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 | Business Insurance, Human Resources, Insurance, Safety Tips
How to Build a Workplace Safety Roadmap
You know you need a safety program! GDI Insurance Agency has all the resources you need to help understand that true workplace safety is more than just a simple policy. With the materials highlighted in this workplace safety roadmap, you can provide resources targeted to their need and keep loss control initiatives top of mind-protecting your company’s bottom line.
The Value of Safety
Some employers simply don’t realize the value of safety and the potential cost savings. GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. has created workplace safety roadmap solutions to help you understand and take control of your:
- Safety Culture
- MOD
- Injury Management
- Workers’ Compensation
- Return to Work Program
Gain Buy-In from Senior Management.
Safety cultures are built from the top down, making management support crucial to safety program success. We will help educate senior management on the benefits of building and maintaining a safety program. Broaden your conversation beyond the basics – not only do safety programs minimize accidents and hold down indemnity, GDI promotes loss control through improved employee morale and reduced absenteeism.
Deliver the WIIFM (What’s in it for Me?)
Are you aware of their responsibilities under OSHA’s General Duty Clause? Do you know how much lost revenue employee absences are costing your company annually? We can Illustrate how employee safety prevents fines, reduces losses and increases revenue.
- Financial Impact of Work-Related Injuries Presentation
- General Industry Risk Insights: Safety Programs and the Impact to Your Bottom Line
- General Industry Risk Insights: Focus on Safety and Health to Benefit Your Business
- Safety and Health Audit
Set the Tone
From day one, employees at all levels of the organization should understand the importance of workplace safety. GDI Insurance Agency can help you ensure management, trainers and employees are educated on regulations by furnishing your business with the tools necessary for success.
- Elements of a Successful Safety and Health Program
- State Guide to Safety Regulation-
- Workplace Required Posters-
- Employee Safety Manual – General and Industry Specific
- General Industry Risk Insights: Creating a Strong Safety Culture
- General Industry Safety Matters: Promoting a Safety-Minded Culture
- Employee Safety Survey
- Safety and Health Survey
Use OSHA to Your Advantage
OSHA compliance is essential to both building a safe work environment and avoiding costly fines. Help simplify your companies compliance issues with these easy to follow OSHA materials.
- Work Comp Insights: OSHA’s Four-Point Safety Program
- Required OSHA Programs and Training
- OSHA On-Site Consultation Program
- OSHA’s SHARP Program and Your Organization
- Portable Fire Extinguisher Program and Training Materials
- Portable Fire Extinguisher Program Presentation
- OSHA Program Audit
Help Build and Support a Safety Committee
Even if you already have a safety committee, it may not have all the resources necessary to be successful. The following materials will help you create and support safety committee initiatives to quickly address concerns and encourage positive employee behavior.
Create a Culture of Safety
GDI Insurance Agency can help you build a culture of safety with materials that provide the knowledge and resources needed to successfully support a safety committee.
- Safety and Health Committee Responsibilities
- Work Comp Insights: Create a Workplace that Prevents Injuries and Increases Productivity
- Safety Budget Worksheet
- Safety Program “Quick Check”
- Minimizing the Risk of Workplace Injury
- Comprehensive Safety & Health Inspection Checklist
Deliver a Safety Incentive Program…that Works.
If executed correctly, safety incentives can be one of the most effective tools at an employer’s disposal when it comes to encouraging safety. We will make sure your safety incentive programs are a good fit for the organization’s culture and illustrate success at effectively reducing workplace accidents with the following materials:
- Employee Safety Incentive Program Guide
- Employee Safety Incentive Policy
- General Industry Risk Insights: Is Your Safety Incentive Policy Effective
- Safety Incentive Survey
Give Supervisors the tools they need
While the Safety Committee sets the tone, supervisors put the tone into action. By equipping supervisors with the tools need for success, you bring your clients closer to an accident-free workplace and become a trusted safety partner.
Help Employers Set Expectations
Managers and supervisors are busy. They need, and deserve, guidance on how to effectively execute on their safety responsibilities. Help employers communicate expectations, impart best practices and share tips with the documents below.
