Construction Site Accident Prevention Basics

By Lydia Quinn

Accidents at construction sites can be a real hazard not just for workers, but for people and cars passing by the site. However, there are some essential tips to know for workers and passersby to keep safe while work is going on.

If you are driving, a good way to avoid issues with construction sites, including the annoying slowdowns or long stops, is to avoid those areas in the first place. Before heading out for work, turn on your local TV news or check their mobile app for a traffic report. Most traffic reports include any news of construction related closures, detours or slowdowns. When in your car, check the local news radio station for their alerts as well. When passing near a construction zone, be sure to pay attention for any barricades, warning lights or flaggers ahead and adjust your speed accordingly. Also stay aware of any merging lanes, many times a lane will be closed for road repair or construction.

Barricades and scaffolding are two things to be aware of as well. You should never try to ascend or climb onto scaffolding or go over or around any barricades. There's a reason they are there, to keep you away from possibly dangerous areas. Many worksites are abandoned at night or on weekends, be sure to stay away from worksites during these times and make sure you aren't going into any restricted areas. Warning lights and signals are used often around worksites, pay attention to them. One great example of a warning light is a barricade light. Barricade lights are simply standard barricades with lights mounted on top of them. These lights can be electrically powered but can also be solar powered so they work in areas that may not yet have electric power or don't have electricity near them. Barricades and barricade lights are perfect for keeping people away from areas or roadways that they shouldn't be in. They work in a number of ways.

There are thousands of construction and road work related accidents and injuries each year, and many are preventable with some common sense safety tips and just paying attention to your surroundings. Remember, if you see something that may be a violation of safety rules or just seems to be dangerous to you, report it to the proper authorities. Construction sites can be very dangerous, never take chances and always be paying attention to stay safe.

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What to Consider When Choosing A Plate Compactor

By Leo Eigenberg

A plate compactor is an essential tool to make sure the ground is solid, sturdy and flat before laying concrete, asphalt or paving stones. Preparing the ground will minimize issues with shifting, cracking and crumbling in the future and ensure the new ground surface lasts for the long-term. Let's take a look at a few of the most important things to consider in the process of choosing the right plate compactor for your project:

Single or reversible

The plate compactor can be split into several types with the single and reversible model the most popular option. The single plate compactor is the preferred choice for smaller scale jobs that involve working on asphalt or similar materials. It is designed to move in a single direction only.

The reversible plate compactor is the more heavy-duty and versatile tool with the ability to operate in both directions. It is a practical option for working on large commercial projects that involve sub base compaction or working at deeper depths. Also, this type of compactor is the preferred choice when working in tight areas. The ability to move in a forwards and backwards direction means there is no need to turn the machine around.

Plates

A further point to consider is the size and shape of the actual plate. The most common types are made in materials like ductile iron and steel. Also, the shape of the plate can have an impact on how well the ground is compacted. One of the easiest to use options is the curved plate because it is a lot more straightforward to turn and easier to maneuver around obstacles.

Also, the area you are compacting will have an influence on the size of plate. The large plate will cover more ground on each pass, but it is still important to consider the travel speed of the tool. The travel speed is measured in feet per minute. Make sure the chosen tool can complete the project in the shortest time possible.

Vibration

The plate compactor will vibrate while in use, but the amount of vibration per minute (VPM) can vary significantly between the different models. The amount of vibration directly relates to the force of impact generated by the tool. The harder the ground surface, the amount of force and vibration necessary will increase. It is important that the operator in charge of the plate compactor chooses a model that is user-friendly and easy to handle.

Discover more about the different choices with the    plate compactor.