National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction
Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls account for more than 30% of fatalities in the construction industry. Those deaths are preventable. The National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.
As an employer, you have a duty to protect your workers from falls, and we’re here to help. We have developed this toolkit to arm you with the information and resources you need to conduct a successful safety stand-down. In this toolkit you will find information about the National Safety Stand-down, toolbox talks to help prevent falls, a Construction Industry Fall Protection Safety Program, posters to help bring awareness to the stand-down and much more.
Remember, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is here for your business. Contact us today to discuss your insurance and risk management needs.
A safety stand-down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. The National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction focuses on fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention.
When is the National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction?
The stand-down will be held over one week, from Sept. 14-18, 2020. It will be held in conjunction with the North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Safety Week.
How do Businesses Conduct a Safety Stand-down?
Companies can conduct a safety stand-down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans or discussing job-specific hazards. A safety stand-down should provide an opportunity for employers and employees to talk about hazards, protective methods and the company’s safety policies, goals and expectations.
Who can Participate in a Safety Stand-down?
Anyone interested in educating employees in fall hazards, or other job hazards, can participate. In past years, participants included general contractors; sub-and independent contractors; employers’ trade associations; federal, state and local governmental agencies; professional societies and institutes; and consumer/labor-management interest organizations. Millions of employees across all 50 states and internationally have participated in previous stand-downs.
How does a Business Participate, and How do They Get a Certificate of Participation?
Participation is easy. Hold a stand-down and visit the OSHA National Safety Stand-down website to download a certificate. Employers will be able to provide feedback and download certificates of participation based on their experience. The certificate pages will be active on Sept. 14 at OSHA’s Stop Falls Stand-down and on the National Safety Council’s (NSC) webpages.
Our business received a certificate of participation for past stand-downs, why should we get another one?
One of the most important reasons you should participate through gaining a certificate is to demonstrate your commitment to fall prevention and other safety issues on the job site to your employees. Employees and other employers alike recognize the importance of demonstrated top-level commitment to promoting a positive safety culture. There are platinum, gold, silver and bronze certificates, depending on how many years you have participated. OSHA and our partners also use the attendance data and feedback from the certificate form submission to enhance and further improve this event for the future.
We are not a construction company; can we still participate in the Safety Stand-down?
Yes, you can. Participation is not limited to the construction industry, and no business is too small to participate. In previous years, many non-construction employers held stand-downs. In fact, the largest single participant in 2015 and 2016 was the United States Air Force, reaching more than 1 million military and civilian personnel. The smallest company to receive a certificate had only one employee, and nearly half of certificates for participation completed through OSHA’s website were for stand-downs with less than 25 employees.
We are a small company with just a few employees; can we still participate in the Safety Stand-down?
Yes. Any number of people can hold a stand-down. Companies and businesses of all sizes should take time out during the workday to discuss fall prevention with their employees, and participate in the stand-down. You can also find a larger stand-down event in your area.
How can we get an OSHA Representative to participate in our Stand-down?
We would like to participate in a Safety Stand-down Event, is there a list we can use to find an event?
A list of events in your area can be found by visiting OSHA’s National Safety Stand-down website. These events are free and open to the public. Attendees of these events must cooperate with the host employers’ site access and safety rules.
How can we get our safety stand-down event listed on the OSHA website?
OSHA lists events that are free and open to the public. This webpage helps employers and employees find stand-down events that they can attend in their area. Contact your regional stand-down coordinator to learn more.
Do we need to preregister for the stand-down?
No. The stand-down is free, and you do not have to register to participate. Simply hold a stand-down with your employees during the week of the National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction, then go online to tell us about your stand-down and download a certificate of participation at OSHA’s Stop Falls Stand-down or National Safety Council’s (NSC) webpage after your stand-down event.
How long does a typical fall prevention stand-down take to conduct?
It’s up to you. A stand-down could be as simple as a 15-minute toolbox talk or several hours of training over a week.
Source: OSHA
Ways to Prepare for a Successful Stand-down to Prevent Falls
Try to start early. Designate a coordinator to organize the stand-down. If you have multiple work sites, identify the team that will lead the stand-down at each site.
Think about asking your subcontractors, owners, architects, engineers or others associated with your project to participate in the stand-down.
Consider reviewing your fall prevention program. This will help provide a more effective stand-down.
What types of falls could happen:
Falls from ladders
Falls from a roof
Falls from a scaffold
Falls down stairs
Falls from a structural steel
Falls through a floor or roof opening
Falls through a fragile roof surface
What needs improvement? Is your program meeting its goals? Are you experiencing fatalities, injuries or near misses? Are employees aware of the company’s fall protection procedures?
