Masonry Magazine October 1997 Page. 18
Prior to a loss is a project hazard analysis. When preparing a bid review all operations for safety concerns. Identify each task, jobsite conditions, the hazards associated with them, and controls necessary to avoid injury. For example, raising block to a working level of a scaffold presents many hazards. Is the scaffold accessible by crane? How will workers below be protected? Is a hoist necessary? Consider other trades that may be on site and hazards their work will present. Safety controls must be identified for each task which can have a significant impact on your bid.
To complete your analysis of hazards perform jobsite inspections. Checklists are available from a number of sources. Safety programs available from the Masonry Contractors Association of America include checklists for operations performed in our industry. OSHA also provides checklists. A consultation division within OSHA performs risk free inspections to help you identify hazards. Contact MCAA for more information on these services.
Point 3
Hazard Control
Once hazards have been identified, controls must be implemented. Review your list of hazards and consult OSHA Standards which may address them. In many cases the type of controls are mandated and written programs are required to govern their use. The programs your company must have and the controls used depend on the hazards present. Chemical and fire hazards must be controlled on all jobsites. All projects must have a Hazard Communication and Fire Prevention/Emergency Response program. Other common programs such as respiratory protection and lockout/tagout should be implemented as needed.
If the controls are not mandated, you must determine what is appropriate. Controls may include engineering, administrative or personal protection controls. Engineering controls are changes to the work environment such as erection of guardrails on an elevated surface. An example of an administrative control would be the use of a safety monitoring system and a controlled access zone on an elevated surface. Wearing a personal fall arrest system would be personal protection.
If at all possible, use engineering controls. They reduce the potential for human error. With guardrails in place the potential for walking over the edge of an elevated surface or neglecting to attach a lifeline is eliminated. But, keep in mind, regardless of the control, human behavior will be a factor. Employees may remove guards, or refuse to wear personal protective equipment. Develop an incentive and a disciplinary program to reinforce appropriate actions and discourage unsafe behaviors.
Point 4
Training
Hazards cannot be avoided unless individuals are aware of the danger and know their responsibility. Establish a training program for management, supervisors and employees. Train management to recognize their role in safety. They should consider safety as part of budgets, production schedules and other company work policies.
Employees must know their responsibilities. They should be able to recognize and avoid hazards. Training must occur before they are expected to begin work. Provide an orientation program to address common hazards. HazCom, fall protection, electrical safety, PPE use, and fire safety are all part of a typical program. Additional training will depend on the
18 MASONRY-SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1997
tasks they perform and associated hazards. Review your hazard analysis, consult OSHA standards and provide training as needed. Maintain employee awareness of safety by conducting toolbox talks at least monthly.
Supervisors should be part of all training received by employees. As management's representative in the field, they play a key role in safety. They must be able to recognize safety hazards and have the authority to take appropriate action. They also serve as a resource for employees. Advanced training should be provided as needed. If a question or concern arises, the supervisor must be prepared to respond.
If a project requires a competent person, a trained supervisor can fulfill this role. A competent person is one who possesses the skills to recognize and avoid hazards and the authority to take appropriate action. Ensure all supervisors have the necessary training and authority.
Summary
All points of OSHA's Four Point Plan depend on the employer and employees. Safety is a commitment. Management and employees must work together to recognize and avoid hazards. Records should be maintained and analyzed to identify problem areas. Once hazards are identified controls can be implemented. OSHA standards must be followed and provide a foundation for the elements of your program. The procedures addressed in the program and responsibilities should be part of a training program that ensures employee awareness of hazards and the ability to avoid them.
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