by Grant Davis | Construction, Insurance, Safety Tips
Crane Safety on a Construction Site
Cranes are massive pieces of equipment common to many construction sites that make lifting and transporting heavy materials much easier. While they are an important asset, there are hazards involving all aspects of crane use on a construction site. Think of these crane safety tips when working with a crane at your construction site.
You’ll Have The Support Of GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. Experts On A Continuing Basis
Here are just a few of the added value items GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. provides:
- We review your contracts
- Review your certificates of insurance
- Additional insured endorsements
- Put on classes for your staff on these topics
- Full OSHA compliant safety programs
Selecting a Crew
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), only certified crane operators are allowed to operate cranes on a construction site. Operators may be certified through a third-party organization or through their employer, provided the employer is qualified to train the operator.
In addition to one or more operators, there are other positions that need to be filled in order to use a crane.
A “competent person” must conduct shift and monthly inspections of all equipment. OSHA defines a competent person as a person “capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”
OSHA defines a “qualified person” as a person “who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, successfully demonstrated the ability to solve/resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.” Qualified persons must conduct annual and comprehensive inspection of all equipment, along with duties associated with assembly and disassembly, fall protection, maintenance and repair, and wire rope safety.
Signal persons and maintenance and repair employees must be properly certified, as well.
Preparing the Area
Cranes take up a lot of space, so preparing the area where a crane will be used is important to ensure the job gets done safely and efficiently. Consider the following crane safety when preparing the area:
- Is the ground firm and level? Softer ground is ideal for a crawler crane, while a mobile truck crane works best on hard, dry ground. OSHA mandates that ground conditions must be drained and graded before a crane can be assembled and used. In addition, supporting materials (e.g., blocking, mats, cribbing) should be used.
- Can the crane safely rotate 360 degrees? Tower cranes and telescopic cranes often need to rotate in order to transport materials, so they need to be able to rotate a full 360 degrees. Make sure there are no power lines or buildings in the crane’s path.
- Is there adequate space for the outriggers? Studies have shown that as many as 50 percent of crane accidents occur because the outriggers are not properly used. Some cranes come equipped with outriggers for added stability and to provide the maximum lifting power. Many of today’s cranes have multiple outrigger positions to adapt to more ground conditions.
- Are access roads provided? Adequate access roads into and through the site are necessary for the safe delivery and movement of derricks, cranes, trucks, other necessary equipment, and the material to be erected.
Once a suitable site for the crane has been selected, work can begin.
Access and Egress
One of the most overlooked hazards when using a crane is simply getting on and off the equipment for assembly, disassembly and use. For example, lattice boom cranes require employees to walk on the boom sections to install and remove pins for assembly and disassembly, creating a hazard. Equipment made after Nov. 8, 2011, must be manufactured with built-in walkways for this type of crane. For equipment made before Nov. 8, 2011, the employer must provide fall protection for employees who are on a walking or working surface with an unprotected side or edge more than 15 feet above a lower level when assembling or disassembling a crane, and more than six feet when performing non-assembly or -disassembly work.
Equipment that is manufactured after this date must be equipped to provide safe access and egress between the ground and the operator work station(s), including the forward and rear positions. Walking and stepping surfaces, except for crawler treads, must have slip-resistant features, such as diamond plate metal, strategically placed grip tape, expanded metal or slip-resistant paint.
It is common for the area around the crane to get muddy, so extra precautions should be taken when walking in and around the equipment. The area in front of ladders and walkways should be free of water and mud to avoid slipping. Only ladders or ramps should be used as a means of access or egress from a cab. Scrap lumber or other miscellaneous materials should not be used.
Rigging
There are special precautions workers must take when rigging a crane. Materials often weight several tons, enough to crush just about anything it its path. Riggers must be qualified to perform any rigging work. Follow these crane safety tips to prevent accidents and injuries while rigging:
- Plan a rigging schedule to avoid rigging above or near areas where other work is being performed.
- Never exceed the maximum lifting capacity of a crane.
- Only use hooks with self-closing latches.
- Inspect straps and chains daily for defects:
- Nylon straps tear easily, so examine them for even the slightest fraying.
