Ohio Contractors Association

Safety Committee Minutes

November 13, 2018

 

I.        Committee meeting held on November 13, 2018 in OCA Conference Room B, Columbus, Ohio.

 

II.       PRESENT

         

OCA/Committee Members:

 

Dean Breese                     Gerken Paving, Inc.                               Napoleon

Dana Buchholzer               Safety Solutions                                    Cleveland

David Coniglio                   John R. Jurgensen Co.                          Cincinnati

Pat Devine                        Ice Miller                                               Columbus

Chris Engle                       OCA                                                     Columbus

Marty Fritz                        J.D. Williamson Const. Co.                    Tallmadge

Michael Guzzo                  Double Z Const. Co.                              Columbus

Clayton Heitz                    Kokosing Construction Co.                     Fredericktown

John Hughes                     Ohio LECET                                          Columbus

Randy Martin                    Beaver Excavating Co.                          Canton

Alex McCann                     Shelly & Sands, Inc.                              Zanesville

Mark Potnick                     OCA – Committee Secretary                  Columbus

Joe Sellers                        Kokosing Construction Co.                     Fredericktown

Russell Sherman               The Shelly Company                             Thornville

Mary So                            George J. Igel & Co., Inc.                      Columbus

Al Tambini                         Complete General Const.                      Columbus

Drew Williams                   The Great Lakes Const. Co.                  Hinckley

 

Ill.       Summary of Discussion

 

After self-introductions, the minutes of August 14, 2018 were approved.

 

Gary Angles, of ODOT met with the committee for a discussion of getting consensus between ODOT, OCA and OSHA on what warning devices might be utilized to warn of overhead hazards such as electrical lines and bridge decks.  The industry has a problem of incidents involving raised dump beds of trucks striking such structures, causing extreme danger to ground employees, employees in nearby equipment, and passing vehicular traffic.  The Committee expressed frustration with many of ODOT’s project personnel who do not give enough consideration to overheard hazard warning, in favor of technical device requirements for traffic control.  The Committee told Angles that it is necessary for the safety of our projects to find overhead warning devices that will work in concert with but will not be considered the same as traffic control devices. Both hazards need to be addressed.  Angles informed the committee that former ODOT traffic engineer, Dan Grogh has retired.  Angles will be more willing to move forward with OCA to investigate how we can address this issue to the mutual satisfaction of ODOT and OCA.  The Committee presented Angles with OCA’s written position summary on overhead hazards.  He agreed to meet regularly with OCA’s Sub-committee for overhead hazard warnings.

 

One of the tasks scheduled for OCA’s subcommittee is to develop a prototype device for warning of overhead dangers.  The device must meet state and federal safety requirements.  John Hughes, Director of the Laborers Union LECET fund was on hand to advise the Committee that LECET had budgeted $10,000.00 this year to help offset any costs associated with developing the overhead warning systems. 

 

Gary Angles next updated the Committee on ODOT’s assumption of testing for all WTS personnel, which will be required projects which include he new spec beginning in 2019. 

 

There have been some minor changes in the WTS exam already.  Test takers can now scroll back to earlier questions on the computerized exam in order to revise answers before they submit the exam.  In the early versions of the test, this was not possible. 

 

Angles stated that ODOT is preparing to offer the exam in District 6, as well as Central Office, and they hope to expand to other Districts in the future. 

 

The Committee next discussed OSHA’s Crane Operator Rule.  OSHA has issued a news release and pre-publication of the final rule yesterday for crane operator certification requirements.  OSHA will also be posting compliance assistance resources on the Cranes and Derricks in Construction webpage.  Committee members received copies of OSHA’s Trade Release on the topic. 

 

The Committee next discussed OSHA’s recent consideration of silica rule changes.  The Committee received copies of a brief on OSHA’s position. 

 

The Committee next discussed OSHA’s recent increase in enforcement of trenching safety regulations.  There has been a wave of trenching fatalities in the U.S. and OSHA is reacting to them.  The Committee was advised of OCA’s winter safety training schedule, which includes the Competent Person Class for Excavation and Trenching in January, February and March of next year. 

 

The Committee next reviewed the top 6 OSHA fines levied since May 2018.  Members were advised to review their own safety programs to ensure that they are properly addressing these critical issues. 

 

The Committee was reminded that OCA’s annual safety awards competition was underway, with a submission deadline of November 20th.  Awards will be presented at this year’s winter conference on December 4th. 

 

Under new business, Mary So, of Igel advised the Committee that Igel will host a CESWII Training Class for soil erosion at their facility on December 18.  She said they will be happy to include students from other OCA companies if they need the training. 

 

Randy Martin, of Beaver advised the Committee that there will be a free Trenching Seminar at the Canton Pro Football Hall of Fame facility on December 19.  It is sponsored by the Stark County Safety Council and OSHA.  Registration information was distributed to the Committee. 

 

With no further business the meeting was adjourned.