Personal Protection Plan Policy

(Document Web Link)

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Limiting Exposure to Hazards in the Workplace

·  wear personal protective equipment for the work being performed

·  watch for overhead wires, when working around power lines, a signal person is required for guidance.

·  ensure warning overhead wire signs are in place

·  keep your distance around power lines

·  any spills must be reported immediately to your supervisor

·  use 3-point contact when mounting and dismounting equipment and always face the machine

·  clear communication saves lives, ensure your instructions are well understood

·  keep your mind on task; Avoid rushing, fatigue, frustration and complacency

·  be alert to mobile equipment around you and suspended objects being placed

·  be mindful of changes in banks and slopes, in ground conditions are unstable, barricade and vacate the area and notify your supervisor immediately

·  when performing work, keep fingers and hands clear of pinch points

·  ne aware of vehicular traffic at all times, especially when changing work areas

·  radio communication is a safety and work-related tool, not a means of socializing

·  keep the appropriate distance when working around power lines

 

Equipment Operators

·  you must ensure that valid locates are always with you when performing any excavations

·  make sure hand signals are understood between yourself and the person giving them prior to an operation beginning

·  beware of your surroundings such as: other equipment, people, vehicular traffic, etc

·  always use proper slings, lift chains and/or cables

·  back up alarms must always be operational

 

Flag Persons

• workers shall not perform any others tasks when directing traffic

• review and understand the daily traffic control plan

• stop traffic whenever required by the progress of the work

• stop and slow paddles must always be cleaned and visible

• do not stand on travel portion of highway

• stand alone, traffic will not see you if you are with a group of people

• adjust distances to suit road, weather & speed conditions

• workers cannot sit while directing traffic as visibility is reduced to the motoring public

• always ensure to have an escape route to avoid being hit by a vehicle

• at the end of every work shift, drop your radio batteries at the charging station, and always carry a spare battery

 

Signalers

Before a signaler begins their task, they must fill out a Field Level Risk Assessment in conjunction with the worker they will be observing and sign each other’s cards to ensure the acknowledgement of risk exposure and the controls in they put in place.

 

· ensure all hand signals are understood by the operator prior to beginning to act as their signaler.

· use two-way radio or hand signal communication before approaching heavy equipment, wait for acknowledgement before encroaching into the equipment’s danger zone

· make sure you do not perform any other duties and that operators are aware that you are the signaler or spotter and that they are to follow your direction

· signalers shall be stationed in a way that gives a clear view of the operator and the intended path of travel while keeping clear of the intended path of travel

· signalers shall be stationed at a minimum distance of 10 meters from the equipment when work near power lines is being performed

· workers shall be within the view of the operator to warn the operator when any part of the equipment or its load is approaching the minimum distance from a live power line ensuring that at no time the operator encroaches on the minimum distance

· clearance shall be allowed for any change in boom or truck box angles and for any swing of the hoisting cable and load

· signalers are to observe and identify potential blind spots of equipment being directed for their safety and others

· if the operator’s equipment may encroach a hazardous path, use an air horn as a warning sound

 

Surveyors

Field surveyors frequently perform work in proximity to motorized vehicles and heavy equipment which presents risk of physical injury. Before a surveyor begins their task, they must fill out a Field Level Risk Assessment in relation to the work they will be performing. To mitigate risk of contact with machinery, surveyors shall communicate their presence to all equipment operators in the vicinity of their assigned duties. Surveyors shall use a two-way radio to establish a dialog with equipment operators to explain their intent to survey in proximity of the equipment and wait for acknowledgement from equipment operators prior to approaching their work zone.

 

· ensure equipment operators have understood your intent to work in proximity of the equipment prior to beginning your task

· a two-way radio and /or hand signals shall be used to communicate your intentions before approaching heavy equipment and always wait for acknowledgement before encroaching into the equipment’s danger zone

· should a signaler be providing directions to the equipment operator, ensure to assess the additional risks associated with overhead wires and follow all procedures associated with overhead powerlines. Ensure that signaler is also aware of your presence and adhere to their directions as required.

· surveyors shall be stationed in a way that gives a clear view of their activities and their intended path of travel to any equipment operators in their proximity while keeping clear of the equipment’s danger zone

· surveyors shall always be stationed at a reasonable distance past the reach of working equipment  

· a reasonable clearance radius shall be kept between the Surveyor and equipment operator for any change in boom or articulation angles that may exceed normal operations

· surveyors are to observe and identify potential blind spots of equipment in their vicinity for their safety and others

· if the operator’s equipment has the potential to encroach into your safety perimeter, move to a safe distance and wait for your work zone to be clear

 

Supervisors

• supervisors shall monitor the health, safety and performance of workers at all times

• ensure that all workers wear the appropriate personal protective equipment for the task being performed

• ensure written instructions are given to each and every worker where prescribed

• ensure instructions given are clear and understood, allow time for questions

• ensure locates have been performed for possible underground hazards prior to any excavations and advise your crew and all affected workers of any potential hazards

• ensure overhead wire signs are posted along with its voltage rating where required

• when assigning work around power lines, you must designate a signaler for guidance 

• report spills to management and complete a spill report form

• report injuries and incidents to the Health and Safety Coordinator

• consult with the Health and Safety Coordinator prior to beginning a project

• temporary conditions and typical layouts must be inspected daily

• ensure daily workplace safety meetings are held and the minutes are recorded

• conduct weekly project inspections, communicate and post the inspection report

• ensure workers are performing tasks within the parameters of our standard operating procedures and safety legislation

• ensure workers are aware of the hazards related to the work being performed

• ensure workers on site use proper hand signals to operators

• ensure worker has been properly trained to complete their task given and/or has been signed off on operating heavy equipment

• always educate and encourage your crew in best workplace practices and safe working procedures

• enforce policies, procedures and safety legislation

• record the day’s events in a legal format supervisor’s log

• complete a supervisor’s daily report for every day or shift