Safety Plan and Policy

 

Caliber Construction Alaska LLC continually strives to improve its safety record with constant attention given to safety from top management to the employees in the field.

The project superintendent will be in charge of all safety requirements and regulations on the jobsite. It is the superintendent’s responsibility to implement the safety program and to meet with and indoctrinate each new employee, as well as all subcontractors and their employees, concerning compliance with the Safety Program of Caliber Construction Alaska LLC.

Prior to commencing work on any project, the superintendent will conduct an orientation for all personnel, new hires, and/or those reassigned from another project, informing them of our safety program. In addition to the verbal orientation, each new employee, or any past employee who has not worked for the company for at least six months, will be given a copy of this safety program. Employees will acknowledge receipt and understanding of the program by signing the attached acknowledgement and returning it to the project superintendent.

 Toolbox safety meetings will be conducted on a weekly basis to review upcoming work and as a means to provide up-to-date safety information. Subcontractors, their employees and lower tier subcontractors are required to attend these meetings.  Emergency medical aid will be available at the nearest hospital or facility to the jobsite. When facilities are not readily available, or when required by state or federal requirements, the project superintendent will become first aid certified. Telephone numbers will be prominently displayed for emergency services. All project offices will contain first aid supplies for treatment of minor injuries.

 It is the policy of Caliber Construction Alaska LLC to comply with, and enforce, the federal and/or state regulations and laws concerning the safety and health standards for the construction industry. The following plan outlines the essential elements of our safety program. All employees, subcontractor their personnel and lower tier subcontractors, will be expected to fully comply with these requirements, along with all state federal and owner dictated requirements while employed on a Caliber Construction Alaska LLC project Subcontractors shall disseminate this information directly to any sub tier contractors. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or removal from the job site.

 

GENERAL

 

The personal safety and health of each employee of Caliber Construction Alaska is of primary importance. The prevention of occupationally induced injuries and illnesses is of such consequence that it will be given precedence over operating productivity wherever necessary. To the greatest degree possible, management will provide all mechanical and physical facilities required for personal safety and health in keeping with the highest standards.

 

Caliber Construction Alaska LLC will maintain a safety and health program conforming with and exceeding the best practices of organizations of this type. To be successful, such a program must embody the proper attitudes toward accident prevention of management, supervisors, and the employees. It also requires cooperation in all safety and health matters between each employee and his fellow workers. 

 Only through such a cooperative effort can a safety record in the best interest of all be established and preserved. Our objective is a safety and health program that will reduce the number of disabling injuries and illnesses to a ZERO, not only in keeping with, but surpassing the best experience of other operations similar to ours.

1. All employees hired by this company will be subject to pre- employment drug and/or alcohol testing. Employees holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will be subject to Department of Transportation regulations. This will be fully explained in Paragraph 32.

 

2. Drinking water will be obtained from a potable source and   dispensed to the jobsite in sanitary “cooler type” containers. A common drinking cup is prohibited, as is drinking from the container.  This includes employees’ personal water containers. Disposable drinking cups will be provided and a container for their disposal will be used.

3. The use of personal protective equipment including the wearing of HARD HATS, SAFETY GLASSES AND HIGH VISIBILITY CLOTHING AT ALL TIMES will be strictly enforced. Proper hearing, eye, and face protection, as well as adequate respiratory protection, will be worn when required

a.     Safety belts and lanyards will be worn and utilized whenever work is being done six feet or more above ground or floor level and no other means of fall   protection are available. The exception’s scaffolding, including Baker, that is four to ten feet in height and there is not a working surface of forty-five inches or more in all directions or scaffolding that is over ten feet in height.

b. The above requirements also apply to all subcontractor and their employees.

c. This company maintains a 100%-fall protection program. Failure to comply will result in result in termination or removal from the project.  Subcontractors shall submit a fall protection plan to the Caliber Construction Alaska Superintendent prior to beginning work.  This plan must designate the competent person for the work being preformed and also address equipment, anchorage points, employee training and a fallen worker retrieval plan.                                                                                                                                                   

4.     Employees working over or near water where the danger of drowning exists, shall be provided with life jackets or buoyant work vests, ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line and at least one life saving skiff.

 5.    There shall be a sufficient number of fire extinguishers located throughout the project site for protection of buildings, storage areas, and equipment. In buildings, there shall be one extinguisher for every 3,000 square feet. Fire extinguishers will also be located with all welding or cutting operations.

6.    No open burning will be allowed on the jobsite, therefore, reducing a major fire hazard. Other fire hazards will be reduced through protection measures such as good housekeeping, spacing of temporary buildings, and proper storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids. Appropriate signs, signal, and barricades shall be posted and /or erected to provide adequate warning of hazards to workmen and the public. All signs, signal, and barricades shall meet the standards set forth in Subpart G, 29 CFR 1926, OSHA Regulation. 

7.     Storage of all material in tiers shall be stacked, racked, blocked, interlocked, or otherwise secured to prevent sliding, falling, or collapse. The use of ropes, slings, and chains for material handling shall conform to the safe usage recommendations of the manufacturer and recommendations of the equipment manufacturer when used in conjunctions therewith. All such equipment shall be safety checked periodically either the superintendent or a competent operator.