- Straps with knots in them can reduce the lifting capacity by up to 50 percent.
- Chain links can crack, stretch, twist or warp.
- Rope can get kinked or fray.
- Never leave materials suspended on a crane for extended periods of time.
Clearly, there are many hazards associated with using cranes on construction sites. However, they are an essential part of many construction projects and can be safe if everyone involved is properly trained. Contact GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. for more information on staying safe in construction sites.
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. With locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley 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!
by Grant Davis | Construction, GDI Insurance, Insurance, OSHA, Risk Management, Safety Tips
Keep Your Construction Site Safe with Ground Faults Protection
According to the National Institute of Safety and Health, the most frequently cited Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) electrical violation is improper grounding of equipment or circuits. This is especially troubling for construction managers in light of the fact that construction workers suffer more electrical burns and fatal electrical injuries than workers in all other industries combined. Each incident carries significant costs in terms of lost time and resources and increases the employer’s risk of costly lawsuits. The most unfortunate aspect of this threat is that many of these accidents could have been prevented with the implementation of proper ground fault protection practices.
GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. provides California contractors insurance solutions specifically-tailored for construction businesses.
We include the following for our clients:
OSHA Regulations
OSHA requires employers to provide at least one of the following:
- Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on construction sites for receptacle outlets in use and not part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure
- A scheduled and recorded Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP), covering all cord sets, receptacles not part of the permanent wiring of the building, and equipment connected by cord and plug
About GFCIs
Grounding a tool or electrical system involves creating a low-resistance electrical path that connects to the earth. A ground-fault occurs in a tool or electrical system when there is a break in this low-resistance grounding path. The electrical current may then take an alternative path to the ground through the user, resulting in serious injuries or death. GFCIs automatically limit or stop the flow of current in the event of a ground fault, overload or short circuit in the wiring system. They operate by monitoring the amount of current going into electric equipment and the amount of current flowing out along the circuit conductors. If the difference exceeds 5 milliamperes, the device automatically shuts off the power to prevent injury.
About AEGCPs
The OSHA-approved alternative to using GFCIs on a construction site is an AEGCP, which is a regimented system for testing electrical tools and extension cords to assure their proper ground fault protection. If an AEGCP is used in place of GFCIs for ground fault protection, the following minimum requirements apply:
- Keep a written description of the program at the jobsite. Outline specific procedures for the required equipment inspections, tests and test schedule, and make them available to OSHA and to affected persons upon demand.
- Designate one or more competent persons to implement the program. OSHA defines a competent person as someone who is qualified to identify hazards and authorized to take prompt corrective measures.
- Visually inspect all cord sets, attachment caps, plugs and receptacles, and any equipment connected by cord and plug, before use each day. If you see any external damage—such as deformed or missing pins, or damaged insulation—or discover internal damage, take the equipment out of use until it is repaired.
- Perform two OSHA-required tests on all electrical equipment, a continuity test, and a terminal connection test. These tests are required under the following circumstances:
- Before first use
- After any repairs, and before placing back in service
- After suspected damage, and before returning to use
- Every 3 months
- Maintain a written record of the required tests, identifying all equipment that passed the test and the last date it was tested (or the testing interval). Like the program description, make it available to OSHA inspectors and affected persons upon demand.
Using GFCIs in Conjunction with AEGCPs
Although OSHA permits the use of an AEGCP in lieu of GFCIs, it would be a mistake to view the choice as strictly an either/or proposition. The best course of action is to use GFCIs in conjunction with an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program. Taking this step will not eliminate the possibility of a costly electrical accident on the worksite, but it will significantly reduce the risk of injury or death due to ground faults.
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. With locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley 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 contractors insurance quote!
by Grant Davis | Construction, Insurance, OSHA, Safety Tips
Ladder and Fall Prevention Safety at the Construction Site
Falls from elevated surfaces are frequently listed as one of the most common causes of accidents in the construction industry. Most of these accidents occur due to failure to follow basic ladder safety. GDI Insurance Agency, Inc is here to help your construction business call us today 1-209-634-2929 for your California contractor insurance needs. To help prevent ladder injuries on the jobsite, practice the following ladder and fall protection tips.
