In May 2008, a 41-year-old section manager was struck by a dump truck while talking on his cell phone. In June, a 55-year-old construction worker suffered
serious leg injuries when he was run over by a forklift. And in November, a bulldozer driver in Indiana watched helplessly as his 46-year-old co-worker was killed by a second bulldozer that was backing up.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in 10 construction workers are injured on the job each year, while nearly 1,000 are killed. Some of the most common types of construction site injuries include falls, crane and scaffolding accidents and workers being run over by equipment. Fortunately, many of these incidents can be avoided through effective training and proper use of safety equipment.
As you prepare for the busy spring and summer construction season, consider your inventory of safety equipment and what new products may help protect your most vital resource - your workers - and cut down on time-consuming and costly workplace injuries.
Here’s a sampling of the ever-growing marketplace of jobsite safety equipment available to EQ contractors:
Noiseless Back-up Alarms
The bbs-tek noiseless reversing broadband sound alarms from Brigade Electronics replace the traditional beeping sound with a directly audible white noise or “shhh” sound. The alarm is only audible in the immediate vicinity of danger.
Workers on the jobsite can hear the alarm, yet the sound is largely inaudible outside the work zone. The unit’s multi-frequency range spans from 400 Hz to over 8 kHz, reducing potential ear damage caused by shrill sounds. (610) 826-7870 or (888) 727-4423; www.brigade-electronics.com.
Rear Warning System
The Backsense rear-detection back-up warning system from Brigade Electronics Inc. alerts truck drivers of rear obstructions. The system detects moving and stationary objects. Available in three models - the BS-1030 detects objects within a 10-foot radius, the BS-1045 warns of objects within a 15-foot radius, and the BS-1060 warns of objects within a 20-foot radius. Each unit has a radar sensor connected to an in-cab audio-visual display that uses LED distance indicators, and emits a tone that increases in pulse rate as an object gets closer to the external sensor. 212/201-6823; www.Brigade-electronics.com.
Universal Back-Up Kit
The Universal Back-Up Camera Kit from Rostra Driving Innovations includes 4.2-inch TFT LCD mirror monitor and 1/4-inch CMOS color camera. The mirror features high-resolution display, anti-glare coating, mirror/normal image switching, reverse trigger override, selectable parking gridlines and 15-foot extension harness. The camera features a 160-degree lens, protective shroud with adjustable mounting bracket, waterproof case with anti-fog lens, low-light sharpness and waterproof connectors. 800/782-3379; www.rostra.com.
Back-Up Camera Kit
The Rearsight camera kit from Rostra Driving Innovations features either a 3.5-inch or 7-inch TFT-LCD monitor with navigation, interior camera or DVD video inputs. The camera features color sensitivity, 150-degree lens, auto infrared for night vision and waterproof case. 800/782-3379; www.rostra.com.
Infrared Back-Up System
The 3PRT-IR back-up system from Visor-View features an infrared color camera with 150-degree, high-resolution lens and operating range of -20 to 123 degrees F. The waterproof system is powered by a 12-volt DC power supply and includes a 49-foot cable, mounting bracket and hardware. A 7-inch dash monitor is available. 866/922-6800; www.visorview.com.
Built-In Microphone
The IR-MIC back-up camera system from Visor-View features an auto infrared camera with built-in microphone, 150-degree lens, color image, automatic white balance and an operating temperature range of -4 to 122 degrees F. A 7-inch, TFT LCD color monitor with dual video input is available. 866/922-6800; www.visorview.com.
Digital Sensing System
The digital ROSS Pro obstacle sensing system from Rostra Driving Innovations features microwave technology that automatically resets itself once the target or obstacle is no longer detected. The system alerts the driver to objects as far as 12 feet away and detects past the edge of the vehicle to protect corners. The unit mounts below or behind the vehicle bumper and includes visual LED and audio warning with four warning zones. An optional trailer recognition adapter is available that deactivates the sensor when towing. 800/782-3379; www.rostra.com.
Collision Avoidance
The SV-CLCD-70 collision avoidance system from Safety Vision supports four cameras with switchable camera views. The camera’s infrared system gives optimal image quality in any light. A microphone provides direct communication with workers behind the vehicle. The camera has an operating temperature range of -22 to 122 degrees F, offers a 130-degree field of view and is available with color or black and white display. The unit includes a 7-inch monitor with an operating temperature range of -4 to 140 degrees F, selectable auto/manual dimmer and waterproof housing. 800/880-8855; www.safetyvision.com.
