Topics At Road Construction Safety Meetings
Building, maintaining and repairing our roadways is a very dangerous job. Road construction workers experience a high rate of job related injuries. Supervisors should hold short tailgate safety meetings, typically 20 minutes or less in duration, each week before the start of a roadwork shift. These regular meetings help to keep safety first in the minds of the workers.
Regulations and Policies
Explain any new OSHA regulations or policies regarding safety that have been put into place. Workers need to be made aware of any new company policies and procedures, as well. These changes may include the number of workers required on a job site, break schedules, protective equipment, traffic signs, operation of machinery or lighting requirements when working at night.
Protective Equipment
Road construction workers are required to wear personal protective equipment. The proper use of reflective vests, safety glasses, earplugs, hardhats, safety shoes and gloves can be explained at the safety meeting. This is a good opportunity to inspect all protective equipment, making sure gear is in good working order and not damaged in any way. Damaged equipment should be discarded and replaced.
Traffic Control
Traffic is the most dangerous aspect of road construction work. Explain the proper placement and use of cones, barricades, drums, warning lights and signs during the meeting. Signs warning drivers of upcoming construction should be placed at least 1000 feet before the construction site. Employees must stay alert and be aware of oncoming traffic at all times. Remind workers to also be aware of construction vehicles in the work area.
Fitness
Road construction work is a very physical and labor intense job. Staying fit will make it easier to do the work required. Remind workers of proper lifting and stretching techniques. Encourage short breaks during the day for workers to stretch and relax their muscles. They should also stay fit with frequent exercise, rest and a healthy diet. Physical fitness will help prevent injuries related to lifting, fatigue, and exhaustion.
Regulations and Policies
Explain any new OSHA regulations or policies regarding safety that have been put into place. Workers need to be made aware of any new company policies and procedures, as well. These changes may include the number of workers required on a job site, break schedules, protective equipment, traffic signs, operation of machinery or lighting requirements when working at night.
Protective Equipment
Road construction workers are required to wear personal protective equipment. The proper use of reflective vests, safety glasses, earplugs, hardhats, safety shoes and gloves can be explained at the safety meeting. This is a good opportunity to inspect all protective equipment, making sure gear is in good working order and not damaged in any way. Damaged equipment should be discarded and replaced.
Traffic Control
Traffic is the most dangerous aspect of road construction work. Explain the proper placement and use of cones, barricades, drums, warning lights and signs during the meeting. Signs warning drivers of upcoming construction should be placed at least 1000 feet before the construction site. Employees must stay alert and be aware of oncoming traffic at all times. Remind workers to also be aware of construction vehicles in the work area.
Fitness
Road construction work is a very physical and labor intense job. Staying fit will make it easier to do the work required. Remind workers of proper lifting and stretching techniques. Encourage short breaks during the day for workers to stretch and relax their muscles. They should also stay fit with frequent exercise, rest and a healthy diet. Physical fitness will help prevent injuries related to lifting, fatigue, and exhaustion.
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