Essential Trenching, Piping, and Excavation Safety Tips
Last year, 15 workers died while working in trenches and excavations. By June of this year, there were 22 deaths resulting from similar incidents. This startling increase led to the implementation of stricter safety guidelines.
Enforcement by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will also be stringent. Employers failing to meet these new standards could face heavy penalties. Extreme cases may even result in criminal prosecutions at the federal or state level.
You can avoid this by following the excavation safety guidelines provided. Did you know there will be inspections by OSHA to promote trenching safety? Read on to find out more about piping safety.
What’s Trenching and Excavation Safety?
Road and highway excavation removes material from the ground to create a hole. If the depth of the hole is more significant than its width, it’s referred to as a trench.
Often, the work involves laying down a system of pipes underground. Pipe markings indicate the content of the pipes. They also outline any potential danger the contents may pose to workers.
There are many hazards associated with this seemingly straightforward process. As a result, trenching and excavation safety have become a priority.
What are the Hazards of Working in Trenches and Excavations
Trenches and excavations are a critical part of many construction projects. Employers and workers should know the dangers involved. What are the four trench hazards?
Falling into the trench or excavation site
Becoming trapped after collapses or cave-ins
The accumulation of water in the trench or flooding
Excavated soil or equipment falling on workers
Cave-ins tend to occur more than any other hazard. These incidents are so dangerous that they often result in death.
What are the Safety Systems Used in a Trench?
Safety systems are an OSHA requirement. They may fall into one or more categories. These include excavation safety, trenching safety, and piping safety. Underlying each should be proper and in-depth safety training.
Excavation Safety
The process of removing material from the ground poses its own risk. It can involve accidents using the required equipment or excavation material. Employers can reduce these risks by ensuring workers:
Always wear safety equipment
Don’t stand close to vehicles during the loading and unloading process
Don’t place excavated material close to the trench
The standard distance should be two or more feet away.
Trenching Safety
Trenching safety usually focuses on ways to prevent cave-ins. There are standard safety systems. Some employers choose to build more complex ones. The aim is to:
There are various approaches or methods that companies can use for each.
Piping Safety
Piping safety is a bit more straightforward. There are specific handling requirements. This helps to avoid any accidents while handling and transporting piping material.
The Ins and Outs of Excavation Safety, Trenching Safety, and Piping Safety
One of the top priorities of any organization is to protect its workers. This is even more crucial for companies undertaking hazardous work. Civil and engineering projects often involve trenching, piping and excavation.
These jobs can result in serious injury, even death if safety systems are not implemented. Companies must follow the guidelines set out by OSHA. These are specific to excavation safety, trenching safety, and piping safety.
Still uncertain what the requirements are for each?
Phase Associates can help. We provide on-site evaluations, inspections, and many other construction safety requirements. Contact us to learn more.
Did you know that OSHA compliance with lockout/tagout standards prevents nearly 50,000 injuries yearly? Thus, all businesses that operate industrial equipment should have a lockout/tagout procedure.
Besides, OSHA requires these businesses to do. So if your business doesn’t have a procedure or needs to update it to comply, this article is for you.
Keep reading to learn the answer to the question, “What does OSHA require for lockout/tagout?” and learn how to create a procedure at your workplace.
What Is a Lockout/Tagout Procedure?
The lockout/tagout steps and procedure detail how to keep machines and equipment from unintentional energization during maintenance or repair. You may also see them called LOTO procedures.
OSHA requires employers to have a program and procedures for affixing appropriate lockout or tagout devices to energy-isolating devices.
What Does OSHA Require for Lockout/Tagout?
OSHA industry standard 29 CFR 1910.147 discusses the LOTO requirements business must implement to protect workers when they inspect the machinery. This includes:
Developing, implementing, and enforcing an energy control program
Using lockout devices or tagout devices if lockout devices are not suitable
Assuring new equipment has lockout abilities (or tagout abilities, if necessary)
Using authorized devices (i.e., each tagout device must be non-reusable, self-locking, and capable of withstanding the environment they are exposed to)
Ensuring devices identify individual users
Establishing specific policy for employees who apply and remove LOTO devices
Providing training to employees
Further, standard 29 CFR 1926.417 states workers must properly tag all deactivated controls during maintenance tasks.
What Are the 10 Steps to Lockout/Tagout?
There are several steps for those working in the industrial environment to follow to adhere to OSHA’s LOTO requirements. They are:
Identify the procedure to use
Prepare for the shutdown
Notify affected employees
Shutdown the equipment
Isolate the equipment
Add the individual locks
Check stored energy
Verify the isolation of the equipment
Shut off controls
Return equipment to service
Since each business uses different equipment, your steps may vary in length and detail. You can read more about the ten steps listed here in this guide.
