Image Resource:
Safety+Health, 2017. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles

OSHA’s Construction Focus Four are the four leading hazards that consistently total more than half of the fatalities in the construction industry. These hazards include falls, electrocution, caught-in-between, and struck-by objects. Due to the diverse work of PLH Group power line and pipeline construction entities, employees must consistently be mindful of these hazards and take necessary preventative measures, including those that protect employees from being struck-by an object.

PLH Group has a reputation of proactively addressing common safety hazards, such as struck-by incidents. As an active member of OSHA Strategic Partnership Advantage, PLH Group is committed to ensuring safe practices for all 11 entities.

All PLH Group entities follow these guidelines:

• Complete New Employee Orientation, wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and inspect tools regularly. Prior to entering potentially hazardous locations or beginning work, employees must first complete New Employee Orientation. This orientation covers jobsite safety requirements, including the use of proper PPE. Always check with a supervisor if you are unsure what PPE, such as hard hats and eye protection, is required for a task or location. Inspect and replace equipment and tools that have become damaged or broken.
• Do not walk or perform tasks while on your cell phone. Cell phone distracted walking causes such a risk that the National Safety Council now compiles statistics on the number of unintentional cell phone distracted walking fatalities and injuries in their Injury Facts report.
• Perform at 360 degree risk assessment. At home, risk assessments may include slowly walking into a room or around corners to identify potential hazards. On the jobsite or in the office, companies should follow the OSHA recommended safety practices on hazard identification and assessment prior to beginning any task.
• Use caution when operating equipment or a vehicle. Only operate equipment or vehicles that you have been adequately trained to operate. Follow specific roadway and company procedures, including wearing a seatbelt, inspecting the vehicle, using turn signals, and obeying speed limits.
• Review struck-by hazards, scenarios, and prevention methods during toolbox talks or pre-job safety briefs. OSHA’s Construction Focus Four: Struck‐By Hazards instructor guide provides many considerations to discuss as a team.
• Stop work is an obligation to do the right thing by immediately stopping a potentially hazardous action or behavior. All PLH Group employees have the responsibility and authority to stop work if an activity or condition seems unsafe.