Safety Net | June 2019

The Safety Net L O C AT I O N C O N S U LT I N G

DESIGN & ENGINEERING

DESIGN-BUILD

IT’S ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST. CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTING

JUNE 2019

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 6

June is Safety Awareness Month: Tips to Stay Safe

by Evelyn | 06.27.18

The National Safety Council (NSC) is committed to educating people of all ages across the United States to keep us all from harm whenever possible. In June, the NSC is observing National Safety Month – an entire 30 days dedicated to learning how to stay safe and decreasing risks of injuries.

Families, schools, employers and other groups can get materials from the NSC website and can participate in suggested activities to learn and spread awareness. Some activities include identifying potential hazards in your neighborhood, holding trivia contests about safety, and sharing information about National Safety Month on social media.

The motto of the month is #No1GetsHurt and each week is dedicated to a different area

SAFETY FIRST.

of safety: • Emergency preparedness

• Falls

• Wellness

• Driving

Austin employees have worked 2,786,410 hours without a Lost Time Accident through 4/2019.

The spirit of the month led us to wonder: how safe are you on a daily basis? Here, we present some tips to follow so you and your family can avoid as many accidents and injuries as possible.

Safety on the Road Many people rely on personal cars for transportation. In addition, many people drive as part of their jobs. This can include commercial truck drivers, bus drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers, delivery drivers, construction and utility workers,

Safety at Home Many injuries can happen right inside your own home.

Injuries at home are commonly caused by dangerous products or dangerous conditions that you have not repaired. There are many types of products that can be defective or dangerous in your house – even products that seem completely safe and harmless. Such products can include: • Baby and toddler products

and many more. Many people also enjoy riding bicycles

• Toys and recreational equipment

and motorcycles.

• Appliances

Every time you are on the road, be aware of the risks of

• Furniture

accidents and injuries. Many factors can cause cars, trucks, motorcycles or bicycles to crash, many of which involve driver error. The following are some steps you can take to stay safe behind the wheel and protect your passengers and others on the road: • Avoid distractions. Of course, you should never text or use your smartphone while you are driving. Not only is this illegal, it is one of the most dangerous driving distractions. Stay focused on the road and refrain from activities such as eating, drinking, smoking, programming GPS, picking things up from the floorboard, paying attention to children in the back, or anything else that distracts you from the task of driving.

• Get a tune-up. Vehicles need regular check-ups and maintenance to stay in safe operating condition.

National Safety Month is the perfect time to take your car in for an inspection to ensure that nothing will malfunction while you are driving.

• Follow all traffic laws. When drivers violate traffic laws, it causes serious accidents. Sometimes you may not realize you failed to yield properly or that you are following too closely. Refresh your memory regarding all traffic laws and make sure to review these laws with any new drivers in your family. Be careful not to speed, run red lights, drive while impaired, or commit any other dangerous violations.

Even if you are the safest driver on the road, always watch for signs that another driver may be aggressive, distracted, drunk or otherwise dangerous. If you see a dangerous

When products malfunction, they can cause falls, electrical injuries, burns, lacerations and other injuries. You should review the potential risks of certain products and ensure that any possibly dangerous products are out of reach of children.

In addition, you should perform an inspection and any necessary maintenance in and around your home. Make sure railings are not loose, floors are not too slippery, rugs all have anti-slip pads, no objects can easily fall, and address any other hazards.

Safety in the Community Most of us spend time out and about in the community.

Whether you are shopping, eating at a restaurant, going to the beach, going to the pool, or engaging in sporting events, you would be surprised how many types of accidents may occur.

First, you may slip and fall if a store or property owner failed to correct a dangerous condition in a store, restaurant or parking lot. Stay aware when visiting businesses and take your time so you do not fall. Next, be careful around any strange dogs, as you do not know their temperament and even previously calm dogs have been known to bite.

Remind your children of the hazards in a pool area and make sure they know the rules of the pool area and that they never swim alone. Review safety precautions children should take with strangers, as well as at theme parks, water parks and other similar destinations.

driver, call 911 and report it before that driver causes an accident. Also, always know what to do if you are involved in an accident – call 911, seek medical attention, and call an attorney.