8.    All scrap lumber, waste materials, and rubbish shall be removed from the immediate work area as the work progresses. Nails will be immediately pulled or bent over in scrap lumber.

9. All hand and powers tools and similar equipment, whether furnished by the employer or the employee, shall be maintained in a safe condition.  Employees utilizing powder-actuated tools will require a certificate of training prior to using the equipment. This equipment will be inspected on a regular basis and if found defective, will be removed from service until it has been repaired or replaced.

10.   During gas welding and cutting operations, keep cylinders far enough away from the actual welding or cutting so that sparks, hot slag, or flame will not reach them. When this is impractical, fire resistant shields shall be provided. A fire extinguisher will be maintained with the oxygen/acetylene cart and an individual shall be used for fire watch to insure there is no danger of a fire. Cylinders containing oxygen or acetylene shall not be taken into confined spaces. Tag and remove from service a damaged or defective cylinder. For quick closing in case of an emergency, valves on fuel gas cylinders shall be in proper working order while in use. Torches in use shall be kept clear of passageways, ladders, and stairs. Regulators and gauges shall be in proper working order while in use. Torches in use shall be inspected at the beginning of each shift for leaking shutoff valves, hose couplings, and tip connections. Defective torches in use shall not be used. Friction lighters shall light torches or other approved devices, not by matches or from hot work. Further reference shall be made to Subpart J. 29 CFR 1926.350, OSHA Regulation.

11. During arc welding and cutting operations using manual electrode holders, only holders that are specifically designed for arc welding and cutting shall be used. Any cutting-carrying parts passing through the portion of the holder which the employee grips in his hand, and the outer surfaces of the jaws of the holder, shall have a safe current carrying capacity equal to or exceeding the specified maximum output capacity of the unit which it services. All cables will be protected from being damaged. 

12. The frames of all arc welding or cutting machines shall be grounded either through a third wire in the cable containing the circuit conductor or through a separate wire which is grounded at the source of the current. When electrode holders are to be left unattended, the electrodes shall be removed and the holders placed or protected so they cannot make electrical contact with employees or conducting objects. Any defective or faulty equipment shall be reported. Fire extinguishers will be located in the area of the welding or cutting operations. Whenever practical, all operations shall be shielded by noncombustible or flameproof screens which will protect employees or other persons working in the vicinity from the direct rays of the arc. Further reference shall be made to Subpart J, 29 CFR 1926.351-354, OSHA Regulation.

13. All compressed gas cylinders shall have valve protection caps in place and secured when not in use, being moved, or stored. They shall also be secured in upright positions at all times except, if necessary, when being moved or hoisted. They shall not be stored in the same area where gasoline, grease, or oil is stored. Acetylene and oxygen cylinders shall be protected by a one-hour fire rated barrier or separated by 20 feet or more. LPG bottles will not be stored inside buildings or tool vans. 

14. All electrical equipment, tools, and extension cords shall be grounded properly either by double insulation or a third wire ground and three-prong plug. All receptacles on temporary power shall be of a GFCI type and portable GFCI boxes will be used when working with permanent power. All other electrical work, installation and wire capacities shall be in accordance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70e. Any ex-tension cord found defective, i.e., insulation worn or cut, frayed wires, ground pin missing, etc., is to be immediately taken out of service, tagged as out of service and repaired or disposed of. 

15. All portable ladders shall extend at least three feet above the landing and shall be tied, blocked, or otherwise secured at the top and bottom to prevent displacement and shall be replaced if they have any broken or missing rungs or steps and broken or split side rails.

16. All scaffolding, including Baker, shall have sound footing and anchorage. Any scaffolding over 10 feet in height shall have guardrails, mid-rails, and toe-boards. Scaffolding that is 26 feet in height and/or 30 feet of continuous length will be tied-off to the structure. 

17. All floor openings or holes 2 inches or greater in diameter shall be guarded by a standard railing or a cover. If a cover is used, it will be strong enough to prevent collapse and will be secured against accidental movement (use screw or nails). All open sided floors, including roofs, platforms, and runways 6 feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground level will be protected with guardrails, mid-rail, and toe boards. If this is not practical or possible, employees will be tied off.

18. On stairways having four or more risers or more than 30 inches in height, whichever is less, shall have a top rail and mid-rail along each unprotected side. Pan stairs will not be used for foot traffic unless they are temporarily fitted with wood or other solid material and filled to the top edge of each pan. This includes landing. At points of access for personal where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches or more, a step, a stairway, or ladder will be provided.

19. The use of cranes, hoist, and conveyors will comply with the manufacturer’s specifications and limitations. Only qualified operators will be allowed to run any of the above-mentioned equipment. The swing radius of cranes will be barricade prevent employees from being struck.

20. Only authorized and qualified personnel shall operate or service motor vehicles and mechanical equipment. All motor vehicles shall be equipped with headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals and horn. Broken window glass shall be replaced. Seat belts will be worn on all equipment except machines made for standup operation or that do not have a ROPS system.

