Masonry Magazine March 2009 Page. 53
Proper equipment
You've heard that you need the right tool for the right job, and every supervisor needs the right tools for the job as well. Every job is different, so a thorough search of the plans and site to make a proper equipment list is necessary. This impacts safety in a huge way. There must be enough scaffolding to do the job, or the supervisor will end up robbing Peter to pay Paul. It shouldn't be this way, but this scenario is ripe for not erecting the scaffolding completely and safely. The job would need the right sized forklift to do the job safely. Conexes, job boxes, trailers - something to keep the equipment out of the weather are also important. Power tools and hand tools must be in safe working order, or an injury is inevitable. Guards need to be in place with handles not broken. Cords and plugs need to be without cuts, splits or bear wire showing.
Don't forget about PPE equipment, either: safety glasses, face shields, ear plugs or muffs, hard hats, gloves, and the list could go on, depending on what tasks will be performed.
Support from the top
For safety to work, there must be support for safety from the owner(s), CEOs, president, VP(s), and other key staff member. If they're not on board for safety, problems will occur. Some upper administrations are only focused on money and will overlook, at times, things that will help in being profitable, like working without injuries. With support for safety from the top comes an empowered workforce. Crewmembers won't have to sneak around to try to be safe, because they're scared they will get caught taking the time to perform safely.
The masonry supervisor needs the right attitude toward safety. If he thinks safety is a burden and he'd be better off to not have all this safety stuff on his back, then he will be a failure at safety. His crew will learn and adopt his attitude. It can be a lengthy process, but you can convince your employees that you truly care. IMAS
Zach Everett is corporate safety director for Brazos Masonry, www.brazosmasonry.com.
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READER SERVICE #183
March 2009
MASONRY 49