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Construction Safety TrainingFor

Construction Inspection

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Region 3 Construction

Safety Coordinator,

Thomas Gaudet, P.E.

►March, 2021

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General Construction Safety Topics To Be Covered:

❑ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

❑ Situational Awareness

❑ Safety and Health Requirements

❑ Work Zone Traffic Control (WZTC)

❑ Backing Up Policy / Spotter

❑ Electronic Portable Devices/Cell Phones

❑ Fall Protection

❑ Confined Spaces

❑ Silica

❑ Open Excavations And Trenches

❑ Workplace Violence-Harassment

❑ Accident (Incident) Reporting

❑ Covid-19

Expectations for This Training:

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Outcomes:

❑ Understand Basic Knowledge of Construction Safety

❑ Recognize Impacts and Consequences of Unsafe Practices

❑ Identify / Address Safety Hazards & Unsafe Behavior

❑ Comply with Safety Procedures

❑ When and How to Report Incidents

❑ Gained Resource To Educate Others

❑ Continue to Learn (Ask Questions & Seek Guidance on Un-familiar Construction

Tasks)

❑ Everyone is Responsible for Safety, and Safety is Always #1.

Expectations for This Training:

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

One of the Most important things you need to do on any project is to wear your PPE. Hard hats, safety vests, safety glasses, and steel toe protective footwear are minimum requirements on all construction projects. The State provides all of this for its employees. (Consultant Inspectors equipment is provide by their firm). It does not cost you anything but can cost you if not worn and worn properly. See your Regional Construction Safety Coordinator or your Supervisor for all PPE. It is a Contract requirement for everyone on the jobsite to wear the appropriate PPE. Your Contractor’s Safety and Health plan identifies any special equipment which their employees may need to use. Part of completing your Daily Work Report is to document if the Contractor is utilizing the proper Protective Equipment.

The following Tailgate Safety Meeting (TSM) literature can be found at the link below:

TSM High Visibility Apparel and Hard Hat Policy.pdf

TSM Safety Footwear.pdf

TSM Eye Protection.pdf

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General Safety Training Topics:

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Situational Awareness:

Situational Awareness is being aware of what is happening around you in terms of where you are, where you are supposed to be, and whether anyone or anything around you poses a threat to your health and safety.

At all times, you need to be aware of the Construction activities and traffic taking place around you. If there is equipment operating in the area, make sure you keep an eye on it. If you need to approach an Equipment Operator, make sure you make eye contact before you approach his equipment. Always be aware of your position and stay out of equipment’s swing radius. Stay behind positive barrier (Temporary Concrete barrier, Guiderail, etc.) An orange traffic cone or drum is a visual protection only. They delineate where traffic is to keep away from but provides you no physical protection.

Observe your surroundings when conditions change. Don’t let you cell phone become a distraction to the situation at hand.

Clear Zone – Do you have one? Is there somewhere for you to escape to if needed?

Tailgate Safety Meeting literature titled “Situational Awareness.PDF” can be found here:

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Safety And Health Requirements §107-05 and Work Zone Traffic Control §619:

These sections on Safety and Health Requirements and Work Zone Traffic Control are very lengthy but cover some very important information. Do not get into the habit of just glossing over these sections. Make time to read and understand the requirements of the specifications – It could save someone’s life.

Safety and Health Requirements §107-05:

High Visibility Apparel §107-05 (A.) - It’s called “High Visibility” for a Reason – So you can be seen and easily recognized. If your high visibility apparel becomes soiled or damaged (especially the reflectivity) immediately clean or replace it.

High Visibility Apparel:

Vests - Class 2 safety vests required on all projects. Class 3 is recommended (not required) for Nighttime Operations.

Gaiters – Wearing Hi Vis reflective gaiters in conjunction with wearing a Hi Vis Class 2 vest fulfils class 3.

Hard Hat – Requires a total of 12 square inches of reflective tape on four side for Nighttime Operations.

Halo’s – Extra personal lighting used on top of hard hats for Nighttime Operations, usually used in conjunction with balloon lighting.

Tailgate Safety Meeting literature (partial sections) titled “Standard Specification Jan. 2021 107-05 & 619.PDF” can be found here:

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Work Zone Traffic Control §619:

Channelizing Devices §619-3.02 (J.) - The Contractor shall use channelizing devices to physically separate

traffic from portions of the roadway not available for travel; to separate traffic from hazards adjacent to the

roadway; to separate opposing or adjacent travel lanes; to clearly define the intended travel path for vehicles,

bicycles, and pedestrians.

