HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY

Highway construction presents many hazards that we seldom experience in other construction activities. The hazards of traffic and carbon monoxide as well as fumes and excessive heat from asphalt are only a few of the substances that present hazards on the construction job site. The change from the cold weather hazards of winter work to the hazards encountered during summer and fall will require a change in the personal protective clothing required and is just one adjustment that must be made.

The hazards of warm or hot weather can present heat stress considerations that must be addressed:

• Always have enough cool water available for the number of workers on the job site to address hydration requirements.

• Create a cool rest location for workers who develop heat stress. This may be shaded areas, cool buildings, or even air-conditioned trucks and machinery.

• Provide heat stress awareness training for workers, safety officers, and competent persons, which must include appropriate treatment for affected personnel.

• Consider changing the time of day if it is available to accomplish labor intensive activities.

• Rotate personnel to limit exposure time.

These must be considered when estimating the cost factor when submitting a bid, and they are vital when providing a safe worksite as required by OSHA.

Many other hazards present themselves in the warm months. Exposure to the sun, heat, and humidity are just the tip of the iceberg. Poisonous plants, insects, and wild animals can often present many serious hazards to workers during the warmer weather. These hazards will naturally occur on construction sites and must be addressed. The use of sunblock and insect repellent may be required for worker protection and may be needed for a safe and healthier worksite.

Other hazards may exist on the worksite that is generated by the type of work that is being accomplished. These hazards may include the production of dangerous vapors such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon vapors from asphalt work, and silica dust working for you, it is recommended you place a note in the driver’s qualification file explaining the circumstances.

Save your company a fine and possible FMCSA audit. You should have a Clearinghouse process in place so that you can keep up with compliance.

Anthony Morreale is the owner of Tri-State Safety Solutions, a provider of health, safety, and environmental compliance training and consulting as mandated by city and state agencies.

BY H.K. CARR

from concrete and cement activities. Exposure to asbestos can be generated from several construction work environments. Many of these hazards require the use of extra personal protective equipment, which may also present additional heat stress.

It is suggested that all personnel be provided with basic first aid knowledge to address these hazards on the jobs ite.

These are hazards that occur on any job site and a response plan should be in place on how each circumstance will be addressed should they occur. This is required by OSHA if you have 10 or more employees. All employees must be aware of the plan and how to implement it as required.

I have mentioned many construction hazards, but these are not all. Many other work-related hazards exist. Construction work of all types is rated as one of the most hazardous professions that you may work in, and it requires all of us to make sure that what we do is the safest way to accomplish the required work. This allows us the best chance of going home safely at the end of our workday.

Have a great summer and do not become a victim of a construction hazard.

H.K. “Skip” Carr and his wife, Judy, have operated H.K. Carr & Associates, a training company focused on OSHA compliance and construction safety, for over 30 years.