Masonry Magazine February 1994 Page. 61
ZERO ENERGY
Continued from Page 59
Immediately upstream could have been blanked off and kept his work area free of the contaminant.
Any number of other, less obscure, but equally hazardous situations present themselves in construction. From welding between the box and frame of a dump truck without blocks to dismantlement of crane boom sections without underpinning - all of these accident scenarios speak to one fundamental concept: the control of stored or direct energy.
Construction worksites by their nature are ever-changing. This alone should prompt all builders to ensure that their written safety programs include specific lockout procedures which address their particular operations and those of other employers with whom they work. They should list activities where stored energy is a consideration and, if necessary, develop step-by-step procedures that spell out safeguards and responsibilities. The human factor is of primary importance in their development. Except under rigorously controlled circumstances, tags are no more effective a system of positive lockout than verbal understandings.
Survival in today's world of construction means stopping risks; and the risk takers who may think they're doing someone a favor with shortcuts. In the scheme of things, OSHA penalties, though admittedly more engaging since recent changes in their assessment, are a small part of the accident equation. Productivity, morale, and the tort system form the predicate for business success.
Superintendents and foremen who take time on the clock to plan and discuss work procedures with their employees are effectively communicating an interest in getting the work done safely, fostering valued recognition and the personal investment of workers in the bargain.
For builders who haven't encouraged safety in this manner before, spreading awareness about lockout is an excellent place to begin.
PHILIP L. COLLERAN, a former OSHA safety supervisor, is now a private consultant specializing in construction Safety and health issues. He's a professional member of the ASSE Northeastern Illinois chapter, a member of the ANSI A10 Committee and program chairman for the Construction Safety Association of America, and author of numerous articles on workplace safety and health.
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