Tips & Considerations for Jobsite Safety
With the New Year upon us, we decided it would be a good time to review some jobsite best practices. We reached out to Core & Main for some tips and reminders when it comes to keeping jobsites and equipment safe and secure, training programs offered by the company, and the evolving role of technology and analytics in jobsite safety.
Utility Contractor: What are some of Core & Main’s primary offerings when it comes to products for jobsite safety, particularly as it relates to underground utility jobs?
Core & Main: Safety and compliance are paramount across all our industries. As an industry leader, Core & Main strives to ensure that all our customers have access to the safety products that they need, whether that’s online via our Supply team or at our conveniently located branches.
UC: What are some best practices contractors can follow when it comes to keeping their jobsite safe and secure?
CM: Jobsite safety requires following best practices. This begins with conducting hazard and risk assessments before work begins, ensuring all employees understand the hazards of the jobsite and the tasks they are assigned. Communicate the details of the jobsite such as site location, safety hazards, names of those working onsite, specific hazards such as confined space work, working at heights, etc. Contractors should ensure compliance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and stay up to date on regulatory changes. They should also identify the PPE required for those working onsite and ensure an adequate supply is available. Replace PPE as needed. Contractors should also establish a routine for safety check-ins when workers are in multiple locations on a jobsite.
UC: What about safe practices for tools and equipment?
CM: Workers should ensure all tools and equipment are properly maintained and in good condition. Secure them in a job box or other designated location when they are not in use. Ensure everyone is trained to safely use the equipment and tools required for their job. Make sure Safety Data Sheets are on hand for any chemicals required on the jobsite and secure the chemicals when they are not in use. If you have lone workers or workers in remote areas, develop a safe workplace specifically designed to ensure their safety and establish routine check-ins and communication methods. Plan for extreme hot or cold conditions and establish designated spaces for warming or cooling down with plenty of clean water to drink. Maintain a clean work area by establishing a routine of cleaning up trash and debris at the end of each day. This prevents accumulation of trip hazards or potentially combustible materials.
UC: Does Core & Main offer any equipment for confined space safety? What are some considerations for purchasing equipment for confined space safety?
CM: Core & Main Supply is our online distributor for confined space safety equipment, and their centrally located warehouse ensures orders are filled quickly to keep jobs on schedule. Considerations when purchasing such equipment would include:
- The type of space (manhole, vault, tank, etc.).
- Vertical or horizontal entry.
- Load requirements (how much weight must the system be able to safely lower and/or retrieve from the space).
- Compatibility with other safety equipment; the environment where it will be used.
- The need for self-retracting lifelines if fall protection is a consideration.
- Properly sized harnesses to fit the users.
- Application of the equipment and suitability for both entry and rescue purposes.
UC: What does Core & Main offer in terms of safety or training programs for the utility construction market?
CM: Core & Main offers high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe fusion training. If a customer needs other specific training, Core & Main will collaborate with our vendors that provide certified safety training. An example of this is our partnership with AZUCA for the quarterly CPR & Stop the Bleed Training Sessions.
UC: What role does technology play in enhancing safety management in construction?
CM: Technology has the potential to enhance safety in construction. Emerging technology for construction jobsites includes devices that can be worn by workers (smart helmets, wristbands with sensors to detect vital signs or hazardous substances/atmospheres, sensors to track movements, etc.), as well as drones and AI-powered analytics to improve an employer’s ability to detect hazards and prevent incidents or injuries before they occur.
UC: What about software and mobile devices?
CM: Software allows for the creation of 3D models of a jobsite to better evaluate and understand the conditions and hazards, and plan accordingly before beginning work. Internally, Core & Main is building its own app called CoreSafe, which users access from a mobile device to complete their routine daily equipment inspections and other EHS compliance-related tasks. This allows users to complete the required compliance inspections without having to maintain a file of paper forms and checklists.