What training have you provided to your employees? Does it need revision?
What equipment have you provided to your employees? Is better equipment available?
Develop presentations or activities that will meet your needs. Decide what information will be best for your workplace and employees. The meeting should provide information to employees about hazards, protective methods and the company’s safety policies, goals and expectations. Hands-on exercises (e.g., a work site walk-around and equipment checks) can increase retention.
Decide when to hold the stand-down and how long it will last. Decide if the stand-down will take place over a break, a lunch period or some other time.
Promote the stand-down. Try to make it interesting to employees. Some employers find that serving snacks increases participation.
Hold your stand-down. Try to make it positive and interactive. Let employees talk about their experiences and encourage them to make suggestions.
Follow up. If you learned something that could improve your fall prevention program, consider making changes.
Source: OSHA
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We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business.
Protecting Your Construction Workers from Coronavirus
The coronavirus
(COVID-19) outbreak has impacted a number of businesses across a variety of
industries, forcing them to rethink their daily operations to ensure the safety
of their employees and the general public. This is no different for
construction firms, where multiple contractors and tradespeople on a job site
may be working in the same space at any one time. In these instances, just one misstep
can lead to the quick spread of COVID-19, jeopardizing the well-being of
workers.
To help slow the
spread of COVID-19 and safeguard your staff, consider the strategies highlighted
in this Construction Risk Insights.
COVID-19 Safety Tips for Construction Firms
When it comes to
COVID-19, discouraging sick employees from reporting to work and encouraging
social distancing are the two of the most effective methods for protecting your
workers:
Discouraging sick employees from reporting to work—Above all, any
employee who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough,
shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, chills or fatigue)
should stay home. Individuals experiencing such symptoms should also be
instructed to consult guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on
seeking medical care.
Encouraging social distancing—Social distancing is the
practice of deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid
spreading illness. In terms of COVID-19, social distancing best practices for
construction businesses can include:
Avoiding gatherings of 10
or more people
Keeping at least 6
feet of distance from other people
Hosting meetings virtually when possible
Limiting the number of people on the jobs site
to essential personnel only
Encouraging staff to work from home when
possible
Discouraging people from shaking hands
Beyond these
recommendations, there are a number of specific job site and office precautions
construction firms should consider. Specifically, to help prevent the spread of
COVID-19, businesses should:
Communicate key CDC guidance to their workers on how to stay safe from COVID-19. Helpful resources include the following webpages:
Post posters and other signage that encourage workers to stay home when they’re sick and educate them on hygiene best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Sample posters from the CDC can be found here.
Instruct employees
to practice good hygiene. Employees should clean their hands often, either with
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water. Hand sanitizers should
contain at least 60%-95% alcohol, and employees should wash their hands with
soap for at least 20 seconds. It’s also a good idea to strategically place hand
sanitizer and hand-washing stations around the job site.
Instruct employees
to:
Avoid congregating,
and keep their distance from other workers where possible.
Avoid sharing tools
and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Clean reusable PPE
per the original manufacturer’s recommendation before every use. Used PPE must
be disposed of properly.
Utilize disposable
gloves as appropriate, and wash their hands after they’re done with them.
Change their clothes
before they get home. Dirty clothes should be washed using hot water and
laundry sanitizer.
Ensure the work
environment is cleaned regularly. This can involve sanitizing doorknobs,
keyboards, tools, reusable supplies and equipment.
Avoid using a common
water cooler. For increased safety, provide employees with disposable plastic
water bottles or instruct them to bring their own.
Avoid scheduling
multiple tradespeople at once. This should help limit the amount of individuals
on the job site at once.
Sanitize portable
toilets frequently.
Avoid cleaning techniques
that could generate bioaerosols.
Continued Safety
While the strategies highlighted in this document can help you protect your workers from COVID-19, it’s important to follow CDC guidance at all times. For more information, click here.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive Contractor insurance quote!
A Landscaping contractor business can be a competitive and rewarding, and years of hard work can help landscapers establish a strong customer base and reputation. However, many landscaping business owners don’t realize how many exposures they must address to keep their landscape business operating smoothly.
Depending on the complexity of your landscaping contractor company, there are a number of exposures to consider, including risks related to property, worker injuries and even the environment. The list below provides an overview of these industry risks—helping you identify potential blind spots in your risk management and insurance programs.
Landscaping Contractor Exposures Include:
Property—including your tools, equipment, supplies, signage and similar items—plays a key role for your organization. And, in the event of a loss caused by fires, theft or vandalism, your landscaping firm can suffer major financial damages. For instance, should a fire break out in your storage area, your firm could lose thousands of dollars worth of lawn care equipment in an instant. What’s more, a single incident can affect multiple aspects of your property, compounding costs and downtime for your business.