LED Split Traffic Arrow
The Traffic Manager LED split traffic arrow and warning stick from Superior Signals Inc. uses 32 high-intensity LEDs to provide warning and directional information to approaching vehicles. The unit is capable of 11 arrow flash patterns and 11 warning patterns, using simultaneous or alternating flash. The controller and 25 feet of cable are included. Flush, surface and L-bracket mounting kits are available. 800/447-3693; www.superiorsignals.com.
Mini-Light Bars
The Meteorlite SY9355 Series mini-light bars from Superior Signals consist of two Class 1 heavy-duty potted strobes with diamond-shaped center mirrors to enhance flashes and replaceable high-intensity LED lamps encased in a solid outer dome, available in clear or amber. The LEDs and lenses are amber. Available in permanent, magnetic and vacuum magnetic mounts, the light bars are water and vibration resistant and have a flash rate of 80 quad flashes per minute. 800/447-3693; www.superiorsignals.com.
High Intensity LED Modules
Superior Signals Inc. has added high intensity LED modules to its X Series 6 or 9 Meteorlite product line. The weather-resistant modules are epoxy encapsulated for interior and exterior use and meet Society of Automotive Engineers requirements. Both modules feature 19 built-in, selectable flash patterns, including simultaneous or alternate flashing with amber, blue, clear and red LEDs. The amp draw for the 6-LED model SYLEDX06 is 0.70, while the 9-LED model SYLEDX09 draws 1.05 amps. 800/447-3693; www.superiorsignals.com.
Solar-Powered Arrowboard
Eclipse solar flashing arrowboards from Allmand Brothers Inc. feature 15- or 20-light configuration LED lamps. The units use 50-, 75- or 100-watt self-regulating solar panels that charge marine deep-cycle batteries. The sign board lowers for towing and is available with trailer mount or retrofit configurations in standard 15- or 25-lamp models. A red, flashing, low-voltage warning light indicates when batteries need recharging and is visible for drive-by inspection. 800/562-1373; www.allmand.com.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The Doran 360HD tire pressure monitoring system features a Green Means GOOD indicator that provides the driver with at-a-glance status check. The system monitors up to 36 tires for truck, tractor and trailer applications, using wireless tire pressure sensors screwed to the valve stems that transmit a signal to the monitor in the cab. The driver is alerted through multiple alarms (audible, location, pressure and warning symbol) as well as a Fast Leak alarm. The system works with traditional dual wheel configuration or wide base single configuration. 866/816-7233; www.doranmfg.com.
Pre-Excavation Smart Stakes
E-Z Smart Stakes from Almetek Industries are designed for surveyors, utility locators and excavating contractors, providing clear marking of pre-excavation sites. Made of durable, flexible, long-lasting, weather-resistant UV-HDPE and deep-stamped for long life, the stakes come in eight standard colors and legends for all industries, including electric cable, gas, oil, fiber optic cables, and water and sewer lines. Custom colors, reflective finishes and custom legends are available. 800/248-2080; www.almetek.com.
Simultaneous Gas Detector
The G460 gas detector from GfG is designed to detect up to six gases at one time. Installed sensor options include infrared for carbon dioxide and PID for VOC measurements. The sensor offers completely automatic calibration, one-button operation, top-mounted display and interchangeable battery packs. It also features a concussion-proof boot, along with dust- and water-resistant housing. Data and event logging are standard. 800/959-0329; www.gfg-inc.com.
Micro CG-100 Gas Sniffer
The Micro CG-100 gas sniffer from RIDGID uses Tri-Mode Detection: visible signal, audible alarm or silent vibration, to warn users of methane (including natural gas), propane, butane, ammonia and many other combustible gases. The vibration alarm increases in intensity as gas levels rise. The sniffer can be adjusted to high- or low-level sensitivity within a wide overall range (40 ppm to 6,400 ppm). The battery-powered device provides more than 20 hours of use, while an LED light at the end of the probe provides illumination. A 16-inch black probe hose provides access to confined spaces and is secured by a built-in clip for storage. 800/769-7743; www.ridgid.com.
Luminary Safety Eyewear
Luminary eyewear from Gateway Safety Inc. weighs less than an ounce and features soft, flexible, translucent temple insets. A one-piece polycarbonate lens, with integrated brow guard and wrap-around design, offers protection against workplace hazards. Standard anti-scratch coating adds durability. 800/822-5347; www.gatewaysafety.com.
AirHawk II Air Mask
The AirHawk II air mask from MSA features the same Audi-Larm audible alarm end-of-service time indicator as its FireHawk M7 air mask and is available with either the Ultra Elite or the industrial Advantage 400 face piece. The Advantage 400 provides adaptors for twin-cartridge respirator conversion (using Advantage cartridges) or an RD40 face piece. AirHawk II air masks are offered in low- and high-pressure versions. For more information: 800/672-2222; www.msanorthamerica.com.
