2. Project Organization
2.6 Safety
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Working around an asphalt plant can be hazardous. Machinery operation, high temperatures, noise, and moving delivery trucks and haul trucks all add to the possibility of an accident occurring. Common types of accidents at a plant include workers being burned by hot asphalt mix, getting sprayed with hot asphalt binder, crushing a hand in a piece of machinery, or being struck by a moving vehicle.
Working around an asphalt paving site can also be hazardous. Common types of accidents for those working around the paver include being struck by passing traffic, the paving equipment, haul trucks backing into or pulling away from the paver, and the compaction equipment. Burns from the hot mixture and equipment are also among the most common injuries.
Safety is everyone’s business on an asphalt paving project. Everyone working for the contractor—from the superintendent to the front-end loader operator at the asphalt plant, to the truck driver and the roller operator—must be continuously aware of the need to apply safe work habits. Likewise, everyone working as a representative of the agency—from the project engineer to the inspector at the paving site to a testing technician behind the paving operation—must all practice safe work habits. OSHA regulations must be known, understood, and followed by each person involved in the project.
Effective training and communication are key to a safe work environment. Every individual involved in the project should know what is expected and how to perform the assigned tasks. Proper training in the operation of a piece of equipment is essential for equipment operators. Retraining is necessary at frequent intervals.
Safety talks are a good way to start the day for both contractor and agency personnel. Several different organizations publish short, concise safety presentations that can be completed in 2 or 3 minutes. People need to be reminded that they are operating in a potentially dangerous environment at both the plant and the paving operation, and daily talks are one way of meeting this need. Further, if an unsafe work practice is noticed, corrective action should be taken immediately, even if the paving operation must be shut down until the unsafe practice has changed.
Individuals most likely to be hurt on an asphalt paving project are those who are new to this type of work. Without adequate training before they start on a paving project, these people do not fully understand the difference between following safe work practices and taking foolish chances. At times their enthusiasm to excel at a new job and to please others can overshadow their awareness of proper safety practices.
Needless injuries are also suffered by those who have been around the plant and the paving operations for many years and therefore may become overly comfortable and complacent with equipment and safety procedures. Safety should be as much a part of these individuals’ day as it is for those new to the job.
Constant care and vigilance are needed to prevent accidents and injuries associated with asphalt operations. OSHA, NAPA, the Asphalt Institute, State departments of transportation (DOTs), and other organizations have publications and videos that address asphalt safety. These tools should be made available to relevant personnel and be part of regular safety training.