Crews who work on pole installation sites often face risks, from operating heavy machinery to managing overhead power lines. This is why they need to take safety precautions on pole installation sites in order to avoid incidents and protect the lives of workers.
This guide outlines safety precautions every team should take during a pole installation site. By understanding and applying these measures, everyone can learn what it takes to maintain a safe work environment.
Conduct Thorough Site Assessments
Before any work begins, conduct a site assessment. This step helps you identify potential hazards on-site, which allows your team to develop a safety plan. The first of many steps in the pole setting process is looking at other utility lines in the area and environmental factors around the site. This helps technicians plan how they will install the new utility pole.
Implement Proper Traffic and Site Control
A well-defined work zone is fundamental to site safety. Controlling the movement of vehicles, equipment, and people prevents accidental collisions and ensures that only authorized personnel are in hazardous areas.
Contractors or the business in charge of the new installations should set a clear perimeter with cones, barricades, and warning signs. For any site near roadways, a detailed traffic control plan is necessary to ensure the safety of vehicles and workers. This may involve flaggers, temporary traffic lights, and lane closures.
Prioritize Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense against injuries, which is why all workers need to wear it on-site. Essential PPE includes hard hats to protect the head from falling objects or overhead hazards, high-visibility clothing to make workers visible, and gloves to protect hands from cuts or abrasions.
All workers should regularly inspect their PPE for wear and tear. If they find damaged items or pieces, they should go to their supervisor to have them replaced immediately.
Building a Culture of Safety Around Infrastructure
Safety on a pole installation site comes down to building a culture of safety. When everyone is accountable, it results in an environment where everyone can go home safely at the end of the day.