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Eye Strain 101 National Safety Council | 02.24.19

Whether it’s a work computer, a home laptop or our ever-

• Mind the glare. Screen glare from lighting can irritate

present smartphones, chances are you stare at some

your eyes; try a matte filter for your screen to help

type of screen for hours each day. This can lead to vision

diminish glare.

problems. “Focusing on tiny type for hours on end can cause eyestrain, fatigue and headaches,” the American Academy of Ophthalmology cautions. “Staring at screens for long periods can also leave eyes parched, red and gritty-feeling.”

The Mayo Clinic states that eyestrain is a common condition that occurs when a person’s eyes get tired from intense use, and “people who look at screens two or more hours in a row every day have the greatest risk of this condition.”

Take a Break AAO recommends taking the following steps to prevent eyestrain: • Keep your screen at arm’s length. When working with a desktop computer, keep the screen about 25 inches from your face, or about an arm’s length away. If doing

• Give your eyes rest time. AAO notes that eyestrain occurs after long and continuous screen use, and recommends workers follow the “20-20-20 rule”: Take a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will allow your eyes time to relax.

• Avoid dry eyes. Try using a personal humidifier at your desk to help keep your eyes moisturized. Additionally, keep eye drops handy to lubricate your eyes if they feel particularly dry.

• Pay attention to lighting. If your screen is too bright, your eyes have to work harder. Adjust your screen’s brightness, as well as the lighting in your office or home, to reduce eyestrain.

If these steps don’t help, AAO recommends seeing an ophthalmologist.

so makes the words on the screen appear too small, adjust the font size.

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June is National Safety Month: 5 Tips to Stay Safe at Work PC/MC N.J. Auto | 05.19

Each June, the National Safety Council celebrates National

3. Follow Safety Rules and Procedures – Your company

Safety Month. The goal is to help educate and influence

has a procedure manual and safety rules already in

safer behaviors to counteract some of the leading causes

place, but do you follow them? Re-familiarize yourself

of injury and death in the United States, particularly in the

with the company rules and make sure you use the

workplace.

safety precautions you were taught when you were first

Whether you work in construction or sit at a desk all day,

hired. For example, if you work in a laboratory, always

there are things you can do to improve your safety and the safety of those with whom you work.

Five Ways to Avoid Injury at Work

wear your personal protective equipment.

4. Use Mechanical Aids – Instead of attempting to lift or carry heavy objects, use a conveyor belt, wheelbarrow or other mechanical aid to help you move it. If

According to the NSC, nearly 11 workers die on the job

something is too heavy, let a supervisor know you need

each day in the United States. You can do your part to

assistance, but never attempt to move something that

reduce these numbers by using these workplace safety tips:

is heavy enough to cause injury.

1. Avoid Distractions on the Job – Distractions are as

5. Training – Pay attention to the training you receive.

deadly at work as they are while operating a car.

If you are unsure how to do something safely, ask

Whether you are using machinery or walking down a

a supervisor. If you are new on the job, request a

flight of stairs, be alert and attentive to what is going

supervisor shadow you for the first few days to ensure

on around you and what you are doing. Even if your

you are following proper safety protocols. Keep an eye

employer allows the use of cell phones while working,

out for new employees and offer assistance when they

do not use them while operating heavy machinery or

need it. If you ever notice employees doing something

driving the company car.

against protocol, show them the right way to do it.

2. Stay Cool – If your job requires you to be outside for extended periods, protect yourself from heatstroke.

Stay hydrated, take breaks from direct sun exposure

For supervisors, implement training refresher courses to ensure all employees remember how to stay safe on the job.

frequently, and wear lightweight, breathable fibers.

4

Enforcement OSHA QuickTake California Fines Contractor after Worker Seriously Injured California OSHA issued four citations and $63,560 in penalties to Mercer-Fraser Co. after a worker driving a truck collided with a front-end loader and suffered a serious head injury. Inspectors determined that the company failed to require seat belt use, develop and implement safe practices for workers operating haul trucks, and ensure that trucks were operated at safe speeds.

Mississippi Plastics Manufacturer Cited after Worker Suffers Amputation Heritage Plastics, Inc., was cited for lockout/tagout violations after a worker’s fingers were amputated while operating a mixing machine. The company was also cited for failing to install machine guarding and training workers on procedures to prevent the release of hazardous energy. OSHA initiated an inspection as part of the agency’s Regional Emphasis Program on Amputations. Proposed penalties total $159,118.

