Business Issues By Allen P. Roberts Jr.

June is National Safety Month, and aims not only to refocus our attention on the safety and health risks operators face every day, but also aims to provide insight into what can be done better to prevent mishaps.

Week 1: Emergency Preparedness

The first week of National Safety Week focuses on safety engagement and developing, and regularly revising, emergency jobsite response plans. Establishing and practicing jobsite evacuation procedures, initiating widespread first-aid training and establishing communication protocols for emergencies like fires, severe weather events and medical incidents, are where you should start.

In addition to being the first week of safety month, the first week of June also happens to be National CPR and Automated External Defibrillator( AED) Awareness Week, spotlighting how lives can be saved if more workers on every jobsite knew CPR and how to use an AED.

On any jobsite, time is of the utmost importance, and that goes for project timelines as much as for cardiac-related incidents. Countless studies show that the amount of time it takes a worker to receive treatment after a cardiac event and their chances of survival are correlated, with those receiving treatment on-site 60 % likely to fully recover. On the other hand, if treatment is first received at the hospital, the recovery rate plunges to 5 %.

Week 2: Hazard Recognition

Week two is focused on roadway safety, with a particular focus on eliminating the next generation of hazards by refining what working safely will look like while finding solutions to help eliminate on-site risks before they become so.

In all safety plans, personal protective equipment( PPE) should be considered the last line of defense against injury, not the first. Protecting the face from splatter, spray or dust is necessary but is frequently the primary cause of an uncomfortable shift. While we all know that life with one eye is far more uncomfortable than a shift wearing uncomfortable PPE, sometimes our commitment to finishing the job causes us to forget about safety.

According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, close to 20,000 eye injuries occur every year, underscoring the importance of safety eyewear, which prevents more than 90 % of potential eye injuries.

Sealed eyewear is a great option if the main hazard is keeping dust and debris out of the eyes. They stay snug on the head and are usually cushioned around the eye, making them feel like they’ re not even there. Finding an adjustable pair is key to a snug fit and your best friend when wearing them all day.

Traditional safety glasses are also a tried-and-true way to protect eyes and are available in prescription, or simply slide right over everyday glasses, so sacrificing vision for safety isn’ t an issue. Another important feature to look for in eyewear is an anti-fog coating, especially in the summer months with humidity at its pinnacle.

With outdoor jobsites, the sun isn’ t just a hazard on the skin, it can severely strain the eyes and compromise an operator’ s ability to work safely. Protecting

The color and type of helmet you wear can raise your core body temperature as much as 10 degrees.

the eyes from fatigue and keeping vision unobstructed is non-negotiable when working with heavy machinery.

Clothing Is Also PPE

Moisture-wicking fabrics can also help keep you cool, dry and protected during long hours in the sun. With increased awareness of sun-exposure risks, UV-protective gear is becoming a popular choice, with myriad brands offering work shirts, hats and jackets with UPF( Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings up to 50 to add an extra layer of protection from the dangers of spending a lifetime working outside.

Respiratory Safety

Every face is different, so finding a mask or respirator that can mold to different face structures is critical because everyone knows; if a mask isn’ t comfortable, it’ s likely no one will wear it.

18 CRANE HOT LINE ® June 2024 • www. cranehotline. com