Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Site Safety Experts

 Site Safety Experts


Site Safety Experts is dedicated to ensuring that construction projects have effective and site-specific emergency action plans (EAPs) in place. Our mission is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies, thereby preventing injuries and structural damage. We offer comprehensive services to help companies develop, implement, and maintain EAPs in compliance with OSHA standards.

Company Description

Site Safety Experts provides expert guidance on creating and maintaining Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for construction sites. Our services include training, consulting, and continuous support to ensure that all personnel are prepared for potential emergencies. We aim to be the leading provider of safety solutions in the construction industry.

Market Analysis

Workplace emergencies pose significant risks to workers and property on construction sites. The need for site-specific EAPs is critical to ensuring safety and compliance with OSHA standards. Our target market includes construction companies, contractors, and site managers who are responsible for the safety of their workers.

Services

We offer the following services:

  1. EAP Development: Creating detailed, site-specific emergency action plans.
  2. Training: Providing initial and ongoing training for all employees on the EAP.
  3. Consulting: Offering expert advice on emergency preparedness and compliance.
  4. Auditing: Conducting regular audits to ensure EAPs are current and effective.
  5. Resource Provision: Supplying necessary safety equipment and resources.

Objectives

  • To ensure every construction site has a comprehensive, site-specific EAP.
  • To train all employees on emergency procedures and their roles during emergencies.
  • To provide ongoing support and updates to maintain compliance with OSHA standards.
  • To minimize the risk of injuries and property damage during workplace emergencies.

Key Components of an EAP

In the event of an emergency, all personnel must know or be aware of:

  • Basic first aid
  • How to report any emergency situation
  • The procedure for emergency evacuation, including the type of evacuation and exit route assignments
  • What the alarm system looks or sounds like to alert workers of emergencies
  • Designated employees that may be required to stay behind to continue critical worksite operations
  • How to account for all employees after evacuation
  • Procedures for employees performing rescue or medical duties
  • The name or job title of employees to contact for plan information

Potential Jobsite Emergencies

Staff must be prepared for various jobsite emergencies, including:

  • Fires and Explosions
  • Tornadoes and Earthquakes
  • Heavy Equipment Failures
  • Confined Space or Cave-in Rescues
  • Hazardous Material Incidents
  • Fall Arrest Rescues
  • Worker Injuries
  • Struck-by/Caught-in Incidents
  • Medical Emergencies

Developing a Site-Specific EAP

Site-specific EAPs must be in place for every jobsite. The EAP should be easy to read and posted in multiple locations across the jobsite so every worker can review it as needed. The basic EAP that is posted should include:

  • Address and description of the site location
  • Emergency response numbers for 911, fire department, police, emergency responders
  • Name and address of the nearest medical facilities
  • A map to the nearest medical facilities

Tip: A copy of the most current EAP should be kept in every fleet vehicle.

Critical Considerations

While the first instinct in any emergency is to call 911, it is crucial to verify that 911 services are available in the area before any project starts and understand the emergency resources and facilities available for the specific jobsite. Questions to consider include:

  • What is the emergency response time for the job site?
  • Is a high-angle rescue team available?
  • How close is the nearest medical facility?
  • What on-site emergency resources are available, including first aid kits, fire extinguishers, spill containment equipment?

Training and Implementation

To be effective, all workers should be trained on the current emergency action plan for the site and sufficiently understand their role during any emergency.

OSHA Standard 1926.35(e)(1): Before implementing the emergency action plan, the employer shall designate and train a sufficient number of persons to assist in the safe and orderly emergency evacuation of employees.

Workers should be trained on the EAP:

  • Initially upon hire
  • At the start of any project on a new site
  • If the plan changes
  • If designated persons’ duties change

Regular Review and Updates

Don't forget to:

  • Review the EAP with any new subcontractors on site.
  • Review the EAP with suppliers to ensure it covers all delivery and storage hazards.
  • Regularly review the EAP with the job foreman or Safety Manager so the procedure remains current to the changes on the job site.
  • Post the EAP in multiple places on the job site and remind crews to review it regularly.

Important Reminders

While all employees should be trained on the EAP for the specific jobsite they are currently working on, here are some important points all workers should remember:

  • Emergencies can be reported from any source, including a worker on site, management on site, the local news, or the general public.
  • Everyone at the jobsite should be aware of the EAP and familiarize themselves with the posted evacuation diagrams.
  • All employees should know how to report an emergency situation.
  • During any emergency drill, all employees should follow the evacuation procedure. No one stays behind.
  • All employees must be aware of their role during any emergency situation. Most employees will follow evacuation or shelter-in-place safety procedures, but some will have safety facilitator, medical rescue, or critical operations roles.
  • When working indoors, emergency exits should be clearly labeled, lighted, and visible at all times. Emergency exits should NEVER be blocked, even temporarily.
  • Assembly points at the exit discharge should be identified ahead of time and known by the employees.
  • Workers should report immediately to the designated assembly area upon evacuation.
  • No one should go home or to an offsite location other than the assembly area during an emergency evacuation.

Enhance Your Safety Meetings

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Contact Site Safety Experts at mvwsr@aol.com for more information and assistance in developing your emergency action plans. Call 949 697-5676


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