Step: Preparing to move materials. Hazard: Unidentified and/or unmitigated hazards, or unsafe conditions
Control: If at any point, a job is deemed unsafe, workers should feel entitled to stop until the appropriate PPE or equipment is available, or the right conditions exists to make the job safe. Consider all potential hazards: weather, wet or slippery conditions, overhead hazards, visitor traffic patterns/volume, slope, loose footing, fatigue, etc. Mitigate hazards by any of the following: scheduling, logistics, additional personnel, signage, flaggers, guards, lookouts, communications, relays, and signals/hand signs. Clear the route of hazards and debris before moving materials. Step: Moving Materials. Hazards: Muscle strains, pulls and repetitive motion injuries. Control: Each employee should be provided training on the safe and proper use of the most important, primary tool—their bodies (Strong, Alert, Focused, Energetic, or SAFE training). Proper techniques of stretching, lifting, bending, moving, rolling rocks, securing good footing, the importance of good nutrition and hydration, etc., should be address. Each employee will be given time on the job to properly stretch and warm-up before and during physical activity for a period of time deemed appropriate by the crew leader, or on-site supervisor. Employees will be encouraged to switch hands often and vary the types of activities performed to limit exposure to repetitive motion injuries. The appropriate number of workers should be used to move materials. This decision may vary between individuals. Step: Moving materials by hand. Hazards: Injuries resulting from lack of communication, or miscommunication, foot or leg injuries, finger or hand injuries. Control: Crew leaders will conduct, whenever appropriate, tailgate safety talks to provide orientation, discuss project, safety concerns, assign work, etc. Good communication between crewmembers should reinforce individual awareness of real and potential hazards. Workers need to maintain constant awareness of their feet in relation to objects being moved and avoid placing them under materials. It is recommended that workers use hand lifting techniques to minimize the potential for injuries to hands. Proper PPE to mitigate risk of injuries occurring to hands or fingers.
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