
From plants to roadway development projects, Sripath champions safety practices for the asphalt paving industry all year round. For the month of June, Sripath is putting an extra spotlight on these efforts in observance of National Safety Month in the United States.
Studies have shown that personnel who work with paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment are tasked with the fifth most dangerous jobs in America. Transportation incidents, including those caused by both construction equipment and passing vehicles, lead the way as a primary cause of death for paving operators. Establishing safety protocols for traffic management and staff training is essential for bringing injury and fatality figures down across the industry.
10 Tips for Safer Asphalt Paving Worksites
- Wear highly visible clothing including bright colored or reflective materials
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly and consistently
- Avoid operator blind spots and make eye contact to prevent accidents
- Attend safety briefings on a daily basis
- Maintain communication protocols through radio, hand signal, and signage use
- Assess each job site for potential hazards including trenches, edges, and utilities
- Practice emergency preparedness including awareness of first aid procedures and supplies
- Remain aware of traffic at all times by facing traffic and watching for backing up or turning equipment vehicles
- Use traffic control measures such as cones and barriers that meet or exceed regulations
- Establish ample worksite lighting and signals during times of low visibility such as dusk or nighttime
Roadway Safety Resources
In the U.S., the Federal Highway Administration has established a number of resources and best practices that can be used to improve worker safety. These include considerations for:
- Worker Visibility: Safety apparel, proper job site lighting, and understanding blind spots
- Traffic Control: Flagging protocols, clear signage, and temporary traffic control (TTC) zones
- Training Programs: Prevention methods, hazard education, and flagger certification
Roadway safety is a priority for countries around the world as developing infrastructures and the dangers of machinery and traffic in work zones continue to create perilous work environments for those involved in asphalt paving. Additional global resources can be found:
Sripath Technologies’ Dedication to Worker Safety
Sripath believes in practicing safety across all facets of manufacturing, processing, and handling the equipment and materials needed for asphalt paving. Sripath products are also developed with safety in mind, innovating safer chemistries for worker handling and use and emphasizing products that contain low to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Sripath product Safety Data Sheets can also be found on our website.
John McConaghie, Technical Coordinator and head of Health, Safety, and Environment for Sripath, commented further on the company’s dedication to well-being across the supply chain.
“Sripath Technologies is deeply committed to providing world class products that are safe to use and safe for the environment. Sripath’s Health & Safety Manual is fully supported by global management, and our Health & Safety Policy is endorsed by Sripath management. The design and development of Sripath products always includes an in-depth review of the potential health and safety impacts. Products are as environmentally friendly and as safe to use as possible. We monitor the manufacturing, shipment, and use of our products closely. Any incidents or near misses involving Sripath products are fully investigated. The results of these investigations are reviewed by Sripath Senior Management and shared with our production sites globally. We also share our investigations with our customers where applicable. Safety is a year-round priority at Sripath Technologies.”
For more information about Sripath’s commitment to safety, contact info@sripath.com.