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During the Heat, Don't Cheat on Your PPE

It's been tremendously hot the past few weeks, and we still have some hot summer weeks ahead of us. Workers want to keep cool when working outdoors, so they look for any way to do that. Unfortunately, it seems that the most common way they do so is by removing their hard hats and/or safety glasses, both of which are vital Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). While this is okay to do if the worker is stationary and just wiping the sweat away, it's too often during these summer months that the hard hat and glasses come off and don't go back on. Lack of eye, face, and head protection are some of OSHA's most frequently cited violations.

The result of not wearing this PPE can range from minimal to fatal, but why take the chance? PPE is the last line of defense a worker has from the hazards he or she are exposed to.  The next time you see someone working without eye, face, or head protection, remind them that you don't want to be the person who witnessed an injury that could have been prevented.

If you have questions regarding PPE or would like help with your company's safety policy, please contact one of our safety professionals.
Iowa OSHA Perspective:
Cranes, Operators, and Inspections

On many job sites, cranes and their operators are assumed to set-up and operate in accordance with OSHA regulations. Though this is often the case, it is important to note that it is the general contractor's responsibility to make sure a crane is set-up and operated safely. OSHA created a document for its Enforcement Officers to use when conducting an inspection of a crane, which was published so that it can also be used by construction companies as a guide for proper crane set-up and operation. This Compliance Directive CPL 02-01-057 contains 19 points for the Officer to check. They are:
  1. Determine adequacy of ground conditions where crane is set-up.
  2. Check for visible indications of repairs.
  3. If overhead power lines are on the site, are they live? What is the voltage?
  4. Verify the signal person's qualifications/documentation.
  5. Verify that the communication system between operator and signal person is the one that the signal person was trained on.
  6. If lift plans are being used, verify that they are being followed.
  7. When equipment is being used to hoist personnel, identify the individual that determined it was infeasible to use another method to reach the work.
  8. Verify whether employers are holding required meetings, such as planning meetings necessary for working near overhead power lines, conducting Assembly/Disassembly (A/D), or hoisting.
  9. Inspect all rigging equipment that is available for workers to use (slings, chokers, shackles, etc.) for damage, wear, safe working load tags, capacity, and safety factor.
  10. Verify that load chart and operations' manuals are available, written in a language that the operator understands (specified on the operator's certification), and that the information is applicable to the particular crane. Ask the operator or employer where the documents are kept. For example, see if the serial number on the load chart matches that of the crane. Typically, the serial number is found on the nameplate in the cab and on the front cover of the manual.
  11. Verify operator qualifications and training. Observe crane operations and interview both the employer and the operator to determine whether the operator is competent to operate the equipment safely.
  12. Verify that the equipment and wire rope inspection requirements have been met and that the documentation is available for all inspections of the equipment. Identify who did the inspection and verify that inspector's qualifications.
  13. Determine, through interview and observation, if safety devices and operational aids are functioning.
  14. Visually inspect the hoisting equipment, components, and load line for visible deficiencies.
  15. Ask what loads have been lifted and how the operator and/or rigger are determining the weight of the load.
  16. Verify that qualified riggers are being used.
  17. When A/D is being performed, ask who the A/D director is and verify whether this person is at the worksite.
  18. If there are mechanics and/or oilers working on or near the equipment, by observation and interview, verify their qualifications regarding the work being performed, ask how they are communicating with the operator when the equipment is being operated, verify that they are being protected in hazard areas.
  19. If fall protection is being used, inspect personal fall arrest systems for compliance with Subpart M at ยง 1926.502(d).
The general contractor is responsible for making sure these inspection points are followed whenever a crane comes on the site. If your employees need training in signaling or rigging, please contact one of our safety professionals.
ProfessionalsSafety Professionals
Brandon Black - (515) 577-5198 or Brandon@IowaCSSI.com 
Troy Porter - (515) 681-5252 or Troy@IowaCSSI.com
Tom Suckow - (515) 250-0773 or Tom@IowaCSSI.com
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WORKSAFE is a partnership between Master Builders of Iowa and Iowa OSHA, with safety services provided by Construction Safety Specialists, Inc.

For more information on the WORKSAFE program or for safety inquiries, please contact Tom Suckow at 515-657-4384 or Tom@IowaCSSI.com
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