Training Paving Operators and Ground Crews

Road paving is one of the most arduous jobs in the construction industry. Working under strict conditions, in the midst of live traffic with cars and angry drivers honking loudly to show their complaints, covered by an overall and sweating profusely with the sun shining so brightly in your face but you don’t have any choice but to continue working with concretes and heavy equipment. The larger the paving job, the more likely there may be a paving train present. These configurations carry with them unique safety concerns for managers, but individually, each piece also has its own safety challenges that can be mitigated by proper operation and maintenance, as well as by a properly trained and equipped crew.

            Axis Capital Group, a company which sells and rents capital construction equipment in Singapore and now has started to operate in Jakarta, Indonesia as well for a wider scope across Asia, has learned that one of the leading accidents in the industry is from malpractice and lack of training of operators and ground crews.

            For starters, manufacturers of heavy equipment should put warning signage on their machineries in neon colors and should follow standard fonts and comprehensive meanings. These signs should state the proper attire for on the paving sites. Warning decals that are damaged or illegible need replacement.

            Competent and experienced operators should be the ones to train new ones and should follow regulations in paving operations. Proper handling of equipment should also be adhered and followed. Further instructions should also be cleared before trainees are permitted to drive.  Sound maintenance can keep equipment and associated operators and workers from becoming sitting ducks in high-traffic solutions.

            Recordkeeping is also vital. Axis Capital Group recommends recording daily safety and maintenance inspections and by-shift inspections in a simplified checklist, with an area for expanded detail of notable findings. Develop a ready and easily accessible service parts list for air and fluid filters, metal wear, and common machine replacement items like mill hammers and bits, with preferred vendors.

            For ground workers, proper working attire should be followed. Boots and shoes that extend above the ankle, and even boots shafts to calf height, are highly recommended. Asphalt paving crews should wear breathable leather footwear, with deep cushion soles.  For concrete paving crews, waterproof boots with high shafts are recommended. Hardhats equipped with protective rear neck drapes can help prevent sunburn. For workers who get to work at night, reflective stickers are also important.