Paving workers face danger on virtually every job. In fact, the average fatalities for the profession are 13 times greater than the national average. Asphalt contractors are keenly aware of the risks that they and their employees face every day. Therefore, they take great pains to ensure that everyone goes home safe and sound at the end of the day. This commitment to safety extends beyond their workers to include anyone who enters or comes near the work zone. Paving contractors often refer to this as fostering a culture of safety.
How Do Asphalt Contractors Foster a Culture of Safety?
The first step is to ensure that all employees receive the necessary training to perform their tasks safely. Whether they are new hires, seasoned veterans, or supervisors, they receive instruction on their specific roles as well as potential hazards. Effective communication is a vital next step in creating a company culture that makes safety a priority. Paving contractors in Texas often schedule daily safety meetings the first thing in the morning. Typically, a paving contractor will also hold longer, more intense safety meetings every week. Contractors encourage their employees to speak up if they observe a potentially unsafe activity at work. They also encourage workers to look out for their colleagues as well as others who enter or approach the work zone.
What Else Do Asphalt Contractors Do to Enhance Safety in a Work Zone?
No matter what type of paving services contractors are in the process of providing, protecting their workers is foremost in their minds. This is especially true when paving the Austin Texas area’s busiest streets.
Workers are safer when others can see them easily. High-visibility safety vests, lights on the hard hats, and other personal protective gear can help contractors enhance safety.
Workers must also be able to see and hear what is happening within the work zone. Reflective tape and lights on the trucks and machine can help. Headsets and portable radios can help workers hear each other over the din of the work. Portable floodlights make it easier for workers to see their surroundings, but they also make it easier for others to see the workers.
Traffic control measures are essential. Depending on the site, this may involve the use of flaggers, barrels, concrete barriers, stanchions, barricades, or signs.
Most heavy equipment will have alarms that sound when backing up as well as cameras to give operators a view of what is behind them. Reflective paint, supplemental lights, and sensors may also be present on the machines.
RDC Paving, an Austin, Texas paving contractor, employs some of the most experienced, skillful, and dedicated workers in the paving asphalt industry. They also share our commitment to safety as well as quality work, professionalism, and customer service. We have built a reputation for consistently providing exemplary workmanship and exceptional service. Our paving services include asphalt overlays and paving, concrete parking lot construction, asphalt milling, asphalt and concrete driveway paving, asphalt crack repair, parking lot maintenance, ADA concrete, parking lot striping, concrete ramps, asphalt sealcoating, concrete repair, and concrete sidewalks. You can request a free job quote by either calling 512-920-9155 or submitting our online form.
