IN THE MIX
before you start keeps both cars and pedestrians out of harm’ s way. If you can place more traffic control, you should, because we know there will be drivers who just don’ t get the picture or try to force their way in and onto the fresh rubber.
Three Things to Remember for Sealcoating Safety & Prep
1. Surface Prep is Safety Prep Cleaning the surface doesn’ t just help material bond— it also clears debris that can become trip / slip hazards, not only for pedestrians but for team members, too. Blowers, brooms and edging ensure both quality work and a safer jobsite.
2. Mixing & Handling Sealcoat material is heavy sometimes and can be slippery on feet or hands. Use proper lifting techniques when handling bags of sand or additive containers because you don’ t want to slip carrying awkward, extra weight. When mixing, ensure lids are secure and agitation paddles are clear before engaging.
3. Communication is Key Sealcoating jobs often involve larger areas with multiple crew members moving equipment and hoses. Establish hand signals, walkie-talkie style communication or clear verbal cues before starting so no one is caught off guard by moving machinery, trucks or material that they don’ t know is there.
At the end of the day, no job is worth rushing at the expense of safety. One misstep can cause a ton of downtime and an injury can slow down the crew for a prolonged period. By focusing on these basics, we protect our crews, our clients and our businesses. Work that’ s done safely is usually done more efficiently, too, because a crew that feels secure can focus on the quality of the job. I’ ve learned the hard way that accidents don’ t just slow you down, they can stay with you. They make you think about the people on your crew who trust you to get them home safe at the end of the day and the people waiting at home for them. That’ s why safety isn’ t optional, it’ s essential if we are in this together in the asphalt industry, the asphalt family. As always, if you have any questions, insight or criticisms about this article or anything in it, please feel free to email me at marvinjoles @ gmail. com and of course, reach out to me using any form of social media(@ inthemixmj). Listen to the“ In The Mix with Marvin Joles” Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Watch on YouTube. Visit www. inthemixmj. com to learn more. Asphalt is Opportunity.-Marvin
Marvin Joles is the owner of Wis-Coat Asphalt Maintenance. Visit his website at https:// marvinjoles. com.
For More Information On This Advertiser Please Visit www. CallAPE. com / e-inquiry [ 38 ] www. callape. com 1.800.210.5923