The Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (CSDA) and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) have produced more than goodwill since the partnership of the two organizations on March 16, 2006, in Washington, D. C. As part of Alliance, a new safety series CSDA/OSHA Best Practices for Sawing and Drilling Operations was released at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, Nev.
The idea for the series developed as a response to the need to promote the safety of workers in the sawing and drilling industry. The first document to be published, “Highway Work Zone Safety Checklist,” was presented during the free seminar, “Outreach Programs for Construction,” on Jan. 24.
This document provides the industry with the best procedures and practices for performing sawing and drilling operations in a highway work zone to help protect drivers and workers and to prevent fatal accidents.
“Injury statistics alone prove that there is a need for special emphasis on training and awareness regarding highway work zone safety and best practices,” said Susan Hollingsworth, president of CSDA. “The collaboration between OSHA and CSDA on a series covering the best practices in sawing and drilling operations will help to raise the awareness of this need to all concrete cutting contractors engaged in highway work.”
Through the partnership, CSDA and OSHA hope to provide vital materials that will help foster a safe work environment and will help to advance the safety and training of sawing and drilling professionals.
Topics for future best practices to be published by the Alliance include motor vehicle safety and respiratory protection for hazards associated with silica.
CSDA and OSHA also are working together to develop an article on the best practices for fall protection.
The Alliance also is working on developing a Motor Vehicle Safety Best Practice Seminar that sawing and drilling professionals and non-industry professionals will be able to attend.