Landscapers depend on functioning equipment to service their customers effectively. In the face of an equipment breakdown (e.g., a lawnmower stops working), landscaping operations can experience business interruptions or even prolonged closures. Specifically, a business owner’s mowers, blowers, chainsaws and tillers all have the potential to break down, causing major disruptions that can impact your reputation and bottom line.
Depending on the services your landscaping firm provides, employees may be required to operate a vehicle on behalf of your business, creating automobile exposures in the process. While important for daily operations (e.g., driving from job site to job site or transporting tools), the use of a vehicle can lead to potential accidents and major insurance claims. What’s more, if you allow employees to use their own vehicles for work, standard commercial auto policies are often not enough.
As a landscaper, your work regularly involves the transport of equipment, tools and supplies to and from your worksite. As such, inland marine risks are vast, and any property that’s unique or valuable in transit, in your temporary care, stored at fixed (but movable) locations or used to transfer information represents major exposures. Specifically for landscaping companies, materials and tools in transit, mobile equipment (e.g., trimmers or weed whackers), and rented and leased equipment are all potential, costly losses following an incident.
Any time one of your employees is injured on the job, your business could be subjected to expensive workers’ compensation claims. Common sources of on-the-job accidents for landscaping operations include cuts, heat exhaustion, slips, trips, falls, musculoskeletal injuries caused by repetitive tasks, sprains and strains. Normal, everyday tasks related to trimming hedges, laying sod and pushing equipment can all lead to accidents and, in turn, increased costs for your business.
During the course of their work, landscapers open themselves up to serious environmental liability. Specifically, pesticides, herbicides and other fertilizers have the potential to pollute the environment. Environmental incidents are particularly concerning for businesses because they can cause harm to the surrounding community, involve costly cleanup and often cause damage to a business’s reputation.
Crime can be a challenge for landscapers. Not only do they have to worry about expensive equipment and materials stored on the job site, but employee dishonesty is a primary concern as well. Your business can become the victim of crime in a variety of scenarios, including when making orders, billing customers and leaving job sites unattended.
For More Information
While the proper risk management practices can reduce certain exposures, no system is 100 percent effective in ensuring an incident-free workplace. As a result, it’s all the more crucial to work with a qualified insurance broker to not only assess you exposures, but secure the appropriate coverage as well. To learn more, contact GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. today.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive landscape contractor insurance quote!
Of the potential hazards on a job site, confined spaces are some of
the most dangerous. A space can be determined as permit-required, in which case
extra measures must be taken in order to ensure the safety of workers.
Permit-required Confined Spaces
Confined space permits are a key part of a company’s confined space entry program. They act as a method of controlling worker entry into potentially dangerous areas. Any area on a job site that may be a confined space must be properly evaluated by a qualified person. Furthermore, all confined spaces must also be inspected to determine if the space requires a permit.
A permit is required for
each time that workers are going to be entering a confined space, and must be
filled out with information regarding conditions and precautions. This includes
information such as:
Entry Supervision
It is the responsibility of the entry supervisor to make sure
that confined space permits are completed and that the proper measures are
taken before authorizing any workers to enter the area.
Completed permits should be posted at the entrance of the
confined space and remain throughout the duration of the entry.
Canceling or Suspending Permits
Another responsibility for entry supervisors is to suspend or
cancel a permit once work is completed or if conditions become unsuitable for
entry.
If a permit is canceled, the confined space in question cannot be
reentered until a new permit is completed. Suspended permits can be reinstated
if an entry supervisor has conducted an inspection of the space and determined
that the allowable conditions, as listed on the permit, have been
reestablished.
Canceled permits should be kept for at least a year and reviewed
to help evaluate the effectiveness of the company’s confined space entry
program.
If you have any questions about confined spaces or permits, speak with your supervisor or another qualified employee.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive contractor insurance quote!
The financial well-being and stability of subcontractors is an ever-present concern for most general contractors. When subcontractors fail to complete the full scope of their work, projects can stall, leading to frustrating and costly delays. Subcontractor Default Insurance can help manage your risk.
To protect
against subcontractor default, general contractors have traditionally relied on
performance bonds. However, given increases in cost to acquire performance
bonds and the prolonged investigation process required should a subcontractor
default, more and more general contractors are turning to subcontractor default
insurance (SDI) to help manage their risk.
What Is Subcontractor Default Insurance?
SDI, which entered the U.S. market in the late
1990s, is an insurance product designed to protect businesses from
losses arising when a subcontractor defaults on its obligations.
