Better Roads Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/393925
24 October 2014 Better Roads Applications & Innovations silicosis. Most concrete and masonry products contain silica sand and rock containing silica, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion (CDC): even materials contain- ing small amounts of crystalline silica may be hazardous if they are used in ways to produce high dust concentra- tions. (To read more, go to cdc.gov/niosh/ docs/96-112.) Silicosis can result in severe lung inflammation, increased risk for lung infections, and in severe cases, respira- tory failure. It's plain to see why proper procedures to mitigate risk to the crew are extremely important — these may include respirators and other PPE, wet- ting of the job site, or possibly using dust collection systems to minimize exposure. Customized equipment for unique jobs Each jobsite is different and can present unique challenges to the contractors involved. Many variables can contribute to the complexity of the job, and it is the responsibility of the contractor management team, including fleet managers and foremen to determine the best equipment for the job. In many cases, sometimes the best equipment is some- thing that does not exist yet. This is another area where manufacturers can step in and provide the best tool for the job. As an example, we recently received a call from a con- tractor and dealer asking to design custom equipment for a highway project in Effingham, Illinois. The challenge was to keep workers safe while anchoring temporary concrete barriers to the existing slab. The solution was to create a custom unit that rode along the top rail of the barriers and drilled through the footing to the slab so that they could be anchored without workers having to redirect traffic, or put themselves in harm's way. With input from the contractor and dealer, we were able to help engineer a solution that worked extremely ef- ficiently and ultimately kept workers safe. Manufacturers and equipment dealers across the board should look at the needs of the project, and if their equipment isn't providing the correct solution, they should do everything within their power to make sure they can provide that solution, even if it means deviating from their standard product offering. The future is now In this ever-advancing technological age that we are ex- periencing, you can bet that the technology surrounding the safety of construction crews will only improve and be- come more accessible. Many organizations claim that safety is a pillar of their core ideology, and contractors, dealers, and manufacturers alike need to continue their dedication to making sure construction crews are making it home safely to their families at the end of the day. Highways and bridges are crumbling, and infrastructure is something that most Americans can agree on as a solid investment in our country, and we're not likely to see road construction projects break ground less frequently anytime in the near future. It is our duty as an industry to provide the proper tools and practices for construction crews to carry out their jobs efficiently and safely. With the help of technological advances in construction equipment, we are getting better and better at that everyday, and this only promises better solutions as we look toward tomorrow. About the author: Todd Jurjevic is sales and marketing director for Minnich Manufacturing. He may be contacted by phone at 419-903-0010 or via e-mail at tjurjevic@minnich-mfg.com. Many variables can contribute to the complexity of a job. It is the responsibility of the contractor man- agement team, including fleet managers and foreman, to determine the best equipment for the job.