Setting up Safely
Make sure you select the correct ladder for the job – check the length and duty rating. Proper length is a minimum of three feet extending over the roofline or working surface.
Inspect your ladder before each use for loose or damaged parts, such as the following:
- Steps
- Rungs
- Spreaders
- Rung dogs
- Safety feet
- Other parts
Clear the area where you will be working. Never place a ladder in front of a door that isn’t locked, blocked or guarded.
Because metal ladders conduct electricity, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder near power lines or electrical equipment.
Check that all locks on extension ladders are properly engaged before placing your ladder on a steady surface. The ground underneath the ladder should be level and firm. Large, flat wooden boards braced underneath a ladder can help level it on an uneven surface or soft ground. Straight, single or extension ladders should be set up at approximately a 75 degree angle.
Use the 1:4 ratio to ensure your safety when on a ladder. Place the base of the ladder one foot away from whatever it’s leaning against for every four feet of height up to the point of contact for the top of the ladder.
Use Caution
Always use caution when using a ladder at your construction site, and never use a ladder for any other purpose than intended.
Other safety considerations include the following:
- Make sure the weight that your ladder is supporting does not exceed its
maximum load rating (user plus materials). Only one person should be on a
ladder at a time.
- Keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder at all times. Do
not lean too far to the side while working. Never overreach—instead,
descend from the ladder and move it to a better position.
- Do not step on the top step, bucket shelf or attempt to climb or stand on
the rear section of a stepladder.
- Always face the ladder when climbing up or down. Never leave a raised
ladder unattended.
- Slowly step down from a ladder if you feel dizzy or tired.
- Non-slip footwear should be worn at all times when on a ladder at a
construction site.
Minimize ladder accidents by adhering to these fall and ladder safety and prevention tips.
Residential Construction Fall Protection Requirements
Falls in residential construction are deadly and common. According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 40 workers are killed each year as a result of falls from residential roofs—the number one cause of workplace deaths in construction. These injuries and deaths are not only costly to your company due to claims and elevated insurance premiums, they are preventable. For this reason, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has explicitly stated that residential builders are not allowed to bypass fall protection requirements.
Who is Involved?
All employers engaged in residential construction work are required to provide fall protection for workers working more than six feet above ground. Residential construction includes the following elements:
- The end use of the structure being built is a home or a dwelling.
- The structure is built using traditional wood frame construction
materials and methods. Limited use of structural steel does not disqualify
a structure from being considered residential construction.
Any employer involved in residential construction is required to comply with OSHA regulations regarding ladder and fall protection systems. This means employees working 6 feet or more above lower levels must use one of the following safety systems:
- Guardrails and safety nets
- Personal fall arrest systems, an example of which being a full body
harness, a deceleration device, a lanyard and an anchor point.
Certain types of work specified under other OSHA provisions warrant alternative fall protection measures.
What if Ladder and Fall Protection is Infeasible?
When the use of conventional ladder and fall protection methods is infeasible or creates a greater hazard, employers must create a written, site-specific fall protection plan that documents why these methods are infeasible and why they would create a greater hazard.
Does your broker provide you with timely updates on new and revised OSHA regulations?
When regulatory changes affect your business, we’ll make sure you have all the resources you need to keep your team informed and compliant.
Are you being proactive in your approach to workers’ compensation costs?
We can help you control workers’ compensation claims by establishing a safety policy, adopting a return to work program, streamlining reporting procedures and identifying top loss sources.
Did you know that businesses see a significant return on every dollar invested in safety and health?
Our construction safety manual and Safety Matters “toolbox talks” provide your employees with useful injury prevention information and help build a culture of safety.
We also provide posters, flyers, newsletters and more to keep safety top of mind at the jobsite.
Roofing Contractor Continuously Violates Fall Protection Standards and Faces Nearly $400,000 in Fines
According to OSHA, a Maine-based roofing contractor has ignored numerous safety standards and exposed workers to significant fall risks for a number of years. OSHA cited the contractor—which has operated under the names Lessard Roofing & Siding and Lessard Brothers Construction—for safety violations at 11 different worksites between 2000 and 2011. However, the contractor failed to address the citations or pay any of the issued fines.