Under an SDI policy, a general contractor enrolls all
prequalified subcontractors for a specific project or policy term. The general
contractor is then indemnified by the insurance company for any covered direct
or indirect costs incurred if one of the subcontractors defaults on
performance. It’s not uncommon for contractors to have annual subcontracted
values of $75 million or more, so, when a subcontractor defaults, it can
seriously impact a general contractor’s profitability.
SDI policies generally cover losses related
to first-tier subcontractors (contractors in direct contract with the general
contractor) and second-tier contractors (contractors in direct contract with
first-tier subcontractors, including suppliers). SDI policies also provide
coverage for losses that are the indirect result of a subcontractor default,
such as
liquidated damages, acceleration of other subcontracts and extended
overhead.
Subcontractor Default Insurance vs. Performance Bonds
The fundamental
distinction between SDI and performance bonds relates to the relationships
created by the two products. Surety, including performance bonding, is always a
three-party relationship
between the contractor (the obligee), the subcontractor (the principal) and a
surety company.
When
performance bonds are used, the surety company initiates the process by
thoroughly screening the subcontractor. The surety reviews a number of factors,
such as the subcontractor’s financial well-being, credit history and ability to
perform the work. If a subcontractor passes scrutiny, it is bonded, and the surety assumes the
risk of the subcontractor defaulting.
SDI, conversely, only involves two parties—the
insurer and the insured general contractor. The general contractor purchases
SDI to insure the performance of its subcontractors. Contractors typically
purchase one SDI policy and enroll all of their subcontractors under that
policy.
SDI
policies do not provide a guarantee of performance or payment. Rather, in the
event that an enrolled subcontractor defaults on its obligations, the insurer directly indemnifies the
contractor for costs related to the subcontractor’s default. Typically, the
general contractor must absorb some of the costs associated with resolving the
subcontractor’s default, often up to the deductible amount.
One of the
reasons contractors may prefer SDI to bonds is because, with SDI, the claims
process is faster and more reliable. Whereas with bonds, if a subcontractor
defaults, the contractor has to wait for the surety to investigate the claim,
which can create frustrating delays on time-sensitive projects.
Benefits of SDI for General Contractors
SDI can
provide a number of important benefits to general contractors. The following is
an overview of what SDI can bring to the table:
Coverage limits—Unlike
surety bonding where coverage is limited to the penal sum of the bond, SDI
coverage is not tied to the value of the subcontract. SDI coverage extends
to the limits of the policy, which can be as high as $50 million.
Accordingly, in
instances where the cost to remedy a subcontractor default is more than
the penal value of a bond, there would be greater protection for the
general contractor under SDI.
Consistency—As previously mentioned, bonds are a three-party agreement. Using
bonds, general contractors are left having to manage agreements across
multiple sureties and projects. SDI replaces this complicated system with
one policy and one set of terms and conditions. As a result, SDI reduces
administrative costs, improves the effectiveness of a response to a
default and enhances the efficiency of the claims process.
Broader coverage—In addition to direct costs, SDI includes coverage for
indirect expenses. This can include things like liquidated damages,
acceleration of other subcontracts and extended overhead. With SDI, a
contractor’s loss is not capped by a bond, and default insurance typically
has higher limits.
Control—SDI
policies allow general contractors to control which subcontractors are
enrolled under the policy. Policies also permit general contractors to
exercise judgment on how to remedy a subcontractor’s default. Contractors
that are suitable for an SDI program will often have a well-developed
process to screen unqualified subcontractors and suppliers.
Finding the Right Fit
Subcontractor Default Insurance can provide a sound alternative to performance bonds for general contractors in many settings. Large general contractors that possess the resources to properly vet subcontractors’ qualifications can benefit from the cost savings generated by SDI.
It is important for all general contractors to remember that both performance bonds and SDI have their place in the construction industry and each services a different purpose. Be sure to contact your GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. representative to discuss which product best fits the needs of your next project.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive contractor insurance quote!
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 1 in 4 construction workers suffers from some degree of hearing loss. Power tools, heavy equipment and even hand tools like hammers can all generate significant levels of noise, which, in turn, can negatively impact hearing. Hearing protection is an important step in your construction safety program.
Prolonged exposure to excessive noise is particularly dangerous
and can lead to tinnitus, which is characterized by ringing, buzzing and
roaring in the ears. In some cases, harmful levels of noise can lead to
permanent hearing loss.
To keep employees safe, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific regulations related to workplace noise exposure. This Safety Matters provides a general overview of these regulations and ways you can stay safe on the job.