New Hampshire Furniture Manufacturer Cited after Worker Injury OSHA cited DCI, Inc., after a worker suffered serious injuries from being pulled into a woodcutting machine. The furniture manufacturer faces $378,488 in penalties for 37 violations of workplace safety and health standards. Inspectors found that a supervisor had disabled a light curtain on the machine, preventing the machine from stopping when an individual came too close to its point of operation.

Pennsylvania Contractors Cited for Exposing Workers to Fall Hazards Navy Contractors, Inc., faces $603,850 in fines after inspectors observed workers at three jobsites performing framing work without fall protection. The framing contractor was cited for failing to provide fall protection equipment and training, improper use of ladders, deficiencies in walkingworking surfaces, and inadequate fire protection. The general contractor, Storm Guard of ChesMont, Inc., was also cited for failing to provide fall protection.

Contractor Cited for Disregarding Fall Protection Requirements at Pennsylvania Worksite Brutus Construction, Inc., was cited for exposing workers to fall and other safety hazards after an inspector observed workers performing roofing activities without fall protection. Proposed penalties total $181,699. OSHA has previously cited the company for similar hazards.

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Safety Bob’s Occupational Safety Talk But there’s also a great deal of irony in the current

Annual Workplace Fatality Statistics Released

workplace fatality statistics, because most workplaces,

How NOT to Become a Safety Statistic!

jobsites and workers are generally considered safer than

Last week, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released

ever before. So, why the increase in fatality statistics

nationwide annual workplace fatality statistics for 2017, and

nationwide?

the safety news is NOT GOOD! The following summarizes the tragic 2017 U.S. workplace fatality statistics: • In 2017, 5,147 American workers were killed in on-the-

Or maybe a better question is, what do the annual U.S. workplace fatality stat’s really mean to you? …They can teach you how NOT to become a safety statistic!

job accidents or incidents. That means on average, 14 American workers were killed in on-the-job accidents every day of the year … NOT GOOD!

Breaking down last week’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

• And worse, 2017 now represents the second consecutive

annual workplace fatality statistics for 2017; the following

year where over 5,000 American workers were killed in

summarizes the most frequent causes of on-the-job fatal

on-the-job accidents. Our workplace fatality trend is

worker accidents and incidents in 2017:

going in the wrong direction, and until this year, the U.S.

• Transportation incidents were again the top cause of

hasn’t had consecutive years with over 5,000 worker

on-the-job fatal worker accidents in America in 2017, as

deaths since 2007 and 2008 … NOT GOOD!

2,077 American workers lost their lives in transportation

• And finally, 2017 also continues a negative upward trend

accidents or incidents. That number represents over

of American worker deaths on the job that started back

40% of all the U.S. workers who were killed in on-the-job

in 2011 -- a trend that previously saw on-the-job worker

accidents in America in 2017. Translated, that means

deaths in the U.S. drop significantly nearly every year for

statistically, the most dangerous task you’ll likely do

nearly a century! … NOT GOOD!

today, and every other day, is drive your car or truck.

And, why the spike in driving fatalities and accidents?

The chart below illustrates the tragic upward trend of

Two words - cell phones!

American workplace fatality numbers over the last seven years:

5200 5100 5000 4900 4800 4700

Number of American Workers

4600

Killed on the Job

4500 4400 4300 4200 2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

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• Fall incident fatalities that occurred on-the-job were a

all the time, and practice what I call “Safety Situational

distant second on the 2017 U.S. fatal accident cause

Awareness” no matter if you’re at work, at home, or in your

listing, but don’t think that number is good safety news -

car or truck, you are much more likely to become a safety

it’s NOT. In fact, 887 American workers were killed in fall

statistic and part of this annual list.

accidents in 2017, and that total represents an over 30%

But of course, if you think and act safely and properly, odds

increase in fall accident fatalities since 2011.

are that you’ll forever stay off this list. Following the key

• And, culturally disturbing is the only way to describe the

safety points below are a must to stay safe, healthy and

cause that netted the third most fatalities at American

whole:

workplaces in 2017 - workplace violence. The 807

• Put away the cell phone every time you’re driving.

on-the-job deaths due to workplace violence in 2017 causes one to question how and why does this type of evil—the type of evil capable of taking innocent life— exist in our society? That’s not a “safety” question, but a

• Always do the safety basics at work, at home, when driving – always follow all safety rules!