In 2011—after Lessard initially failed to address the OSHA citations—the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the contractor to correct the worksite violations, implement appropriate safety measures and pay accumulated fines with interest. Now, the court has held Lessard’s owner in civil contempt for defying the original 2011 order.
As a part of the recent court ruling, Lessard must do the following:
- Provide financial documentation to demonstrate the contractor’s ability to pay the $389,685 in outstanding OSHA fines.
- Ensure that employees and contractors use required safety equipment and fall protection.
- Conduct worksite safety analyses and meetings.
- Employ a competent person to ensure work proceeds according to OSHA regulations.
- Give OSHA details about each of the contractor’s worksites so the agency can conduct safety inspections.
Falls from ladders and roofs still account for the majority of injuries at work. In fact, fall protection violations are one of OSHA’s most frequent citations every year, with 6,072 issued in 2017 alone. Identifying fall hazards and deciding how to protect workers is the first step in eliminating or reducing fall hazards. Contact us at 209-634-2929 for OSHA programs, presentations and training materials you can use to protect your employees and avoid costly fines.
Contact Us
At GDI Insurance Agency, Inc., we have a variety of materials for you to ensure compliance and promote a safe workplace, which are essential components of any construction risk management program. Contact us today at 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive construction insurance quote.
by Grant Davis | Construction, Insurance
Construction Contract Liability is a real thing!
When you sign a construction contract you are agreeing to all the terms and conditions of that agreement. Not just what you are going to build, the material and when you are going to build it but also the indemnity and hold harmless agreements along with the type of contractors insurance you promise to carry and the additional insured forms you will provide. All of this is negotiable, but you need to make sure you have a clear agreement about what you will be providing and if it is agreed that it can be changed, then that agreement is also in writing and well documented. Here is a page we have up that will help you understand your contractual obligations to provide the proper additional insured forms and why.
Again I will stress that these obligations can be changed, or you can agree to change them with the contractor or owner requiring them, but those changes must be in writing and well documented as they modify the agreement / contract that you are responsible for!
Even quality workmanship is not immune to potential claims of property damage or bodily injury. All operations carry the risk that injury or damage may occur as a result of the work, leading to costly lawsuits. Considering the complicated mix of contractors and subcontractors that contributes to each project, who is liable for this risk?
In insurance terms, “your work” as used in an insurance policy is a broadly defined term that includes operations performed by the policyholder or on the policyholder’s behalf, including material, parts or equipment in connection with the operations. Operations or work performed on behalf of the policyholder means work done by a subcontractor is considered the contractor’s work. Therefore, faulty electrical work performed by an electrician that causes a fire or other damage could be considered the contractor’s liability, but would be covered under a standard commercial general liability (CGL) policy.
Because a contractor or other involved party could be held liable for defects in a subcontractor’s work years after it has been completed, and filing the claim under the contractor’s CGL policy could cause the premium to rise, many construction contracts require subcontractors to provide insurance coverage for claims resulting from their completed work for a finite period of time, typically the one- to five-year range. Typical contracts also require that the subcontractor name the owner, the architect, the general contractor and other third parties as “additional insured” parties, entitled to coverage under the insured subcontractor’s CGL policy. Naming additional insured parties requires a separate endorsement to that policy.
This means that as a subcontractor, you can be held liable for claims of property damage or bodily injury resulting from a defect in your work. It is also critical to maintain this coverage into the future; failure to do so could lead to a breach-of-contract lawsuit brought by the contractor or other party.
It is important to understand this commitment when signing the contract–the insurance commitment doesn’t end with the project. Furthermore, in the event of a large claim, the subcontractor could be faced with a substantial increase in premiums on the policy.
To avoid litigation, it is crucial to know local regulations and adequately document proper performance. Know your company’s documentation practices relative to each subcontract, and carefully keep records of all processes.
It is crucial for subcontractors to respect this requirement if included in the contract. Failure to do so could result in breach-of-contract lawsuits. Naming additional insured parties can be complicated, and it is very important to work closely with GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. to ensure that your contractual obligations are satisfied.