How Do I Create a Lockout/Tagout Program?
Your business can create an effective lockout/tagout plan by first understanding OSHA regulations. Then, you need to list all the machinery and equipment in your workplace. From there, you can identify which requires lockout.
Then, locate the start-up areas of hazardous energy sources, including:
Chemical
Electrical
Hydraulic
Mechanical
Pneumatic
Pressure
Process control
Radiation
Stored Energy (i.e., gravity, springs)
Thermal
Next, determine your LOTO controls and secure them. It would be best if you standardized the devices you use across the workplace.
Finally, you can set up a training program for your lockout/tagout procedures and implement them. OSHA requires you to review your policies annually, at a minimum.
Create a LOTO Procedure of Your Own
Now that you know the answer to the question, “What does OSHA require for lockout/tagout?” your business can create its own procedures for compliance. Use the steps in this guide to help craft a LOTO procedure that fits your business needs.
Does your business require help with workplace safety and training? Contact us at PHASE Associates to learn more about our programs. We have professional expertise in understanding the latest regulations and technologies that keep the workplace healthy and safe.
Every year, there are over 20,000 cases of hearing loss in American workplaces. Many of these lead to permanent hearing loss. Unfortunately, this isn’t surprising.
There’s a high level of exposure to noise levels in many work environments. They usually exceed the decibel requirement.
This requirement seeks to limit exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels (dBA). This is over a continuous eight-hour period.
Adhering to this can help reduce hearing loss cases. Implementing a hearing conservation program (HCP) can also help.
Interested in learning how you can incorporate this at your facility? How do you implement a hearing conservation program? This article answers this as well: What does a hearing conservation program include? and more. Read on to find out.
What is the Purpose of a Hearing Conservation Program?
The main goal of a hearing conservation program is to protect workers from hearing loss. It seeks to prevent its occurrence. However, if hearing loss is already an issue, it also aims to reduce its progression.
It provides training for workers on properly using devices that protect hearing. This allows them to play a more active role in safeguarding themselves while at work.
Most workplaces that implement effective HCPs enjoy lower rates of absenteeism. They also experience greater work productivity.
What Does a Hearing Conservation Program Include?
Some other major hearing conservation program requirements include:
A review of current noise exposure reduction measures
Employers should also conduct yearly audits of their procedures. There should also be continuous evaluation of the program.
How Do You Implement a Hearing Conservation Program?
Although a great question, there’s another question you should ask before learning the answer to this. It’s What is the First Step in a Hearing Conservation Program?
The first step is to create a plan for the program. This involves examining any administrative issues. This includes industry regulations and current company policies.
You’ll also need to evaluate the persons involved and their roles. A checklist would be helpful to ensure you cover all the program’s requirements. Thankfully, the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) provides one.
The implementation then starts with measuring current noise levels. You can do this with a dosimeter or a sound level meter (SLM). This will determine if your dBA is greater than 85.
You should include any workers exposed to these levels in the program. You’ll then need to take measures to reduce current noise levels. This includes putting controls in place.
Workers must play a part in implementing and maintaining these. They’ll need to wear the necessary equipment provided. Equipment maintenance and scheduling of hearing tests are also crucial throughout the program.
Protecting Your Workers’ Hearing
Unfortunately, every year millions of workers are exposed to high noise levels. In some cases, this can result in permanent hearing loss. Employers should do their part to prevent and reduce this.
One way they can is by implementing a hearing conservation program. Knowing the answer, what does a hearing conservation program include? is key to its success. This helps to ensure you put all the hearing program requirements in place.
However, if you’re still uncertain how to do this, help is available. Phase Associates provides companies with noise exposure surveys, evaluations, and controls. Contact Phase Associates today to get started!
Our hearing conservation programs are offered in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland and Virginia.
If you are interested in learning about other workplace safety tips, look at some of our other articles. We list just a few below.
Last Sunday, many cities in Northeastern states experienced record-high temperatures. These included Newark, NJ at 101°F, and Reading, PA at 97°F.
New York didn’t break the previous year’s record. But it was still a sweltering 97°F as well.
Finding a sufficiently cool air-conditioned room probably helped many in these cities. But this solution isn’t as easy for those working outdoors. Every year, millions of American workers face hazardous heat exposure.
This occurs in both indoor and outdoor work environments. These conditions can increase the occurrence of workplace accidents. It can also result in extreme illness, even death.
You can protect your workers with heat stress monitoring. Read on to learn more about what this is.