• Always practice “Safety Situational Awareness,” which

much, much bigger question. This “safety” issue needs to

means you observe and are aware of what is going on

be addressed with traditional safety training and “Active

around you at all times, including any potential hazards

Shooter” safety training.

or risks that could hurt or even kill you.

• Finally, ask and think to yourself before starting any new

• Fourth on the list of workplace accident causes in the U.S. in 2017 were the 695 fatalities associated with

task or job, “Am I doing this task or job as safely as I

contact with objects and/or equipment on the jobsite

can?”

or worksite. This traditional safety issue is still a plague at some workplaces, as fatalities of this kind and this annual ranking has been consistent for the past several years.

Remember, in most cases the real cause of a workplace fatality is not the riskiness of a particular job or task, but quite simply, employee carelessness or failure to follow safety rules.

Now let’s get real specific …

How to Make Sure You Never Become a Safety Statistic

This annual workplace fatality information highlights some very serious workplace safety issues in the U.S., and each

Regarding your personal safety, well-being and not

of these fatal workplace incident causes will again be

ever becoming a tragic workplace safety statistic,

highlighted in individual safety talks throughout the year to

always remember—your actions, all your actions, have

ensure that all are provided with the information and safety

consequences!

training that can forever keep them off this list.

So, if you choose to work unsafely, such as using your cell phone while you’re driving, or if you choose skip safety rules or not use your PPE, or if you don’t think about your safety

Think Safety Every Day with Every Task…

And don’t ever become a Safety Statistic!

Congratulations!

Brittany Scheckelhoff & Tom Bradow for successfully completing the OSHA 30 hour training under 29CFR1926 Construction.

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Seattle Crane Collapse Victims Include College Students and Marine, as Probe Launched into Four Companies Involved Seattle, Washington | 04.29.19

A freshman college student and a Marine who was a

community join us in praying for Sarah’s family and friends

father were among the four people killed when a crane

during this difficult time.”

came crashing down on one of Seattle’s busiest streets on

The other student in the vehicle with Wong managed to

Saturday, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into four companies to determine what caused the deadly collapse.

Sarah Wong, a 19-year-old attending Seattle Pacific University, and Andrew Yoder, a Marine and father who was working as an ironworker on the crane, were identified as two of the people killed when a crane being dismantled on Google’s new Seattle campus collapsed around 3:30 p.m.

Saturday. Officials are expected to officially identify all four victims on Monday.

Wong was sitting in a car with another student when the vehicle was struck by the falling construction crane.

The University, who confirmed her death, said Wong, a

escape the terrifying incident unharmed.

Fire and police crew members work to clear the scene where a construction crane fell from a building on Google’s new Seattle campus crashing down onto one of the city’s busiest streets and killing multiple people on Saturday. (AP) Yoder was one of the two ironworkers inside the crane during the crash. The 31-year-old father from North Bend, Washington, was described as a Marine and devout Christian, KOMO News reported.

“When he died – we lost one of the best people that I and many people know,” Chris McClain, who is a trustee of Ironworkers Local 86, told the news station.

California native, intended on majoring in nursing and lived

The massive piece of equipment struck six cars and injured

on campus.

four people on Mercer Street, a notoriously gridlocked road

“While we grieve the sudden and tragic loss of our precious student, we draw comfort from each other, our strong

in the Washington city. The affected stretch of the road reopened Monday.

community of faith, and God’s presence with us in times of

It’s unclear what caused the crane to collapse.

sorrow,” the University said in a statement. “We ask that the

Investigators opened a probe into four companies —

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general contractor GLY, Northwest Tower Crane Service Inc., Omega Rigging and Machinery Moving Inc. and Morrow Equipment Co. LLC — who were tasked in taking apart the construction equipment.

“Our goal is to pick this apart and understand what happened,” said Tim Church, a spokesman for the Washington Department of Labor & Industries.

Emergency crews work the scene of a construction crane collapse near the intersection of Mercer Street and Fairview Avenue near Interstate 5 in

The deadly collapse is likely to bring scrutiny about the

Seattle. (AP)

safety of the dozens of cranes that dot the city’s skyscape.

