Ardaman & Associates, Inc. A Tetra Tech Company Newsletter July 7, 2016 Driver Distractions ONE TEXT OR CALL, COULD WRECK IT ALL Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America's roadways. In 2014, 3,179 people were killed, and 431,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. The U.S. Department of Transportation is leading the effort to stop texting and cell phone use behind the wheel. Since 2009, they have held two national distracted driving summits, banned texting and cell phone use for commercial drivers, encouraged states to adopt tough laws, and launched several campaigns to raise public awareness about the issue. One of the best ways for drivers to avoid crashes is to avoid distractions. Activities, such as texting, eating, or playing loud music while driving, are unnecessary distractions. By paying attention and eliminating potential distractions, you can ensure safety on the road. Inside this issue: Driving Safety Page 2 Ardaman Update Page 3,4 Quiz Page 5 Types of Distractions: Knowing what the three main types of distractions are can help you recognize activities that could potentially be distracting you from driving. Manual - taking your hands off the wheel Visual - taking your eyes off the road Cognitive - taking your mind off driving Texting: A Major Cause of Distraction Texting is one of the leading causes of distracted driving in the country, and here is why it is so dangerous: it encompasses all three of the major types of distractions. It requires you to manually take your hands off the wheel, you are looking at your cell phone instead of the road, and you have to mentally digest what you are reading and think up a response - which takes your mind off driving. Stay Off the Phone Hands free does not mean distraction free. The real issue at the core of talking on a mobile device while you are driving is cognitive distraction. This means being distracted mentally by the topic of a conversation, as opposed to being physically distracted by operating the phone. One answer to avoiding this kind of distraction is simply not answering your cell phone when driving. If you absolutely have to, such as in the case of an emergency, either keep it extremely short, and use a hands free phone or pull over and park. What is distracted driving? Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include: Texting Using a cell phone or smartphone Eating and drinking Talking to passengers Grooming Reading, including maps Using a navigation system Watching a video Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player Contact Information: Health & Safety Ardaman & Associates, Inc. Brett A. Buxbaum Orlando, FL P: (407) 855-3860 X 2413 Cell: (407)509-3085 BBuxbaum@ardaman.com Safety Question: How often should you check your mirrors while driving? A. 2 seconds B. 5-8 seconds C. 3-4 seconds D. Never Answer on page 4
Page 2 Common Causes of Backing Accidents Driving Continued 1. Backing Unnecessarily. The complete avoidance of backing is sometimes possible. Many drivers do not look for parking locations where they don t need to back at all. When possible avoid backing into spots if you can pull through instead. 2. Blind Areas. Naturally, backing requires us to travel into areas that can t be seen from the driver s seat. Blind areas often contain a variety of hazards that drivers don t detect in advance. If you have any doubt about blind areas when backing, a walk around inspection is recommended. 3. Vehicle design. When a vehicle moves in reverse, an awkward relationship exists between front and rear wheels. The rear wheels lead, rather than being led in the usual manner. There are aspects of this rear-pushing maneuver that can cause accidents for drivers who fail to acknowledge the difference or compensate for it. Move your vehicle slowly. 4. Infrequent Backing Practice. Because drivers move forward most of the time, their experience in driving backward is relatively low. Their backing skills are simply less developed due to infrequent practice. Take your time while backing up. 5. Inadequate Mental Preparation for Backing. Perhaps the most common cause of backing accidents is the driver who does not think things through before acting. This driver does not gather enough advanced information about the backing environment and its surroundings. Inadequate mental preparation has many causes. For example, the driver may be preoccupied, in a hurry or having a bad day. Whatever the reason, the driver who is not fully aware of the environment is the most frequent victim of backing accidents. Always conduct a LMSA (Last Minute Safety Assessment), and make sure you are focused on the task at hand. 6. Inadequate Information During Backing. Blind areas are one thing, but visible objects are another. Many drivers don t watch for the obvious objects they can hit as they negotiate the backing maneuver. When in doubt, stop the vehicle and get out and walk around to gather more information or ask for assistance from a spotter. Pay Attention While Driving! "I never saw them!" is the most common excuse heard after a collision. Was the other vehicle invisible? Virtually all collisions involve inattention on the part of one or both drivers. Inattention can involve many things, some of which are daydreaming, distractions, eating, sleepiness, fatigue, "highway hypnosis", talking to others, talking on the phone, etc. A moving vehicle develops thousands of foot-pounds of energy. YOU as a driver have the responsibility not to use that energy to injure or kill others, or damage their property. Paying attention makes it possible for you to see, recognize and avoid the hazards lurking on the road; these are the three basic elements of defensive driving. The primary attribute necessary for a safe driver is alertness, and paying attention is the most important driving task because it helps create the time you need to recognize hazards and avoid a collision. One statistic often quoted is that most collisions happen within a short distance from home. Why is this true? Since we mostly drive in our own neighborhoods, the odds are we'll have most of our mishaps there. We are more comfortable closer to home and perhaps we let our guard down (and the other driver does the same thing). You have heard that "familiarity breeds contempt"? Better yet, familiarity breeds inattention. This also applies to the area around our offices. We don't often consider that serious or fatal injuries can occur in low speed collisions. While it is important for you to be alert and aware, it isn't an easy task. Here is a challenge for you. The next time you drive, try concentrating solely on the driving task. Think of nothing else. Then see how far you get before your mind wanders. Many drivers will not even get out of the parking lot! Seasoned drivers don't have to think about driving much. It's something we do automatically, and our minds are free to wander. And our minds want to wander. Have you ever driven somewhere and been so lost in thought that you could not remember anything about the trip itself? Is this a problem? Is this a curable problem? Paying attention can become a habit, but you have to work at it. Make conscious, persistent choices not to eat while driving, or whatever you do that takes your attention off where your moving vehicle is pointed. Connect your mind to your eyes and work at consciously analyzing what you see while you drive. This is called "situational awareness." Driving is the most dangerous thing most of us ever do. It deserves your full attention.