Examine your Work Zone. Do channelizing devices (cones, drums and vertical panels) have proper spacing?

Are they in good condition, are they clean, do they have the proper retro-reflective stripes?

Tapers §619-3.02 (J1.) - The Contractor shall use drums, oversized vertical panels, or Type II construction

barricades to delineate tapers. The Contractor may also use standard cones, tall cones, extra tall cones, and

vertical panels for short term work zones during daylight hours only.

Check to make sure the length of the channelized taper is adequate and in accordance with the WZTC plans

and/or standard sheets. Many incidents may occur if tapers are abrupt and short.

Are sequence of construction signs correct and mounted at the adequate heights without any obstructions?

On-coming traffic can become very confused if signs are missing or misplaced, or are not seen due to

obstructions or low mounting heights

Does your contractor’s WZTC need to be adjusted due to valid reasoning (e.g., skid marks, knocked down

signs, weather, repeated traffic incidents, etc.) ? Get to know your contract WZTC plans and check your

contractor’s WZTC set-up daily to make sure they are complying with the WZTC plans and using the proper

set-up for the operation.

Tailgate Safety Meeting literature (partial sections) titled “Standard Specification Jan. 2021 107-05 & 619.PDF” can be found here:

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Backing Policy / Spotter §107-05 & 619:

NYSDOT has zero tolerance for backing accidents/incidents. NYSDOT policy views all backing accidents as preventable.

Equipment Safety Procedures §107-05 (O.) - Any operator found in violation of Equipment Safety Procedures, will be removed from the project immediately and will not be allowed to work on any Department project for a minimum of one year.

Construction Vehicles and Equipment §619-2.02 (F.) - All vehicles and equipment within the contract limits and on the roadway shall be equipped with a rotating amber or flashing LED beacon visible from all directions for a minimum of 1,000 feet during daylight.

All vehicles with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs. and with restricted visibility to the rear shall be equipped with an operational audible backup alarm. Any vehicle with a non-operational backup alarm shall be taken out of service until the alarm is repaired.

Backing vehicles and equipment are required to maintain visual contact with a spotter at all times where workers are on foot. If visual contact is not maintained, the operator shall stop immediately until visual contact with the spotter is reestablished.

Do not approach a moving vehicle or equipment without establishing eye contact and communication with the operator first – Give these operators plenty of safe distance to do their work and where you can be seen.

Tailgate Safety Meeting literature titled “Backing Vehicles-Equipment And Spotter.PDF” can be found here:

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Electronic Portable Devices/Cell Phones: Policies provided by Employers

Hand-held portable Communication devices shall not be used on public highways during the operation of a vehicle or equipment while on State business. This includes vehicles/equipment owned or leased by the State, provided by contractors, and/or personal vehicles used for State business.

Vehicle operators may use hands-free units while the vehicle is moving, except in active highway work zones. If a hands-free unit is not used, employees must park in a safe, legal location to initiate and/or respond to calls and messages.

Employees shall not use personal entertainment devices, or any cell phone with earphones or ear budswhile working in field operations. Supervisors shall ensure that workers are able to perceive hazards, are not distracted from their task, and are not creating hazards through the use of personal entertainment devices when not working (e.g., breaks/meal periods).

Today’s technology could be your best friend or your worst nightmare. Multitasking is a myth and believing you can multitask with an electronic portable device/cell phone while driving, or at work on a construction site, is not realistic. Your eyes are your best defense when it comes to safety, if they are not distracted on the screen.

Create good safe habits. Put yourself in a safe location and / or set a time that is safe to use these devices (e.g., parking lot, at field office, behind barrier/guiderail and away from hazards, etc.).

Remember, NYSDOT has no tolerance for unsafe behavior for these devices on their construction projects. Let’s change this unsafe behavior and lead by example, it can save lives..

Tailgate Safety Meeting literature titled “Use of Portable Phone and Entertainment Devices.PDF” can be found here:

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Fall Protection §107-05 (H.):

The Contractor shall provide fall protection for all workers in compliance with 29 CFR 1926 and NYS Labor Law. Fall protection is required for all workers at or above 6 feet or the height thresholds in 29 CFR 1926, Subparts L and M, whichever is lower, and for all locations where there is a risk of a fall onto dangerous equipment or an impalement hazard, regardless of height. This also applies to open trench excavations. People often overlook the fall hazard associated with open trenches.