- Supervisor Safety Responsibilities
- Safety and Health Programs: Training for Employees, Supervisors and Managers
- Supervisor Safety: Reducing Risks for Shift Workers
- Safety Coordinator Responsibilities
- Qualities of an Effective Safety Coach
Support Injury Cost Containment
Injury management can ensure that injured employees get the care they need while also minimizing claim costs. Employers should appoint a well-respected supervisor or employee to oversee injury management and return to work efforts. GDI Insurance Agency has put together these resources to help.
- Work Comp Insights: Selecting and Training Your Injury Management
Coordinator
- Injury Management Coordinator Job Description
- Disability Management Training Workbooks
- Supervisor Injured Worker Preparedness Survey
- Supervisor Response Training – Workplace Injuries
Support Safety Meetings and Toolbox Talks Weekly or monthly safety meetings are a great venue for promoting safety. Use our vast library of safety meeting talking points to assist you in this recurring activity.
- General Industry Safety Matters: Promoting a Safety-Minded Culture
- General Industry Safety Matters: Toolbox Safety Meetings- Tips for Trainers
- General Industry Safety Matters: Safety Meeting Basics
- Attend Your Safety Meetings Poster
- Take Time to Meet for Safety
- Safety Meeting Sign-In Attendance Form
Offer Employee Communications that’s Targeted and Relevant
We have thousands of documents for dozens of industries – including safety handbooks and policies, brochures, flyers, presentations, posters and payroll stuffers – all created to support your professional client services. Combined with the knowledge of your GDI Insurance broker these templates come to life to help you achieve the goals you and your broker have set for your company.
Topics that Matter
You are unique, and your safety program should be, too. Mix important safety basics with targeted, industry-specific safety communications to address their most pressing needs. Just a few samples:
- Construction Playing it Safe: Ergonomics Solutions for Electrical Contractors
- Manufacturing Target on Safety: What You Should Know About Hexavalent Chromium
- Agriculture Playing it Safe: The Dos and Don’ts of Grain Augers
- Education and Childcare Target on Safety: Know the Hazards in Your Classroom
- Heath Care Playing it Safe: All About Legionnaires’ Disease
- Transportation and Warehousing Target on Safety: Overview on Correctly Securing Cargo
Onboard Employees with Safety in Mind
Whether you you have dedicated trainers or are relying on front line managers and HR for employee education, we can deliver resources to help new employees understand the importance of safety from day one. Some samples:
- Supervisor Safety: Reducing Risks for New Workers
- Employee Safety Responsibilities
- New Employee Safety Orientation Process
- New Employee Safety Orientation Guide
- Manufacturing Safety Matters: The New Employee’s Top Role Model- You
- Construction and Contracting Safety Matters: Teaching On-Site Safety by Example
Different Resources, Same Message
Important messages are worth repeating. GDI Insurance has hundreds of choices in a variety of formats, it’s easy for employers to target employees to reinforce key safety messages and keep them at the forefront of daily operations.
- Eye Safety & You Poster
- General Industry Safety Matters: Selecting Safety Sunglasses
- General Industry Playing it Safe: Protect Yourself from Eye Injuries
- Gear Up For Safety: Eye Protection
- Protect Your Vision (Payroll Stuffer)
- Quiz: Eye Safety
Keeping Safety Top of Mind
Safety programs require constant attention, and maintenance. Provide resources and stay top of mind with monthly safety communication materials for management, risk managers, supervisors and employees.
- OSHA Safety Newsletter Produced Quarterly
- Employee Newsletter Series
- Safety First Monthly Series
For Fast and Easy Implementation
Short on time? In 10 minutes or less you can support your safety and return to work programs by subscribing to one or more of the following monthly Campaigns:
- Safety First Campaign
- Building a Safety Culture: Attitude and Execution
- Construction/Manufacturing Safety Meeting Campaign
- Safety Culture Grouping
- OSHA Safety Newsletter Campaign
- Fleet/Driver Safety Campaign
GDI Insurance Agency has invested in programs and systems that we have organized, and will customize and tailor to your needs. We have taken caring to the next level. We are here and equipped to help you do something about it! Contact us today 1-888-991-2929
Thank You
Grant Davis
President
GDI Insurance Agency, Inc.
