SAFETY
IT’S DANGEROUS
OUT THERE
SAFETY SHOULD BE
PRIORITY ONE!
by Jeff Winke
O
ne issue that surfaces frequently in
paving and construction industry
websites, magazines, blogs, and
books is the issue of safety. It
makes total sense when you consider the
volatile mix of people, technologically
complex machines, and shrinking
deadlines.
When you think about it, an asphalt
paving construction site is the perfect
storm for accidents: contractor margins
depend on efficient, high production
because projects need to be completed
within tight deadlines. Get in, get-‘erdone,
get out, and move on to the next
jobsite to repeat the process. In the
haste, safety can too often be ignored.
Millions of tons of asphalt are produced
and used every year, the Texas
Department of Insurance Division of
Workers’ Compensation (TDI) notes,
and more than 500,000 workers are
exposed to fumes from asphalt. According
to the TDI, exposure to asphalt
fumes can cause headaches, skin rashes,
sensitization, fatigue, reduced appetite,
throat and eye irritation, cough, and skin
cancer.
Inhalation of fumes and fire/explosions
are the two main hazards to workers
cited by the TDI. Asphalt is often stored
and handled at high temperatures, so it’s
important to take fire prevention seriously.
“One of the greatest hazards in
handling hot asphalt is exposure to a
source of ignition,” TDI stated. “Sparks,
electricity, open flames, incandescent material
(lighted cigarette), or other possible
ignition sources should be prohibited
or otherwise strictly controlled in the
vicinity of asphalt operations.”
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