Noise is measured in units of sound pressure levels called
decibels (dB). Often, decibels are expressed as dBA, which refers to A-weighted
sound levels. Essentially, this measurement is more specific than dB alone, as
it accounts for relative loudness perceived by the human ear.
To protect workers and their hearing, OSHA has a specific level of
how much noise an employee is allowed to be exposed to called the permissible
exposure limit (PEL). Per OSHA, the PEL for noise is 90 dBA over an eight-hour
workday. At this level, employees are required to wear hearing protection. In
addition, for every 5 dBA above the action level, the duration of employee
exposure to noise must be cut in half (e.g., 85 dBA/eight hours, 90 dBA/four
hours, 95 dBA/two hours). Furthermore, exposure to noise should not exceed 140
dBA.
Beyond adhering to OSHA’s PEL, employees should avoid noise levels
above 85 dBA without protection. Additionally, OSHA recommends following the
2-3 foot rule. This rule states that if you have to raise your voice to talk to
a co-worker that is 2-3 feet away, you should assume noise levels are 85 dBA or
above.
Protecting
Yourself From Harmful Noise
Tinnitus and hearing loss can be debilitating and irreversible.
However, being aware of the symptoms of hearing loss can go a long way toward
ensuring your health and safety at work. Common symptoms of hearing loss
include the following:
Straining to understand conversations
Needing to have things repeated frequently
Increasing television or radio volumes to excessive levels
Ringing in your ears or feeling dizzy
Hearing Protection Devices
Your ears are very sensitive. Prolonged exposure
to loud noise can lead to permanent hearing damage and even cause you to go
deaf. OSHA recommends that workers use hearing protection should noise levels
reach or exceed 85 decibels across an eight-hour workday. Should noise exceed
90 decibels, hearing protection is required.
Noise Reduction Rating
All hearing protection devices have a noise
reduction rating (NRR) listed on their respective packaging. The NRR refers to
how many decibels by which an environment’s noise levels will be reduced. For
example, in an environment of 90 decibels, a hearing protection device with an
NRR would reduce the noise levels to 57.
But, research suggests that NRRs tend to
overestimate the effectiveness of devices. It is therefore suggested that
devices undergo a “derating” process. Derating refers to the assumption that
devices will generally not perform perfectly to their NRR due to them not
fitting everyone perfectly. One method by which a device can be derated is to
subtract seven from its NRR and divide the result in half. For example, an NNR
of 33 would result in a derated rating of 13. In the previous example, the
device in question would actually only reduce noise levels from 90 to 77, not
57.
According to industry experts, earmuffs are
generally most accurate when it comes to NRR, while earplugs might have their
ratings derated by as much as 70%.
Of course, different types of hearing protection
have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs
Earplugs can be made from expandable foam or
pre-molded using silicone, plastic or rubber. They provide blockage inside the
ear canal.
Advantages:
Typically provide a high noise
reduction rating (NRR)
Affordable
Compatible with other forms of
personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, glasses and goggles
Small, light and easily
transported
More comfortable in hot, humid
or confined work areas
Disadvantages:
Easily misplaced
Require good hygiene practices
May be inserted incorrectly,
resulting in inadequate protection
May irritate the ear canal
When an earplug is inserted correctly, the sound
of your own voice should be muffled.
Hearing Protection: Earmuffs
While earplugs are inserted inside the ear canal, earmuffs provide protection by covering the canal and sometimes the entire ear.
Advantages:
Typically provide a high NRR
Fast and simple to put on and
take off
One size fits most employees
Easy for others to see that you
are using them at a distance
Not easily misplaced
Disadvantages:
Less portable, heavier
Sometimes incompatible with
other PPE; however, there are special earmuffs that easily mount to hard hats
Can be uncomfortable or
inconvenient in hot, humid or confined work areas
Hearing Protection: Canal Caps
Canal caps are somewhat of a hybrid between
earplugs and earmuffs. They look similar to earplugs, but instead of being
actually inserted into the ear canal, they form a lid over the entrance to the
canal and are often connected by a band that can be worn around the head,
around the neck or below the chin.
Advantages:
Fast and simple to put on and
take off
One size fits most employees
Light and easily transported
Disadvantages:
Typically have a lower NRR than
earplugs and earmuffs
Band may be uncomfortable or
inconvenient for employees
More expensive than ear plugs
Summary
While there are some differences between
different kinds of hearing protection equipment, their overall purpose remains
the same: the safety of employees.
When using hearing protection, be sure that you are using it properly in order to make sure that it is as effective as possible. At times, it may be necessary to use two types of protection, such as both plugs and muffs, simultaneously. If you have questions or concerns about hearing protection devices, contact your supervisor.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive construction insurance quote!
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