The Right Outrigger Pad Can Reduce the Hazards of Fatigue on the Job
Construction sites are busy places that can be hazardous to workers who are not alert to their surroundings. On the job, crew members must focus on the task at hand and be situationally aware. Not surprisingly, situational awareness can easily be compromised by fatigue and corresponding inattentiveness. As noted in “The Cost of Fatigue,” from the July 2018 issue of Construction Business Owner magazine, when attentiveness begins to fade the odds of an accident or injury taking place increase.
Worker fatigue can be the result of physical exertion, sleep loss, illness, mental exertion and stress or combinations of these conditions. Improving ergonomics on the job is one way to reduce physical exertion.
DICA Outrigger Pads and Cribbing Blocks are designed to make work less taxing for crews using these types of products. For example, SafetyTech Outrigger Pads, made of DICA’s proprietary engineered material are lighter and more easily moved compared to wood and aluminum pads or steel plate. In addition, because of their patented recessed handle design, round DICA Pads can be rolled rather than lifted. TuffGrip® Handles also reduce pinch points and tripping hazards and encourage proper lifting posture.
Likewise, ProStack Cribbing Blocks can be set in place or stored in minutes and their TuffGrip handles simplify lifting and carrying. When used consistently, both products reduce physical exertion, which helps lessen fatigue and the potential for injuries.
As the Construction Business Owner article advises, implementing a worker fatigue mitigation strategy can increase return on investment, reduce experience modification rates (EMR), and increase workplace safety. The decision to address and regard worker fatigue as a viable safety hazard can be critical not only for your crew members’ health, but the wellbeing of your business.