January 26, 2007

Workplace Safety

Posters aim to reduce fatalities

Spike in deaths involving heavy equipment a targe

PETER KENTER

correspondent

TORONTO

By last fall, the Ontario construction industry recorded 26 fatalities — 16 of them involved heavy equipment.

The Construction Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) is combating an apparent spike in heavy equipment fatalities with a series of posters highlighting safe operating procedures around power lines, the use of seat belts, and the importance of confirming that both vehicle operators and other construction crew members recognize vehicle blind spots.

“These were identified as recurring problems,” says Doug McVittie, assistant general manager and director of operations with CSAO. “We developed these posters with a simple but punchy message to bring increased attention to the issues.”

The posters appear in the latest issue of CSAO’s Construction Safety Magazine, mailed to every contractor registered with the WSIB and available online at the association’s web site at www.csao.org. The posters were designed at letter-size so they could easily be reproduced on a photocopier. CSAO will also provide camera-ready art for those wishing to print additional posters.

While the posters reinforce messages the industry has heard before, McVittie notes three incidents with dump trucks contacting power lines were considered unusual and hadn’t been the subject of any specific prior messaging.

“We see more cases involving backhoes and cranes,” says McVittie.

“The incidents with dump trucks were not something we normally see.”

The posters warn dump truck operators to keep equipment and loads at least three metres from power lines rated between 750 and 150,000 volts (section 188 of the Construction Regulation provides permitted minimum distances for higher voltages).

Operators are instructed to use a signaler if any part of the equipment or load could encroach on minimum permitted distances. If a vehicle does make contact with a power line, operators are warned to stay inside the vehicle and to keep others away while the local utility is contacted.

The Regulation also requires operators receive written notification of electrical hazards before they begin work, and warning devices, such as signs, are placed near power lines so the equipment operator can see at least one of them.

McVittie says posters continue to be a viable method of calling attention to important safety issues.

“The world of construction hasn’t gone entirely electronic and the printed page is still one of the easiest ways to get information onto the work site,” he says. “Sometimes it’s more effective to use the most appropriate technology instead of the best available.”

A campaign for the spring, in association with Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority, will bring increased attention to safety issues regarding dump trucks and power lines.

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