Church added the investigation didn’t indicate there was

With Amazon, Google and other tech companies

any wrongdoing by the companies, but part of the process

increasing their hiring in Seattle, the city has more cranes

in identifying what caused the collapse.

building office towers and apartment buildings than any

“It’s a very detailed process,” he said. “It will actually be months before we have anything regarding the cause.”

other in the United States. As of January, there were about 60 construction cranes in Seattle.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Congratulations!

These Irvine team members successfully completed OSHA 30-hour training!

Left to Right: Reed Gillette, Marc Millan, John Ross, Avsar Limasiya, Tammy Thoms, Neil Burns, Dayton Larson, Mark Halasi, Robert Wang, Tu Pham

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The True Cost of a Workplace Injury or Accident National Safety Council The direct costs of workplace injuries are pretty clear, but the indirect costs can be greater. Read more to help calculate the true cost.

Would you spend $1 to save $2 in the future? How would you feel about $3 or $4 or $6 in future savings for every dollar you spend now?

The choice may seem like an easy one, but when that first dollar becomes millions of dollars, and the savings may not be seen until years later, spending money up front can become harder to justify. This is a situation in which many occupational safety and health professionals find themselves when trying to convince upper management that investing in training or equipment will lead to safer workplaces.

Using this math, a single fatal workplace injury goes from costing an average of $1.42 million to costing nearly $3 million on average. And this may be on the low end of the scale.

But experts say the savings exist, and – armed with the right

Some studies have indicated that indirect costs for injuries in

figures on the costs of injuries – safety pros should be able

the construction industry can be as much as 17 times more

to successfully argue that investments in safety will result in

than direct costs, depending on the type of incident, NSC

savings down the line.

states.

The Cost of Injuries

Despite the variances in the cost-estimate models, Kolosh

Safety’s return on investment is dependent on knowing one important thing: How much does an injury actually cost?

stressed that the cost savings from safety are real. “Safety’s not just a nice thing to do,” he said. “It has a lot of economic relevance as well.”

Fully understanding all the costs associated with a workplace injury can be difficult. Several organizations – including the

Real-World Results

National Safety Council (NSC) and the Centers for Disease

In 2002, France-based Schneider Electric believed it

Control and Prevention (CDC) – have models that attempt

already had a good safety program. The company’s OSHA

to estimate the costs, but these different models can vary

recordable injury rate was 3.6 per 100 full-time workers – below

greatly, according to Ken Kolosh, manager of the NSC

the industry average at the time. Still, the company wanted to

statistics department.

do more to minimize the likelihood of a worker getting injured

For example, CDC’s estimate shows a fatal injury carries an

or worse, according to Rich Widdowson, Schneider Electric’s

average cost of about $991,027. This average includes only

vice president of safety, environment and real estate.

hospital costs. In contrast, the NSC model puts the average

“We knew that we had some issues we had to deal with,

fatality’s cost to society at $1.42 million.

and we really wanted to improve and build a safety culture,”

These figures, although high, are likely to be lower than the

Widdowson said.

actual cost of a single death because both models reflect

For Schneider Electric, the focus was less about building a

only direct costs. Direct costs include workers’ compensation,

business case for safety, Widdowson said, and more about

medical expenses, civil liability or litigation costs, and property

identifying and eliminating hazards that could hurt someone.

losses.

As a result of investing in safety, the company saw its injury

Indirect costs can be much more expensive: for every

rate drop to 0.5 in 2013. That equals about 900 fewer people

dollar in direct costs, indirect costs could be as much as

injured than would have been a decade ago, according to

$2.12, according to NSC. Indirect costs include workplace

Widdowson.

disruptions, loss of productivity, worker replacement, training,

On top of that, Schneider Electric is seeing more than $15

increased insurance premiums and attorney fees.

million annual savings in direct costs alone – which, as

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previously noted, pales in comparison with indirect costs that

Not every workplace safety improvement will have an

could be 2 to 3 times more than direct costs.

obvious business benefit at first, other than improved safety,

Other companies have seen similar improvement. Alcoa states that when it began focusing on becoming a safer company, the Pittsburgh-based aluminum manufacturer saw its earnings increase from $0.20 a share to $1.41 in only five years, and sales grew 15 percent each year during the same period. Along with increased profits, the company reported that its lost time due to employee injuries declined over the course of 10 years.

