Safety
is the upmost priority on every job. A serious workplace injury or death
changes lives forever. Not just for the workplace, but for families,
friends, communities, and coworkers too. Human loss and suffering is
immeasurable. No monetary value can be put on your employee’s life.
If
someone were to ask you why safety is important, how would you respond?
You may “know” that it’s important to keep safety in mind as you go about your
daily work, but how would you explain the reasons why this is the case?
Here is something to think about.
Humans
become tolerable to their environment over a period of time. When I am on
a heavy highway job, I am tolerable and comfortable with traffic flying by at
80 mph. I can go about my work and think nothing of it.
When
someone new comes out to the job, such as an inspector or contractor, and an
18-wheeler passes by at 75 mph, I can for sure expect a “deer in the headlight
look!” Everyone needs to pay attention to what they are doing and watch
their surroundings. Every year you hear on the news where a contractor or
KDOT worker was struck by a vehicle and killed. These accidents can be
prevented.
Besides
paying attention to your work environment, highway workers need to make sure
they have the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Can I be seen
by motorist? A worker needs to be sure his vest is bright and in good
condition.
As
the superintendent on the job, my ultimate goal is to make sure everyone goes
home at night to see their families.
Pete
Quinlan is with Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc.
Very important things to remember about work zone safety - that it involves both the drivers and the workers. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with Pete. When working in the highway right-of-way, one has to maintain situational awareness and take the appropriate precautions to maintain your own safety. Wearing the required high-visibility apparel is one of the best measures anyone working within the highway right-of-way can take. Being seen is so important and you don't want to leave that to chance. I would add that motorists have a big role to play by giving their full attention to the driving task and being extra cautious in work zones.
ReplyDeleteI've stood on the side of a busy road maybe a handful of times and I'm sure I had the 'deer-in-the-headlights' look you mention, Pete. Work zones are dangerous places. Since I enjoy living in a place where the highway infrastructure is very good, I need to be sure I'm showing respect to the people who maintain that system when I drive through their work zone. -- Steve Swartz
ReplyDeleteSafety is a co-responsibility. No one is alert 100% of the time, driver or worker, this is a human factor and why we must rely on each other. If everyone can think about themself or someone they care about going home safely each and every time I think safety will become paramount in their thoughts and actions. We can continue to learn ways to make work areas safer and to educate about ways to be safer drivers by continuing to work together.
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