 22 RRP Lead Renovator course the price will now be $175.00. Details of the class are listed below....
Date Posted: April 06, 2010
