Early Integration of Safety into Construction Projects by Jimmie Hinze University of Florida *Don’t Wait Until Construction Work Begins Start-up Construction Procurement Detailed Engineering Conceptual Design This is not the time to start to address safety Start date Project Schedule End date *Workers *Supervisors *Employers (Contractors) *Subcontractors Start-up Construction Procurement Detailed Engineering Conceptual Design Start date Project Schedule End date *Workers *Supervisors *Employers (Contractors) *Subcontractors *Owners *Designers Owner Contractor Contractor Designer *The Goal of Zero Injuries is Not Compatible with the Old View *The Bar has been Raised *Moving away from the Traditional Adversarial Relationships *To be Successful with Safety, the Owner Plays a Pivotal Role 1. Make the Facility Safer to Construct by Design 2. Contractually Require the Constructor to Meet Specific Minimum Safety Mandates 3. ContractwithFirmsthat Demonstrate a High Probability of Delivering a Safe Project *IntheDesignPhase: Thisis the Earliest Opportunity to Incorporate Safety into the Project Start-up Construction Procurement Detailed Engineering Conceptual Design High Ability to Influence Safety Low Start date Project Schedule End date (Source: Szymberski, R., “Construction Project Safety Planning.” TAPPI Journal, Vol. 80, No. 11, pp. 69-74.) *Objective is to design the hazards “out” *Yes, but their focus is generally on the safety of the end users of the facility *Generally, the safety of construction workers is not considered *Construction safety is viewed as being the responsibility of the contractor *Evaluate major building concepts *Make structural decisions that effect hoisting and overall project sequencing and pacing *Establish building layout *Conduct Value Engineering *Conduct Safety Constructability Reviews . * RIR (OSHA Recordable Injury Rate) • Number of OSHA recordable injuries per 200,000 worker hours (Source: “The Owner’s Role in Construction Safety”, CII RS-190-1, March 2003) *Unfortunately, many designers are reluctant to embrace this concept • No formal training in designing for construction worker safety • Not a traditional function • Safety is viewed as being the Contractor’s Responsibility • Few Standard Safety Design Guidelines • Fear of Liability *The Owner’s Involvement Will Be Critical on Many Projects Permanent guardrails installed around skylights. Domed, rather than flat, skylights with shatterproof glass or strengthening wires. Skylight installed on a raised curb. ~42” Modification of Parapets Avoid the Old Approach of Constructing Steel Structures by Installing One Member at a Time Install Assemblies to Reduce the Exposure of Making Connections on Steel Structures Recognize the Hazards Posed by Overhead Powerlines Re-route, bury, de-energize, etc. Overhead Powerlines to Reduce the Hazard Incorporate Roof Anchors in the Design Notice the Tripping Hazard #10’s Spaced at 12” o.c. Reduced Trip Hazard #5’s Spaced at 3” o.c. • Contractor must comply with the local, state and federal safety regulations (100%) • Contractor must comply with safety requirements beyond the OSHA regulations (88. 1%) • Contractor must place at least one full-time safety representative on the project (83.1%) • Contractor must provide specified minimum training for the workers (62.7%) • Contractor must report all lost time injuries to the owner (98.3%) • Contractor must report all OSHA recordable injuries to the owner (96.6%) • Contractor must include personnel from the owner in coordination meetings (67. 8%) • Contractor must submit subcontractor list to owner for approval (79.7%) • Contractor must implement a substance abuse program (93.2%) • Contractor must participate in site safety audits (88.1%) • Contractor must conduct weekly safety meetings for the workers (93.2%) • Contractor must submit a site-specific safety plan (84.7%) • Contractor must submit a safety policy signed by its CEO (52.5%) • Contractor is required to provide specified PPE (hard hats, safety glasses, gloves) (96.6%) • Contractor must implement a permit system when performing hazardous activities (line breaks, lockout/tagout, excavations, proximity to power lines, confined space entry, hot work, etc.) (88. 1%) Safety Credentials Must be Considered 1) Work should be made safe by design 2) Contract should promote safety 3) Contractor should have a proven history of safety Start-up Construction Procurement Detailed Engineering Conceptual Design Start date Project Schedule End date