The Number #1 accident in construction is falls. It is also the leading cause of death and is not trending downward. A simple safeguard to prevent these fatalities is to wear your “Personal Fall Arrest System” (PFAS) when required or to have fall protection system in place”. This is the first step in preventing injury.

What about preventing Suspension Trauma? Suspension trauma happens when a fallen worker is suspended in a harness with their legs hanging. While arteries near the front of the legs continue to pump blood, the harness straps act like tourniquets on the veins in the back of the legs and prevent deoxygenated blood from returning to the heart. If circulation is impeded enough, the heart rate will abruptly slow and reduce oxygen to the brain. If someone is not rescued in time, it can be fatal in as little as 10 minutes. The contractor must have a PFAS Rescue Plan in place readily available to put into action” (e.g., ladder, aerial lift, other means).

Were speaking about the #1 fatality in construction. Not wearing personal fall arrest protection could have a major impact on your life, co-workers, and family that is unthinkable, including risk of no insurance compensations.

If you are not protected from falls, then personal fall arrest protection shall be used and rescue plan in place that is readily accessible before beginning any tasks at elevated surfaces.

Tailgate Safety Meeting literature titled “Fall Protection.PDF” that can be found here…

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Confined Spaces §107-05 (R.):

A confined space is identified as a space that meets all 3 of the following properties:

• Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work.

• Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, box girders, trenches, drainage pipes, DI’s, manholes, winter concrete enclosures, and tanks) are spaces that may have limited means of entry.

• Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Can you identify confined spaces? These can change without warning and can be silent and deadly.

Before any individual can enter confined spaces, they shall each be fully trained in confined space entry. This is the 1st step in preventing injury.

The 2nd step is that the contractor must have a confined space “Rescue” and “Medical Services” Plan that is in place and on site that is immediately available prior to entry, which includes trained and equipped rescue personnel and emergency medical services.

Did you know that most Fire Departments, especially volunteers, do not engage in this type of rescue due too them not being trained or properly equipped and not immediately available on-site.

Non confined spaces can become confined spaces if conditions change (e.g., using gasoline demo saw without proper ventilation). In this example, the hazard (gasoline powered equipment- carbon monoxide exhaust) was brought into the space and without proper ventilation and or respirator protection would cause carbon monoxide poisoning – A silent killer.

Identifying confined spaces or potential confined spaces can save someone’s life. Know how to identify these areas and educate others before they enter.

Tailgate Safety Meeting literature titled “Confined Space Entry.PDF” that can be found here…

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Silica §107-05 (L4.):

Do you know what silica is and how to protect yourself? Silica is found in a variety of materials and is a component of sand, stone, rock, concrete, block and mortar, and breathing its dust can cause serious respiratory problems and could lead to death. There is no cure.

Your contractor’s 1st approach to comply with OSHA’s new standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) is to utilize specified exposure control methods/engineering and work practice controls from OSHA’s Table 1 (e.g., equipment with vacuum or applied water) to remove or minimize the silica dust hazard. The 2nd

approach for the contractor would be to utilize a respirator protection plan for exposed workers and public - Work sites near public areas and active sidewalks are a major concern if silica dust clouds are present.

As construction inspectors we observe, guide and document the contractors work, and the contractor is the one that does the actual labor work. Therefore, you must avoid exposure to dust/vapors/fumes and must stay away of silica dust operations. If inspectors can see it, feel it, or touch it, they are too close. Stay up wind. Breath smart or get protected.

Tailgate Safety Meeting literature titled “RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA.PDF” that can be found here…

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Open Excavations And Trenches §107-05 (K.):

Collapses or cave-ins for trenching and excavations which can occur suddenly and without warning, is another silent killer.

Numbers to remember….2, 4, 5 & 25 ft.

2 - Stay away from excavated trenches at least 2 ft or more if possible.

4 - Trenches 4 ft or deeper require a ladder

5 - Trenches 5 ft or deeper require a trench box or other forms of cave-in preventability’s.

25 – Ladders in trenches are required every 25 ft length for ingress & egress.

A competent person (provided by the contractor) is required to inspect all excavations and must prevent persons from entering unsafe excavations.

Remember, as construction inspectors we observe, guide and document the contractors work mostly from a safe distance away, so stay away from edges of trenches and excavated areas.