21. All material handling equipment such as front-end loaders, Forklifts, and bobcats will be equipped with seatbelts, if they have a ROPS system. Seatbelts will be used whenever the equipment is in use. Equipment will not be left unattended with the engine running. Buckets and forks will be lowered to the full down position when the equipment is unattended. Front-end loaders, forklifts, and   bobcats will     not be used to transport or lift personnel. Employees will not “hop” rides on this equipment at any time.

22. All excavation or trenching over 4 feet in depth shall be sloped or shored. Ladders, properly secured at the top and bottom shall be provided every 25 feet as a means of access or exit. The importance of this type of work is such that Subpart P, 29 CFR 1926.650- 652 OSHA Regulation must be consulted to insure full compliance is met.

23. All equipment and materials used in concrete construction and masonry work shall meet the applicable requirements for design, construction, inspection, testing, maintenance, and operations as prescribed in ANSI AIO-9-1970, Safety Requirements for Concrete Construction and Masonry. Other general information may be found in Subpart Q, 29CFR 1926, 700-702, OSHA Regulations.

24. If overtopping of a cofferdam by high waters is possible, means shall be provided for controlled flooding of the work area. Warning signals for evacuation of employees shall be provided. Walkways or ramps, with at least two (2) means of rapid exit, shall be provided and equipped with guardrails and mid-rails. Also, refer to paragraph 5 for further requirements of working over or near water.

25. Demolition operations shall be carefully planned to eliminate hazards from occurring as related to the removal of walls, masonry, steel structures, floors, removal of materials through floors, and bridge decks. Further reference shall be made to Subpart T, 29 CFR 1926.850 – 860, OSHA Regulation.

26. All machinery and machine guarding equipment operations will be in accordance with Subpart O, 29 CFR 1910.211 –213, and subpart I, 29 CFR 1926.304, OSHA Regulation. Guards that are provided on equipment will be maintained thereon and utilized at all times. In the event the size of material will not allow the use of the guards, they may be removed long enough to complete the job, but will be replaced immediately when the equipment has been turned off.

27. Protection will be provided for all flammable and combustible liquids and at no time will these items be stored inside the work area. Further reference shall be made to Subpart F, 29 CFR 1926.152 and 29 CFR 1910.106, OSHA Regulation.

a. In areas where temporary tanks are used for fueling of equipment, “No Smoking” signs will be posted.

b.  All portable fuel cans shall be an approved safety can with a self closing spout.  Where required, only metal safety cans shall be allowed.

28. Fueling of vehicles and equipment. Prior to fuel transfer, the vehicle or other such equipment being refueled shall be turned off, and the engine allowed to cool if it is adjacent to or below the tank. If the drive engine of the fueling vehicle is not used to operate the Pump, it shall be turned off.

a. Portable tanks shall not be nearer than 20 feet from any building. Two or more portable tanks, grouped together, having a combined capacity in excess of 2,200 gallons, shall be separated by a 5 ft clear area. 

b. At least one portable fire extinguisher having a rating of not less than 20-B shall be located not less than 25 feet, nor more than 75 feet, from any outside fuel storage area.

c. Drainage or other means shall be provided to control spills.

d. The storage tanks shall be protected against collision damage.

29. Environment and public works shall comply with the Clean Water Act and it most recently adopted changes.          

30. Workers shall not wear cutoffs, baggy pants, sleeveless shirts, tennis, open toed or canvas-type shoes, or other type low-cut shoes on the job. Where hazards to feet or other body parts exist; special footwear or clothing will be required.                

31. This company has an Active Hazard Communication Program as required by OSHA which covers such things as labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), training, working with hazardous chemicals, subcontractor requirements, and how to obtain information. This program was established out of concern for your health and those of your coworkers and is available to you upon request. The program and SDS material that concerns you on this project is available from your project superintendent.

32. Caliber Construction Alaska LLC is committed to maintaining a Drug Free Work Environment for our employees. All employees working for this company that have, and use, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) as part of their duties will be subject to drug and alcohol screening in accordance with Department of Transportation guidelines. Other employees ill be subjected to drug and/or alcohol screening in accordance with the policies that apply to the geographic location you are working in. you will be given a copy of the program that pertains to the project you are working on. 

33. This program is a summary of requirements you will be expected to comply with and should be used along with all requirements contained in CFR 1926, Standards for Construction, as enforced by OSHA. Some activities require the designation of “Competent Person” for performance or supervision of work; in these instances, Caliber Construction Alaska will require the subcontractor to identify their “Competent Person” in writing.  This person shall be required to be onsite at all times during those activities. Each subcontractor and lower tier subcontractor shall also be required to submit a copy of their site specific safety and health program along with a copy of their company Hazcom program and associated SDS’s. There may be other special requirements or procedures that may arise while the project is in progress. Standards for these requirements or procedures will be issued as necessary. In turn, all employees will be informed of these additional standards and of compliance that is expected of them.