The Signs of Heat Stress
Any person exposed to excessive heat will experience various symptoms of heat stress. These symptoms can include:
Cramps
Heat exhaustion
Heat stroke
Sudden heart failure
Burns
This is often the result for those employed in high-temperature environments. These symptoms become even worse for workers with underlying conditions. This includes heart disease and obesity.
What is Heat Stress Monitoring?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) established specific standards to protect workers. These include:
Workplace limits and surveillance
Warning workers about hazardous areas
Wearing protective clothing and using protective equipment
Training workers and providing them with relevant information
Controlling heat stress
Most importantly, employers must also conduct medical or heat stress monitoring. This involves using a heat stress monitor to assess the workplace environment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) uses WBGT to determine the presence of heat stress hazards.
What Does the WBGT Measure?
WBGT is the acronym for Wet Bulb Globe Temperature. It measures heat stress by taking into account the effect of the following on humans:
Wind speed
Temperature
Humidity
Infrared and visible radiation
This facilitates the measurement of heat stress in direct sunlight. WBGT monitoring uses a specific index derived from three specific measurements. These include dry and wet bulb temperatures as well as global temperatures.
It’s usually a single number. It’s been determined that readings of 75°F and over usually result in heat injuries. Employers should, therefore, take preventative measures before readings get to this level.
Protecting Your Workers with Heat Stress Monitoring
If this year is any indication, Americans expect temperatures to continue rising. This is a phenomenon that can be particularly hazardous.
It will likely affect those working outdoors or in high-temperature indoor environments even more. Organizations must take specific measures to protect their workers.
If your workers fall into this category, you should follow the standards set by NIOSH and OSHA. This includes heat stress monitoring. It will help you keep track of increasing temperatures that can be hazardous to your workers.
Phase Associates can help you protect your workers. We’ll conduct an industrial hygiene assessment to identify heat stress conditions. Don’t delay! Contact us to learn more!
Many investors now consider more than dollars and cents when expanding their portfolios. A company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) strategy is essential too. ESG performance informs at least 90% of investors’ decision-making and investment strategy.
As many as 74% will divest from organizations with weak sustainability performance. How can your company show it’s achieving its goals with a sustainability audit?
But how is sustainability audited? And what is in a sustainability audit?
This article tells you this and more. It will also look at using a sustainability checklist and factors to consider in your audit. Read on to find out.
What is a Sustainability Audit?
A sustainability audit assesses a company’s progress in achieving its sustainable development goals. It focuses on the areas of social, environmental, and economic performance. It evaluates whether the resources put toward these goals are being used effectively.
If not, an audit allows you to reassess your targets. You can use the data gathered to formulate more effective solutions.
Ensuring your sustainability is successful will benefit your company in many ways. This includes greater customer acquisition, increased profits, and better employee retention.
How is Sustainability Audited?
A sustainability audit method will look at how companies define sustainability initiatives. It also examines how they execute and monitor them.
The audit will look at the following when assessing how your company defines these initiatives:
Procedures and Policies
Executive Oversight
Risks
Awareness and Culture
Examining the execution of these initiatives will involve reviewing the use of data and tools that support sustainability. It will also look at the tracking of regulatory changes. It will include compliance by employees and third parties, among other factors.
When assessing monitoring, the audit will consider the management, investigation, and reporting of any issues that occur.
What is in a Sustainability Audit?
A sustainability audit will consist of three detailed areas. The first should include company investments. It should focus on where and how your company invests. It should indicate if you invest in companies committed to sustainability. It should also note any boycotts of your company due to inadequate sustainable practices.
The second area of the audit should assess your company’s operations. Is your company recycling? Have you implemented programs that allow your customers to recycle?
It should also delve into steps to reduce your energy consumption.
The final area should include customer education about your sustainable practices.
A sustainability checklist will help to ensure you cover all areas. Items on a sustainability checklist and factors to consider should include:
Your social impact on employees and society
Infrastructure and support for sustainability program development
This includes environmental impacts in procurement, product development, waste reduction, and resource conservation.
Getting Your Sustainability Program Right
How is sustainability audited? We hope this guide has helped you know more and understand why it is so important.
Businesses probably play the most crucial role in the social, ecological, and economic environment. They must implement sustainability initiatives that benefit society. But these initiatives must be more than items written on paper.
They must be effective and continually monitored and adjusted. A sustainability audit can help you do this. But you don’t have to do it on your own.
Phase Associates can help. We can help you plan for a sustainable future. Contact Phase Associates to find out more about our services.
We service the states of New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
If interested, browse our blogs in our navigation to learn more about other environmental news. We list just a few below.
