Masonry Magazine August 1995 Page. 30
what bricks should be used.
After a plan of attack is drawn up, a team of contractors are created to build the project on Market Street, in downtown Chattanooga.
JOBSITE SAFETY
Continued from Page 11 safety managers, the message hasn't been driven home that they are critical in representing the Company's interests or they haven't been authorized to spend the necessary time and money for safety.
When a job inspection reveals easily recognized hazards, such as an unguarded work platform, the foreman isn't being "competent." Regardless of whether a foreman recognizes or acknowledges a hazard, corrective action hasn't been taken.
From a foreman's point of view, other priorities often come first-production being number one (Foremen used to be called "pushers"). A common complaint of foremen is the mixed messages they often get from upper management who emphasize "Safety First" and "Get it Done" in the same breath.
How often is "frequent and regular?" A 30-year-old edition of the Associated General Contractor's Manual of Accident Prevention describes frequency as "hour by hour, minute by minute..." Relax. It's not as stringent as it sounds when taken in the context of what first line supervisors' duties really are. No one can reasonably expect to be all places at all times. Omnipresence isn't required. Observation of the work product is. Safety hazards can be detected in that same process.
A site supervisor doesn't need to be a psychologist or detective to see "patterns" of behavior by his own workers or those of other contractors. Simply stated, if something doesn't look right, it very often isn't. In addition to observing work practices, a contractor's sixth sense is often called into play when inspecting tools, equipment and materials.
A good time to make sure ladders, scaffolding and other types of equipment are in safe condition is during delivery and set-up. If defects are discovered at those points, you've saved yourself and others headaches and possible injuries later. Any observations of unsafe conditions or work practices should be a tip-off that closer scrutiny may be necessary.
A foreman who believes he's doing his boss a favor by overlooking even the simplest (and probably easiest corrected) hazards will eventually send Company profits to OSHA or costly litigation.
Written safety programs in attractive binders amount to lip service when set against a foreman's failure to understand, be made aware of or be given the role of eliminating hazards. Similarly, workers who face a disorderly and unsafe jobsite receive a clear signal that safety, and consequently the quality of workmanship aren't important.
Construction, by its nature is ever changing in terms of both workforce and environment. New hazards continually crop up and, because they are frequently serious, may be dealt with immediately. Workers who witness prompt corrective action of even simple things like housekeeping are converts and become "inspectors" themselves.
THE MASON'S CHOICE IS PRODUCTIVITY, AFFORDABILITY & LESS LABOR
* INCREASE PRODUCTION 20-35%
Keep masons working at most productive level all day.
No stopping to move mason's brackets and planks.
Provide masons with better visibility of work being performed.
Eliminates stooping down or reaching up for materials.
* REDUCE SCAFFOLD LABOR COSTS 80%
Build only once on the job and move with forklifts.
No moving of safety rails or unused material to next level.
Towers can be extended without interfering with the masons working.
* STRONG
Winch and pully reduces the force necessary to raise full pallets of block or brick by 75.6%.
* SAFE
Safety device can only be released by foot petal.
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To maximize your bottom line profits, Mighty invites you to attend workshops offered in Nashville and will job-site train your personnel.