Identifying Apprentice Line-Workers On-Site Through Color Coding Darrell D. Hall 11/3/2016

Purpose To take a proactive approach to safety by developing and implementing a standard process of identifying new and less experienced workers on the job site. 

Objectives Discuss options to identify new workers on the job site Develop a plan to help Supervisors and other workers recognize levels of training by using a quick reference color coding process Implement a simple but effective plan to help keep PEC Line-workers safe on the job site

Opening Remarks Travelers Construction's claim statistics indicate that for certain types of trades, nearly 50 percent of injuries occur to workers in their first year of employment. Employees are most vulnerable to injuries when they are new to the job because of their inexperience or lack of familiarity with the new company. When an employee is seriously injured, there are many indirect costs such as productivity loss, replacement costs, administrative burdens and perhaps adverse publicity. *www.construction-today.com/sections/.../1122-keeping-new-employees-...

Hard-hat Colors and Identification Hard hat colors can signify different roles on construction sites. The most common color scheme is white for managers, engineers, foremen or supervisors.  Green often signifies a safety inspector, but is also occasionally used for new workers. Yellow is often worn by general laborers Orange is sometimes used for road crews, new employees or visitors. * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_hat  

OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not assign particular colors to hard hats, and no international convention exists that assigns meaning to the color worn. Some employers, however, do use the color of workers' hard hats to convey meaning, though this is strictly internal to the company or group of contractors. Class E. ANSI: Helmets intended to reduce the danger of contact with higher voltage conductors (proof-tested at 20,000 volts); CSA: Headwear is non-conducting and is required to pass the dielectric strength test of 20,000 volts for 3 minutes. * https://www.reference.com › ... › Home Maintenance › Carpentry

Hard-hat Stickers Supervisors often are not familiar with all workers on a construction site. Often, stickers, labels and markers are used to mark hard hats so that important information can be shared.   Stickers that indicate a worker's training or qualifications are also very common. Stickers may indicate who is authorized to be present on site. * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_hat

Custom Labels-Examples

Material Features Spot-a-Hat Reflective Hard Hat and Helmet Labels: Spot these labels with a flash-light or head-light-great for emergencies, black-outs, low light areas or work outside in the evening. They offer superior outdoor durability(5+ years). High performance adhesive sticks well to hard hat or helmet surfaces but can be removed cleanly. Reflective vinyl labels are available in a variety of colors and are printed digitally using 3M inks. Reflectivity is a great safety feature. Label material is also used by fire fighters for their trucks and helmets. It is reflective in both wet and dry conditions. *MyHardHatStickers.com <customerservice@smartsign.com>

Manufacturer Recommendations MSA V-Gard: “It is permissible to use pressure-sensitive stickers or tape with self-adhesive backing no closer than ½ inch from the edge of the helmet. According to MSA’s testing, such stickers or tape in such a location will not affect the burn-through (i.e. dielectric classification) or the structure of an MSA helmet. However, because it is impossible for us to test all pressure-sensitive adhesives, caution should still be taken when making use of such materials. Also, be sure that when these are applied that you are not covering any damage on the helmet.”* There is no arc flash test or standard for industrial head protection products. According to NFPA 70E-2012, a worker is required to wear a helmet rated as Class E in accordance with ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 or CSA Z94.1-2015. When used in conjunction with any MSA visor and frame, all Class E MSA hard hats will perform as well as the visor, or protect the wearer to the same calorie-rating level as the visor.* *Care and Use of MSA Helmets ; Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Summary Statistics show that 50 percent of injuries occur to workers in their first year of employment. Employees are most vulnerable to injuries when they are new to the job because of their inexperience or lack of familiarity with the new company. Supervisors often are not familiar with all workers on a construction site. Stickers that indicate a worker's training or qualifications are also very common. Reflective hard hat labels could be used as an extra safety feature. OSHA defers to hard-hat manufacturers for recommendations

Talking Points Questions? For more information contact: Darrell Hall at Pedernales Electric Cooperative Phone(830)225-4262 E-mail: darrell.hall@peci.com