In the majority of developed countries around the world, construction is one of the most dangerous industries in which an individual can work. The injury and fatality rates are fairly high and risks are present on nearly every job site. While you may or may not consider yourself a construction worker, as a surveyor you are placed in very similar situations. Whether it’s a busy highway, curvy mountain road, construction zone, mine, or any other highly-traversed area, risk is always right around the corner.
Safety Considerations
If you are in charge of the safety of your survey team, you should always have a safety plan in place. To develop a plan that meets the needs of the job sites and circumstances you usually encounter, consider the following things:
- Snakes, Insects, and Wildlife. If you’ve been a surveyor for long enough, you’ve probably worked in some pretty undeveloped areas. These could include fields, forests, marine areas, and swamps. In these areas, your likelihood of coming into contact with insects, snakes, spiders, and larger wildlife is much higher. To prevent stings and bites, always wear snake-proof boots, long clothing, and gloves. Make sure your vehicle has a first-aid kit readily available.
- Motorists. While snakes and insects pose some threat, dealing with motorists is a much riskier proposition. You likely spend the large majority of your time beside roads, highways, and intersections, so learning to follow proper safety procedures in these situations is very important. You should place proper signage and warning cones wherever possible, and make sure you are wearing the appropriate vests and helmets.
- Risky Surfaces. Surveyors that spend a large majority of their time on mountain ranges face considerable risk. Make sure you use safety equipment to stabilize your position and avoid standing in areas that could shift or move.
- The Elements. Anytime you spend a large amount of time outside, you have to be conscious of how the elements are affecting you physically. Wear proper protection from the sun and drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. Heat exhaustion is one of the biggest threats to surveyors in the summer, while frostbite can affect those spending time on mountain ranges in the winter months.
- Remote Locations. If you carry out your surveyor duties in remote, barren locations, be sure you are equipped with the proper equipment and technology. In case you get lost, you will need things like GPS systems, food and water, first-aid kits, and more.
These five steps can help you run a more safe and sound surveying team. Contact your local OSHA representative or visit the OSHA website for assistance developing your company's written safety plan or to learn more about preventing injuries on your job sites.
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