OSHA programs also display evidence of safety’s return on investment. The agency’s Voluntary Protection Programs features companies that go above and beyond OSHA requirements and institute workplace safety and health

Widdowson said. As an example, he pointed to a Schneider Electric facility that had a conveyer system at floor level.

Although the system was considered a tripping hazard, the company believed elevating the conveyor off the ground would be too expensive. However, after an employee tripped over the conveyor and broke a hip, the company knew the system had to be raised.

The conveyer system cost about $1 million to elevate. But in addition to improving safety by reducing a trip hazard, the move improved the process and increased productivity.

Since then, the conveyer system has more than paid for itself, Widdowson said.

management systems. VPP participants, on average, have a

“On the onset of the business case, there was no justification

days-away, restricted or transferred rate that is more than 50

for it,” he said. “But at the end of the day, we see

percent lower than the industry average, according to OSHA,

improvements and productivity we didn’t see up front.”

which says participation in the program can lead to increased

This is something that has happened many times at Schneider

productivity and cost savings.

Electric, Widdowson said – a process or change is approved with safety improvement being the justification, and

The ‘Sell’

unforeseen benefits to the business coming later.

For safety professionals whose bosses, managers or employers don’t “get it,” Widdowson admitted that selling the idea of investing in safety can be difficult. He suggested safety professionals first argue from the “people” side of things – invest in safety so workers do not get hurt, for example. But the financial return on investment – increased productivity, improved customer service, money savings from fewer injuries – could help with the sell too, he added.

Even though cost savings are a motivator, safety’s biggest return on investment may be human capital. Employers should not base decisions on whether a change will result in cost savings, but instead on whether it will keep workers safe, according to Widdowson. “I hate to go into the dollar savings.

They’re there, but that’s not why we do it,” Widdowson said.

“We don’t do this because of the dollars. We do this because of the people.”

American Red Cross| Bloodborne, First Aid, CRS/AED 2-Year Certification Class

Front Row (left to right): Cindy Nakamura, Tammy Thoms | Back Row (left to right): Dayton Larson, Reed Gillette, John Ross, Tu Pham, Avsar Limbasiya, Marc Millan, Robert Wang, Neil Burns, Mark Halasi

11

Safety Bob’s Occupational Safety Talk ....

Maybe the cruelest accident ever …

When conducting a recent jobsite safety talk, several of

2 men killed in Windsor trench collapse; family members able to talk to one before he died

the workers, before I got started, talked with me about a

WINDSOR, Colo., Dateline—April 16, 2019. Two men who

recent accident that occurred on a construction site in

were trapped in a 15-foot-deep trench on a construction

Colorado that was not only gruesome and fatal, but also

project site in Windsor, Colorado, have died, according to

very cruel. I looked up the accident for further review, and

a Windsor, CO. Fire Rescue release.

after reading the details of the incident, in all my nearly 40

Windsor Fire Chief Kris Kazian told Denver 7 News that the

years of construction safety experience, which includes the review of all-too-many tragic accidents, this incident might have been the cruelest accident case I’ve ever reviewed.

two men — 26-year-old Cristopher Lee Ramirez and a 41-year-old Jorge Baez Valadez — were in the trench on Tuesday afternoon on a new home construction project site

Bottom line—if the details of this trench accident and the

when the trench wall collapsed, burying the two victims in

circumstances of this case don’t cause you to rethink ever

the dirt.

working in a dangerous trench again, then I would very

Ramirez was a resident of Boulder; Valadez lived in Denver,

much question your ability to think at all. The following is the headline and story of the accident from the local newspaper, followed by my comments.

according to the Weld County Coroner, who identified the men early Wednesday evening.

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The Town of Windsor’s Public Works Department’s heavy-

It took another 4½ hours of digging for crews on scene to

duty vacuum truck responded to the scene immediately

recover the bodies, which occurred at about 2 am.

and quickly removed soft dirt from the trench. After that,

An investigation by OSHA and other federal and state

emergency crews had to use small shovels and buckets to remove the hard and compact soil from around the buried workers by hand.

A crew of at least 60 people worked for many hours to try to free the men.

After some time, workers on scene were able to insert a PVC pipe into the soil near to one of the buried workers. The worker then made contact via the pipe with rescue crews and family members for several hours before he passed away. No voice contact with the second trapped worker was able to be made.

