For off-season plant repairs, the team is outdoors in what could be blustery weather. Ice and snowpack make for slippery surfaces that require caution and appropriate footwear with good traction. (We’ll assume you have a protocol for removing ice from work platforms.)
Have you made sure each person on the ground crew has good boots for the job? Are the boots “roomy” enough to provide good circulation even with bulky socks keeping feet warm? Even though these are adult workers who can take care of themselves, supervisors and managers can show they care by asking a question or two before sending a fellow out to work a four-hour shift where knees and ankles are bent in ways that restrict blood flow in already cold conditions.
Look at the gloves your workers bring to the job. Are they going to get caught in components? If your crew practices proper lock-out/tag-out/block-out procedures, the danger of losing a finger to a violent rip of the conveyor belt should be minimal, but will the loose threads of an improper glove tangle around wires or metal that causes other injury? Make sure your workers have work gloves that protect against icy winds and horrible injuries.
Look at the coats and vests they wear. Are they zipped up in a way that prevents clasps and lapels from getting caught on equipment? Again, adherence to lock-out/tag-out protocol should safeguard workers from unexpected startups that could catch a sleeve or turned-out pocket, but the chain reaction of an accident can be stopped in its tracks if personnel remember “no loose clothing” applies to winter coats and stocking caps.
If you notice yourself or one of your crew members bundled up to work on repairs and upgrades, please take the time to double-check all safety protocol. Just because the plant is down for seasonal maintenance doesn’t mean it’s any less dangerous for the workers on the ground. Please make sure you include a reminder of lock-out/tag-out/block-out procedures in the morning tailgate talk or safety huddle before work begins. Make this a happy holiday season with everyone getting home safely to start the New Year.
Whatever your celebration entails these next couple of weeks, your staff at AsphaltPro wishes you the very best this season has to offer. Stay safe out there and have a joyous holiday!
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