Category: Safety Flash

New Training Requirements for Aerial Equipment Operators Effective March 1

2/10/2020

A new ANSI A92 standard for aerial equipment is set to go into effect March 1, 2020. In addition to terminology and design changes, there are changes that directly impact training of operators and usage. These changes will improve safety for users and harmonize the American National Standards Institute and Canadian Standards Association standards with international standards (ISO and EN280), which are currently in place.

Making the Most of Toolbox Talks

12/17/2019

Summary
Toolbox Talks are an important part of safety and health programs. They allow employers to
proactively address hazards specific to the jobsite or project, creating awareness of certain risks and how workers should handle them. Perhaps just as important, Toolbox Talks can be used to build trust and boost communication when the tone is one of a safe space for employees to voice any safety concern or suggest ideas they have for improving safety.

Protecting New workers from injury

10/4/2019

Training in a controlled environment using “real life” models and training aids exposes the trainee to safe and efficient practices.

Summary
Safety is a core value for many construction companies, with many subscribing to the mantra that all workers will return home at the end of the day in the same condition as they left home. But as experienced workers leave the industry, maintaining this goal with workers with less experience creates a new challenge.

3M Issues Recalls for two Fall Protection Devices

8/21/2019

Summary
In July 2019, 3M issued stop use and product recall notices on two products frequently used by ironworkers in steel erection applications.

The first is 3M™ PROTECTA® Cobra Mobile/Manual Rope Grab AC202D, which is incorrectly stamped for use with 1/2 to 3/4 inch diameter rope on the exterior body of the unit. This Cobra Rope Grab is certified for use ONLY with 5/8 inch diameter polyester or polypropylene rope. All marketing information and the Instructions for Use (IFU) for this rope grab correctly identify the size of rope to be used as 5/8 inch polyester/polypropylene rope.

In the event of a fall from height, a Cobra Rope Grab used with 1/2 inch diameter rope may not arrest the fall and could result in serious injury or death to the worker.

Wire Rope Sling Inspection and Removal Updates

6/10/2019

Using rigging racks is a good way to extend the life of your slings.

SUMMARY:
One piece of equipment most often used in the steel erection industry is the wire rope sling. It is also one of the most abused pieces of equipment. There are many ways wire rope slings are abused, including being laid in the dirt; pulled out from under a load by the crane; used without softeners when lifting heavy loads; or being straightened by an old-school choker straightener. Straightening your slings over and over weakens the wires and you lose the strength of your sling. These are all unacceptable practices. Wire rope slings must be visually inspected before each day’s use. During inspection, you must know and understand what to look for to determine whether you should continue to use or discard the sling.

Guidelines for Exiting a Boom Lift onto an Adjacent Structure

4/9/2019

If the adjacent structure is not equipped to provide appropriate fall protection, the Genie® boom may be used as a fall arrest anchor. (Credit: Genie)

SUMMARY:
It’s not uncommon that a construction worker needs to access an upper elevation using a boom lift, but does not know if in this particular situation it is safe and legal to do. There are legitimate reasons for exiting the platform at height. Sometimes exiting the platform when elevated is simply the safest way to carry out temporary work at height.

Feb. 7 Deadline for Employer Evaluations of Crane Operators

2/4/2019

SUMMARY

Effective February 7, 2019, employers must evaluate crane operators to ensure they are fully qualified to operate the crane, taking into account the size, configuration, environment, and hoisting activities. Operators must demonstrate ability to recognized and avert risk. Employers must document these evaluations, and documentation must be available at the work site.

Certification alone does not qualify an operator to operate cranes. Employers have a responsibility to make sure operators are fully qualified by demonstration of skills and knowledge necessary to operate equipment safely, and be able to recognize and avert risks.

Using Mini Cranes in Steel Erection

12/17/2018

Summary
While planning steel erection activities on a two and three level vertical expansion to an existing five-story hospital project, it was determined that the tower crane (to be provided by the Construction Manager) would not reach the back two bays of structural steel.

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