When it comes to injuries and fatalities in construction zones, two of the worst offenders—half of the “Fatal Four” according to OSHA—are “Struck By” incidents and “Caught-In or -Between Hazards.” Both of these types of incidents can occur in equipment zones. Tucker Paving has over 30 years working in construction—including site clearing, demolition, excavation and grading, underground utilities, and concrete and asphalt paving—and we have a lot of equipment running at any given time on our work sites; milling machines, pavers, rollers, and skid steers are just a few pieces of equipment that could be operating on one of our work zones that could pose a hazard. Since safety is our leading priority at Tucker Paving, we have protocols concerning equipment work zones that our employees must follow.

Safety Protocols for Equipment Work Zones

Safety protocols that we require our employees to follow at all times concerning equipment work zones include: 

  1. Proper PPE must be worn in all equipment work-zones.
  2. Vehicle operators or other equipment operators should make eye contact with the operator before entering the active work-zone.
  3. Utilize available travel lanes away from the equipment when possible.
  4. Personal vehicles must be kept in designated parking areas.
  5. Park all vehicles on one side of the new roadway to allow safe passage of equipment and vehicles. Signage is often useful like “Designated Parking Area” or “Park on this side of roadway.”
  6. Sometimes other trades or people like inspectors have a reason to be on site, but not in the specific equipment work zone. Ask them to reposition their vehicle to a safer area and remain clear of working equipment zones. Always be polite. If this continues to be a problem, ask for help from Site Superintendents.
  7. Visitors are not allowed on site without permission and proper PPE.
  8. If you are operating equipment and someone enters your work zone without PPE or in a vehicle, stop the equipment until you can decide it is safe to continue.
  9. The public is the most difficult to control. Orange Fencing, Barricades, and Signage can often be helpful.
  10. Key Safety Rule: If communication or eye contact is lost or there is any doubt about safety, stop the equipment and do not resume until it is safe to proceed.

Safety Is Our Culture

Tucker Paving has more than three decades in the asphalt and concrete paving industry, and safety has always been our primary concern. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or fill out our contact form online, to find out how we can help with your next project!