The excavator has made what used to be a daunting task—digging—much easier for construction workers.

However, these machines can be incredibly dangerous, especially if you are not aware of the risks.

Recognizing the risks of using an excavator and understanding the best ways to avoid them can help keep your workplace safe

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1. County of Sonoma PLA Negotiations Are at an Impasse Regarding Local Trucking-on May 21, 2024, the Board of Supervisors will have a public hearing on whether to include local trucking under their new PLA policy. As many of you know, if you want to write a letter to the Supes, or better yet, show up on May 21, your voice can be heard regarding this potential huge impact on our local workforce.  For those that are doing their best to do their homework, there is no document draft available to review ahead of time.  You have to rely on my “word of mouth” information that I have sounded off on.
   Click on this HERE to see a possible sample letter to write to the Supervisors asking them to protect the local workforce!

To avoid struck-by or caught-in accidents caused by heavy equipment, being aware of your surroundings at all times is a huge part of staying safe.

When you know exactly what is going on around you, you can be aware of your way out as well as avoiding heavy equipment. Making sure that your coworkers know when you are in the area is also extremely helpful as they then know your location so they can avoid incidents as well.

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Did you know that texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do behind the wheel? In fact, you are six times more likely to crash while texting than you are while driving drunk.

Now, this is not an endorsement for drunk driving, rather a warning that distracted driving can be just as dangerous, especially while working on a busy construction site.

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Anytime you work in an environment that has physical hazards that apply, you should be
educated on the safety protocols for the job. It is the best thing to do for the employees and
the safety of all involved.

Work that involves mechanical lifting and rigging falls into the category of having high
hazards.

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Annual Coordinated Claim and Funding Program provides State and Local dollars for transportation.
SANTA ROSA, CA – On April 8th, The Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) Board authorized
nearly $45 million in critical funding to Sonoma County transit operators. The Board also approved an
augmentation to the SCTA Funding Program that will deliver over $34 million for transportation projects
throughout Sonoma County. Supporting public transit and improving transportation accessibility, safety,
and climate resilience are key components in SCTA’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan

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To run a business, you have to work alongside other companies. This is the case in about any industry that you are in.

You will have vendors and subcontractors that you deal with. This is how jobs get done and things progress forward.

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As a whole, all businesses want to avoid injuries at all costs. Many places have a set goal of how long they strive to go without any crew members getting hurt.

In order for a company to achieve its goal of no injuries occurring, all crew members have to pay attention to safety.

Attitude, planning, and following safety best practices can make a “zero injury workplace” a reality.

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No later than July 1, 2024, covered California employers must implement extensive workplace violence prevention plans (WVPP) and deliver specified training to employees under new legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30, 2023.  In order to comply on time – including preparing plans that are “specific to the hazards and corrective measures for each work area” as required – employers will need to prepare early.

Senate Bill 533 adds section 6401.9 to the California Labor Code.  The legislation is intended to help employers prevent and respond effectively to workplace violence.  The legislature passed, and the Governor signed, the bill despite a full court press by the California Chamber of Commerce in opposition.

Workplace Violence Prevention Plans – The new law requires that plans be in writing and include, for example, the following:

• “Effective procedures to obtain the active involvement of employees and union representatives” in developing and implementing the plan, identifying and correcting “workplace violence hazards,” and designing and implementing employee training;
• The names and job titles of all persons responsible for implementing the plan;
• Procedures to identify and correct workplace violence hazards in a timely manner;
• “Effective procedures to respond to actual or potential workplace violence emergencies”;
• “Effective procedures to communicate with employees regarding workplace violence matters” and to alert employees of workplace violence emergencies, including of the “presence, location, and nature” of such emergencies;
• Procedures for post-incident response and investigation; and
• Periodic review of the plan and updates and corrections as needed.

Covered employers also must maintain written logs of workplace violence incidents that set forth a great deal of specified information.

Employer plans must “be in effect at all times and in all work areas”.  Employers must ensure their plans are “available and easily accessible” to employees, union representatives, and agents from the California Occupational Health and Safety Administration (Cal/OSHA).

Newly Required Training of Employees – The employee training required under the new law must cover particular subjects, allow for “interactive questions and answers,” and be in “vocabulary [appropriate] to the educational level, literacy, and language of [the] employees.”  Covered employers must deliver the training to all employees no later than July 1, 2024, and annually thereafter.

Cal/OSHA Enforcement – Cal/OSHA is charged with enforcing the new requirements.  Cal/OSHA will have authority to issue notices to correct and civil penalties.

Employers Not Subject to the New Requirements – “All employers, employees, places of employment, and employer-provided housing” are subject to the new requirements, other than those that meet one of a few exemptions in section 6401.9.  Exempt employers are the following: (1) places of employment where no more than nine employees are present at any one time and that are not accessible to the public; (2) employees working remotely from a place of their choosing and that their employer does not control; (3) certain health care facilities; and (4) certain law enforcement and correctional facilities.

SB 553 requires that by December 1, 2025, Cal/OSHA propose further standards for WVPPs for adoption by the Cal/OSHA Standards Board by December 31, 2026.

Construction sites are some of the most hazardous places to work in the world. Unfortunately, cuts to the hands and fingers account for the majority of laceration injuries on job sites today.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that cuts on hands and fingers result in over 110,000 lost time cases each year. The National Safety Council reports an average direct cost for laceration of the hand injuries account for $10,000 in company expenses and severed tendons can exceed $70,000.

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