Utility workers face job hazards every day. Environmental risks coupled with equipment dangers can cause injuries and deaths. Fortunately, measures exist to keep everyone on a job site as safe as possible. These safety tips for utility workers can offer protection in nearly any work environment.
Practice Slip, Trip, and Fall Safety
Slips, trips, and falls are common injuries in any industry. In utility work, they can occur more often because of improper fall protection and all of the equipment on job sites. Slipping or tripping in these instances can be extremely hazardous depending on the situation. For example, tripping on a cable while on scaffolding could lead someone to fall.
Slip, trip, and fall safety involve:
Being constantly aware of your surroundings: Terrain changes, dropped equipment, and other hazards can appear without notice. Vigilance can prevent injuries.
Keeping work areas clean and tidy: Loose wires and such can become trip hazards that could be easily organized and kept out of walking paths.
Wearing personal protective equipment: Gloves, masks, goggles, and other gear can prove highly effective in preventing common incidents.
Checking and maintaining protective equipment: Wearing shoddy gear or using worn climbing harnesses could make workers more vulnerable to injuring themselves or those around – and below – them.
Remain Cautious Around Electrical and Fire Hazards
Preventing electric shocks sounds like an obvious element of utility worker safety but its importance should never be overlooked. Fire safety is also crucial.
Exposure to an electric arc or flames should adhere to utility industry safety standards. This includes requiring workers to wear clothes that are flame resistant and/or have a high enough arc rating.
Be Mindful of Weather Conditions
Sudden, severe weather can turn typical workplace hazards into ticking time bombs. Rain can increase electrical dangers. Gusty wind can topple line workers or those on scaffolding. Lightning can be dangerous for line workers. Fog can decrease visibility.
Winter weather can prove more hazardous. Ice can increase the risk of slipping and falling. Plus, exposure to winter climates can adversely affect the human body. Muscles have to work harder under the strain of icy conditions. Exposure itself could be detrimental to one’s health.
Keep Fit
Utility workers who are strong and healthy can keep up with the rigors of their jobs. The utility sector, as well as the construction industry, is not typically an easy job. Not everyone has the strength and stamina to carry out the hard work. Workers have to lift, push, and pull heavy objects every day. They can mitigate their chances of hurting themselves by staying in shape.
Use Tools Properly
Carelessness can endanger lives just like a strong thunderstorm. Responsibly operating tools and machinery can increase workplace safety. This includes using the right tool for a specific job.
Never Work on Live Equipment
Machines should be powered off and disconnected from power sources before workers service them. An electric shock can result in serious injury or death to workers.
Follow Procedures
Straying from rules or instructions can create an unsafe environment. While shortcuts can get the job done faster, they can also raise the chances of something going wrong.
Note and Address Safety Concerns
Issues that threaten the safety of workers, no matter how minor, should be acknowledged as soon as possible. Reporting them and creating action plans to reduce their impact can keep workers safe. Also, communicating hazards to other workers makes them aware so they can stay safe.
Take Breaks
Working without resting can affect awareness, judgment, and motor skills. Utility workers should always be alert as well as mentally and physically capable of performing their jobs to the best of their abilities. When they are not, they can make mistakes that hurt themselves or their colleagues.
Stay Sober While Working
Alcohol and drugs can impair a person’s mental and physical facilities, something that should never take place on a live job site.
Stay Current with Safety Standards and Trends
Utility workers should know safety basics as soon as they embark on their careers. Since standards change, they should keep up with guidelines in case new suggestions emerge that can provide greater protection from harm.
Blackwood Resources Can Reduce Risk
The hazards of the utility industry include those present during the transporting of oversized equipment like poles, cable spools, transformers, and more. For example, unloading utility poles can create a lot of risk for everyone working at a job site. An inexperienced rigger could hurt themselves or others. One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is to hire experts who use equipment that eliminates the rigger role and the risk that comes with one.
Blackwood Resources is a self-unloading hauling company. This means that our specialty flatbed hauling truck can securely transport your cargo to your site. The trucks have all of the tools needed for unloading. Our operators can use the crane on the truck to move your poles or other equipment from the flatbed to the ground. Once the job is completed, your work site will be a clean, functional location.
Safety is constantly on our operator’s minds. They must be able to follow regulations concerning the loading, driving, and unloading of cargo, including watching out for other vehicles on the road. Utility transportation carries many responsibilities.
We understand the importance of safety within the field. We are proud to be a trusted partner of the utility industry since 2017. We recruit operators and drivers with first-rate records of safety and proficiency.
In addition to our safety measures, we pride ourselves on our experience, range of services, and commitment to you, our customers. We specialize in utility pole transportation and distribution, using what we have learned every day to provide unparalleled service. Fulfilling your expectations helps ensure your project's prompt completion, which helps you and the utility industry as a whole.
Eliminate the dangers of utility unloading before an incident strikes. Please contact us today to learn more about our utility hauling services.