Tailgate Safety Meeting literature titled “Trenching and Excavation Safety.PDF” that can be found here…

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Workplace Violence-Harassment: Article 2 Section 27-b of the NYS Labor Law and

Title 12 NYCRR Section 800.6

NYSDOT has zero tolerance for Workplace Violence and Harassment of any kind and must be reported to your Supervisor/EIC immediately. Workplace is defined as…. Any location away from an employee’s residence, permanent or temporary, where an employee performs any work-related duty during his or her employment.” Workplace violence is defined as…. Any physical assault or acts of aggressive behavior occurring where a public employee performs any work-related duty during his or her employment; incidents include but are not limited to:

a. An attempt or threat, whether verbal or physical, to inflict physical injury upon an employee.

b. Any intentional display of force which would give an employee reason to fear or expect bodily harm.

c. Intentional and wrongful contact with a person without his or her consent that entails an injury.

d. Stalking an employee with the intent of causing fear or material harm to the physical safety and health of such employee when stalking has arisen through and during employment.

e. Damage and/or destruction of employee property with the impact of intimidation or harassment to the recipient.

f. Threatening or harassing behaviors, in person or electronically, with the impact of causing fear or intimidation to the recipient.

If workplace violence happens on a construction project, including the field offices, a CIR (Construction Incident Report) is required to be submitted by the NYSDOT project field office.

Tailgate Safety Meeting literature titled “WORKPLACE VIOLENCE - POSITIVE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACE.PDF” that can be found here…

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Accident (Incident) Reporting §107-05 (D.):

Nobody like to get involved gathering info for reporting incidents but be prepared to act if it is safe to do so.

You are required by the Department to report all incidents (accidents) on your construction project that either involve construction or the traveling public to your EIC so they can document and submit using CIR (Construction Incident Report) program.

First and Last WZTC Signs - All traffic incidents that occur between them or within your project limits are required to be reported within 24 hours to your EIC, including occurring after work hours within your contract limits that will aid with local authorities documenting property damage(s) and for successful recovery process.

Police - Get to know your NY State Police headquarters number for the Troop that covers the county that the work is in. Calling 911 is not always the best and most efficient to respond and investigate your scene. If it requires immediate medical emergency or there appears to be possibility of imminent violence or danger, Call 911. When Police arrive, introduce yourself, document officers name and ask them to provide a Police Accident Reference Number that will be helpful to include as supporting documentation for the CIR.

Witnesses – All are encouraged to provide all necessary details in writing that can be done ranging from an email to a signed napkin; it just needs to be legible.

Photos – Pictures are like a thousand words. Taking pictures is highly encouraged that will be helpful to include as supporting documentation, primarily of damage property, site layout, and equipment or vehicles involved including license plates.

Tailgate Safety Meeting literature titled ““Incident-Accident Reporting.PDF” that includes §107-05 D. Accident Reporting, which can be found here…

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Covid-19:All employers and NYS employees, including seasonal, are required to comply with Covid-19 Guidance and

Procedures.

Reporting Symptomatic Employee/Self (State of NY Executive Chamber Memo, issued March 15, 2020) -

Contact your immediate supervisor, go home, call NYSDOH COVID-19 Hotline at 888-364-3065 for further guidance.

Masks / Face Coverings (Governor’s Executive Order 202.17, issued April 15, 2020) - Are required if social

distancing is unable to maintain (i.e., 6 ft or less) or when not maintaining -Employers are required to provide

employees with masks.

Enhanced Cleaning Schedule (Lisa Snow, Administrative Services, issued March 5, 2020) - NYSDOT has an

enhanced cleaning schedule for Department owned and occupied facilities and vehicles. NYSDOT provides all

necessary cleaning supplies to its employees (e.g., hand sanitizers, wipes, etc.). All employees are responsible for

cleaning their hands frequently as needed, and shared used areas daily, including your own workspace and

equipment, and state vehicles most touched surfaces (e.g., steering wheel, door handles, controls, etc.).

If you don’t want to wear a mask, avoid close contact with others (6 ft or more) and utilize telephone/conference calls,

emails and video conferencing as much as possible. Remember, expect everyone to have a camera, and if the

Regions or the State receive complaints for non-compliance, it gives reason for a visit and expect a visit

The following Covid-19 literature can be found at the link below:

COVID-19 Guidance and Procedures to Follow.pdf

COVID-19 Reopening New York - Construction Guidelines for Employers and Employees.pdf

COVID-19 Guidance for NYSDOT Construction Projects - 031920 Memo from Wahid Albert.pdf

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