The men’s families, who were on the scene, cried and screamed as officials finally notified them of their deaths just before 9:20 p.m., after seven hours of rescue operations.

One family member was so distraught they had to be taken away to the hospital via ambulance.

authorities into what caused the accident is ongoing.

So why is this maybe the cruelest accident I’ve ever reviewed?

Because, I can hardly think of a more horrifying situation than to talk with a loved one, maybe your dad or mom or your brother or sister, who had been buried in a trench and was suffering terribly, and you know full-well that this would be the last time you’d ever get to talk with that loved one again on this Earth!

So, the next time you think about getting into a dangerous trench or excavation, or for that matter, doing anything that’s risky or hazardous, even just work for a moment so you can get a job done, think again! Do the job safely!

Let Your Conscience be Your Guide and Work Safely Every Time on Every Job!

Kajima USA Safety Summit All the safety directors from Kajima USA sister companies met with Aon and Liberty Mutual to discuss new and current programs.

FRONT ROW: David Storch Aon. MIDDLE ROW: Robin Isacco Liberty Mutual, Greg Crocker Aon, Charlie Engel The Austin Company, Nicole Ivers Batson-Cook, Mardi Miyamoto HDCC, Jay Shinall Batson-Cook, Molly DiGandomenico Liberty Mutual, Sam Bruce Flournoy Construction. BACK ROW. Mike Roush KBDG, Bill Madden Batson-Cook, Randy Dunagan Liberty Mutual, Jason Speller Batson-Cook, Jeannine Cardner Liberty Mutual,

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Northrop Grumman M2 | Stand-Down 2019 May 2019 • Roughly 70 jobsite personnel from 12 companies participated in a 1-hour, 30-minute stand-down.

• The topic of this stand down was ‘Fall Protection’ • Pizza lunch was provided • A small 6-7 page booklet was given to all who participated, reflecting the key points of fall protection safety.

• A demonstration of proper safety harness usage was given by 3M representative.

• The client’s (Northrop Grumman) safety lead gave a 10-15 minute speech, as well.

Austin’s Assistant Project Manager Jack Miller giving a 10-15 minute speech outlining the importance of being “Safe by Choice”. Additionally, Jack outlined that Austin is nearing 3 million man hours without a lost-time incident, and that is due chiefly to the dedication and smart choices made by all of Austin’s Subcontractors.

Lunch Provided onsite by Austin for around 70 total jobsite personnel

Jack Donnelly - 3M Fall Protection Representative : Giving a demonstration of proper uses and practices of fall protection equipment.

Wes Neill - Senior Superintendent, standing by a few of the posters that Austin placed all around the jobsite trailer area.

James Smith - Northrop Grumman Safety Director, Austin’s client Northrop Grumman is just a dedicated to jobsite safety as we are.

James is giving a final speech to everyone onsite with 3M’s Representative looking on.

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Hampton-Homewood Suites | Stand-Down 2019 Deborah Chaves | May 2019 The Austin Company conducted an OSHA National Safety Stand-Down by having a full demonstration of fall protection that was performed by 3M manufacturer’s representative, Michael Murphy, educating everyone present about the personal fall arrest system. Acme Supply representative, Craig Oglesby, was on-site as a distributor of 3M products.

A dozen Austin Irvine engineers came out to see the demonstration as well. Lunch was served. In all 104 attendees watched the demonstration of inspection of harnesses, self-retracting devices, correct body position after a free fall, and two drop tests measuring force.

It was a successful day. The audience learned about new ANSI standards and the new products produced to comply with those standards. They were educated about wear and tear of equipment, and lastly how a fall can affect your body.

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Pfizer | Stand-Down 2019 Portage, MI | May 2019 • The Austin Company partnered with Jacobs, CRB and Sodexo to thank all of the construction workers at our Pfizer projects in Portage, MI. • Our celebration lunch included brisket barbecue from a local smokehouse (served by CM staff, Pfizer EHS and subcontractor safety managers) and a local DJ spinning tunes.

• Approximately 350 people attended the lunch.

• All of the attendees received “Safe-By-Choice” t-shirts to commemorate the event.

• The Austin Company, along with many of our site subcontractors and suppliers, donated over 150 prizes, which were raffled off to the workers.

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