There is no doubt that those working in asphalt paving operations face a variety of risks. Virtually every piece of equipment or machinery carries a potential danger, the hot asphalt is capable of causing severe burns and workers must also watch out for drivers who could fall asleep at the wheel, be inebriated or otherwise pose a risk to their safety.
MH Greeson Makes Asphalt Paving Safe by finding that the best way to mitigate these risks is through extensive training and comprehensive safety procedures.
All of our employees are thoroughly trained in how to perform their jobs safely, and we hold regular safety meetings to remind everyone of the procedures and policies that are to be followed. In addition, there are checklists to ensure safe operation of all equipment used on the worksite. Here are some of the points we include in our safety program.
Use Effective Traffic Control Measures
When working near an area that is open to traffic, we require our crews to use appropriate measures to control passing vehicles.
• Warning signs must be placed to give drivers sufficient notice of lane closings, detours or work zones.
• Cones, barricades, or other obstructions are to be placed to prevent vehicles from entering the work area and then checked frequently throughout the shift.
• Work is to be scheduled for the slowest traffic times whenever possible.
• Flagmen must be used if complete traffic control cannot be achieved through the use of barriers and signs.
• Lookouts may need to be positioned to provide advance warning to the ground crew, such as when working in an area where drivers have limited visibility.
Operate Equipment Safely
The heavy equipment used for asphalt paving, delivery trucks and the materials used can all pose risks to workers.
• No shift may start until all equipment has been inspected to ensure safe operation.
• Parking brakes, emergency brakes and service brakes are mandatory on all motorized equipment.
• Even if they are just stepping away for a short time, operators must idle down their machines and engage the parking brake.
• Once a machine has come to a stop, the operator must signal before moving it.
• Block-out or lock-out procedures must be followed if equipment needs repair, and workers must be protected before repairs are initiated.
Be Vigilant About Safety
Workers must assume some of the responsibility for their own safety.
• Safety gear, including high-visibility vests, must be worn on the job site at all times.
• Never walk behind a truck or piece of equipment while it is being backed.
• Avoid the area around the paving machine’s hopper while it is being filled with asphalt.
• Immediately report any unsafe conditions encountered to the supervisor and do not resume work until the condition has been corrected.
At MH Greeson Paving, we routinely cover these and many other issues with our employees to help protect their safety. We provide customers throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and many locations in North Georgia with quality work performed by safety conscious, experienced and highly skilled crews. Our specialties include asphalt paving, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt repairs and parking lot markings. If you would like to receive a free estimate, you can call us at 770-335-2983, or simply submit our convenient online form.
