Safety Q & A
Below are safety questions that area construction firms have asked the Builders Association. Reviewing these questions and answers can help make you familiar with potentially problematic safety issues on your jobsites. That knowledge can help you avoid similar problems before they occur. Bob Smith, Safety Director of The Levy Company and Chairman of the Builders Association Safety Committee, has answered these questions.
Q: What should my company enforce in our drug testing program? Is there a separate policy for office personnel vs. field?
A: Depending on labor restrictions, the program can be anything from post accident drug screens to a random testing program, and in some cases pre-employment. Because of these restrictions, the field and office policies would most likely be different. There could be legal ramifications if a group of employees were treated differently. It is always a good practice to consult a labor attorney when considering implementing substance abuse policies.
Q: Is it illegal to ask employees to sign a Daily Sheet asking if an injury has occurred or not? Is it illegal to ask for or complete a background check on a potential employee’s workers’ comp record/injuries?
A: It is not illegal to ask an employee if they were injured during the course of a work day. A labor attorney should be consulted if considering performing background checks and/or comp screens.
Q: What type of safety training is more important for supervisors? What type of training is important for project managers?
A: Field supervisors should have at least completed an OSHA 30-hour course. Project managers should be familiar with OSHA standards and attend at least an OSHA 10-hour course.
Q: What do you do when you have an employee with allergies that could become safety problems?
A: Allergies are an environmental hazard that is becoming more prevalent in the workplace. An attorney should be consulted prior to making accommodations beyond those of other workers. Also, be aware of any prescription medications and the side effects associated with them.
Q: What is the standard on conducting pre-employment physicals?
A: Pre-employment physicals are usually done post-offer. Each trade has its own specific physical requirements to perform each job. So when establishing a pre-employment physical testing program, the physician and their staff need to be trained in the tasks required by the employee in order to qualify to be physically fit for the job.
Q: In hot weather, are there ways for workers to increase breathing ability and reduce restriction by altering their harnesses? Are their other measures that can be taken to avoid heat stress?
A: A harness worn correctly should provide minor constriction. The only way to eliminate this is to apply engineering controls that eliminate the need for a harness. To reduce heat-related emergencies frequent breaks, the availability of an ample supply of fluids, and task rotation should be implemented.