Today, we’re going to talk about the safety hazards that can pop up during utility locating so that you know how to be safe.
Utility locating is a vital part of many construction projects. Unfortunately, it is also a field of work that has more than its fair share of hazards. Sometimes, workers have to be put in dangerous situations, such as working at great heights or in tunneling depths.
Knowing what can put people in danger is important because it allows you to figure out how to stay safe. Today, we’re going to talk about the safety hazards that can pop up during utility locating so that you know how to be safe.
Not Planning Properly
Many things can make projects more complicated, such as budgets and scheduling. Because of these complications, some people might feel tempted to cut corners during their utility locating tasks.
We strongly advise against this. Poor planning can make utility locating much more dangerous. You always want to plan out everything effectively, and you should only ever proceed with a project after you’ve accounted for the worst scenarios that could happen.
Cave-Ins and Collapsed Tunnels
OSHA states that two lives are lost every month due to excavation procedures that result in cave-ins. No one likes to hear such a tragic statistic, but fortunately, with good engineering, you can take measures to prevent cave-ins from happening.
Calling in professional assistance goes a long way towards keeping people safe. By getting experts to test the composition of your soil, they can formulate a plan that will keep cave-ins from occurring.
Toxic Gases
According to the safety laws in effect right now, contractors have to test for toxins in the atmosphere as long as excavating goes deeper than 4 feet. This is important because the levels of oxygen go down the further into the ground that you dig. It helps for people working on excavating projects to have breathing apparatuses for safety purposes.
Falls and Accidents
Workers can slip and fall during utility locating projects, and sometimes, the falls can be incredibly steep. Materials being used for the job will also be put at risk of falling from high places.
To offset the chances of a fall, make sure slippery surfaces are addressed using rocks or grit. Also, keeping walkways clear goes a long way towards keeping a utility locating site safe.
Concrete Visions Will Get The Job Done Right
Concrete Visions has been working with clients for over 25 years. Our G&M Services installers are certified with the industry’s major firestop product manufacturers. As part of our firestop service, we can assess abnormal field conditions and, with the manufacturer’s technical support assistance, provide engineering judgments in a timely fashion to comply with contract specifications. Our Field Mechanics undergo ongoing training, including mandatory monthly safety meetings, weekly Toolbox Talks where safety and equipment information is shred, and trainings on safe work standards and safety best practices.