Summary Statement

A manual that helps a trainer provide information on a variety of roadway hazards, such as electrical, falls, slips and trips and ergonomics. Part of a collection. Click on the 'collection' button to access the other items.
2002

This document is one in a program produced under an OSHA grant by a consortium of the Laborers' Health and Safety Fund N.A, the International Union of Operating Engineers, the American Road and Transportation Builders Assn, and the National Asphalt Pavement Assn. All of the documents from this set that are on eLCOSH can be found by clicking on Job Site, Heavy construction, and scrolling to the Street & highway heading. Or to download a complete version of the computerized program, go to https://www.workzonesafety.org/.

What Emergencies Are Most Common?

There are many different types of emergencies that may happen on your job site. The most common types of emergencies that happen in road construction include:
  • A worker is killed or seriously injured.
  • Contact with a gas line or electrical power line.
  • Trench collapse.
  • Traffic entering the work zone.
  • Toxic chemical spill.
Fig. EM-1.
Fig. EM-1. Many different types of emergencies may happen in road construction.


Notes:

Ask trainees: What are some of the most common kinds of emergencies in road construction?


What Should We Do in an Emergency?

Your employer must have a plan for emergencies. Everyone on the job site must know what the emergency plan is. Here are some possible emergency steps:
  • Call 911 and get medical help as soon as possible.
  • Contact on-site first aid/CPR.
  • Shut off any equipment and evacuate area if potential toxic exposures or explosions.
  • On-site emergency coordinator contacts fire department/emergency response team.
  • On-site emergency coordinator contacts utility company if applicable.
After an emergency, if you find you have been affected by a tragedy or near miss, ask for counseling.

How Do We Prepare for an Emergency?


You must know your employer's emergency plan. Emergency planning includes:
  • Warning system and signal to alert workers for evacuation.
  • Everyone must know where emergency phone numbers are posted for hospital, fire fighters, utilities, etc.
  • Everyone must know who emergency coordinator is and who is trained in first aid/CPR.
  • Everyone must be trained in emergency plan and participate in regular drills.
Fig. EM-2.
Fig. EM-2. Your employer must have a plan for emergencies.

Fig. EM-3
Fig. EM-3. You must know your employer's emergency plan.


Notes:

Ask trainees: What are some of the items that might be in the emergency plan?

Ask trainees: What is in the emergency plan for this job site?


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