Page 3 Injury Incidents: Ardaman Update Employee was cutting rubber flooring in a gym to access the concrete below. While cutting the rubber, the box knife slipped and cut his thumb. Prior to performing tasks, conduct a LMSA and review the JSA for that task if available. Always wear cut resistant gloves when cutting textiles and geo-composite liners and use box cutters with auto-retractable blades. First Aid Only. Employee stepped on a nail while walking from the dumpster to the office in the back storage lot. The nail penetrated the bottom of the shoe and went into his toe. Remember to assess work areas prior to entry. Maintain housekeeping around our office properties and remove slip, trip, fall, and puncture hazards. First Aid Only. Employee was removing a tare from the oven and felt his finger burning even though he was wearing the oven gloves. Employee received minor burn on his index finger. Upon further inspection, the index finger on the glove had worn through. Prior to using PPE, always inspect the PPE to ensure it is in good condition. First Aid Only. Employee was operating the drill rig and standing at the operator panel. While drilling he felt an itching sensation on his forearm. A bite mark was left in the area and caused swelling in the forearm. The area contained numerous deer and yellow flies. When working in wooded or vegetative areas, long sleeves should be worn to reduce skin exposure. Insect repellants should also be considered depending on the types of insects present. First Aid Only. Employee was examining a piece of silica rock at their desk. They moved their finger across the edge of the rock resulting in a laceration to the tip of their index finger. When examining rocks and materials, gloves should be worn until assessments can be made to reduce the need for PPE. First Aid Only. Employee was inserting drill rod into the borehole. While lowering the rod, a metal burr on the rod caught his right glove and a metal splinter went through the glove and into his finger. Employee was wearing proper PPE which helped reduce the severity of the injury. First Aid Only. Employee was readjusting themselves in their chair. While placing his hands onto the arms of the chair to adjust himself, his arm rubbed against the interior arm of the chair. The chair arm had padding missing exposing a metal burr which grazed his arm and resulted in a quarter size abrasion and small cut to the elbow. Periodically inspect office equipment to ensure safe operation. If equipment is deteriorating, repair or replace it. First Aid Only. Vehicle/ Equipment Incidents: Employee was backing up the chase truck on a wooded property. The crew chief was backing up the rig on the site at the same time as the chase truck. The helper had the tailgate down on the truck and had checked his left and right mirrors but forgot to check the rear mirror. While backing he misjudged distances and failed to see the tree that was behind the truck. Employee struck the tree with the tailgate. When backing or moving large equipment or when visibility is compromised always use a spotter. Do not move pickup trucks with the tailgates down as the increased length of the vehicle and the ability to judge distances to objects is changed. Employee was stopped at a red traffic light and was struck from behind. Employee was traveling southbound on the interstate in the rain at approximately 40 mph in traffic when traffic suddenly stopped. Employee hit the brakes but struck the vehicle in front of him (Vehicle #2) which was then pushed into the other vehicle in front of it (Vehicle #3). Per the Smith System we must always try to achieve a safe following distance of 4 seconds. When conditions change (e.g. inclement weather, extra weight in vehicle, etc. ) safe following distances must be increased to provide extra time to identify and react to hazards. In addition, we must always Aim High In Steering and look 15 seconds ahead to help us identify changes in traffic or other hazards that may be present. Remember to limit distractions while driving. Employee was driving in a muddy area on the job site and got stuck. When the employee backed out to get the vehicle unstuck, the front valance caught on some mud and pulled the front valance (chin spoiler) off. When traveling to job sites where off road requirements may be needed, chose vehicles with an increased ground clearance (e.g. truck). Ardaman trucks that are available with 4x4 allow greater ground clearance and have better drivetrains for traveling in off road areas. Safety Audits: Identified Hazards from 21 Safety audits conducted in the month of June. Housekeeping: Employee observed slip hazard from water on the floor of the lab and did not clean up hazard prior to performing task. Alway s perform a LMSA prior to the task and remove hazards to ensure a safe work environment. Housekeeping: Employee observed slip/trip hazard created from concrete debris in the concrete area. Periodical housekeeping in areas shoul d be completed throughout the work day to reduce hazards. IF IT S NOT SAFE, STOP. DON T DO IT THAT WAY.
Page 4 Ardaman Update Continued Ardaman Health and Safety Recognition Awards A safety sticker was awarded to the following individuals: Evelio Horta Jr: For recognition of an unsafe condition on a job site. Teenagers had access a site and were exposed to unguarded trenches and other hazards. Employee escorted teens off site and had contractor place guarding around trenches and repair damage fence on property. (Miami) Jason Manning: For recognition of a struck by hazard involving multiple LBR molds stacked on a countertop. The employee notified the technician in the lab of the hazard and discussed the unsafe practice. (Cocoa) Bill Singleton: For observation of a slip hazard in yard area left by drillers. Employee cleaned up the hazard and notified Safety Coordinator to discuss housekeeping practices with crew. (Baton Rouge) Kevin Bedsole: For observation of a contractor on site operating a hand compactor without hearing protection. The employee handed out hearing protection to him and discussed the potential for hearing loss. (Shreveport) Biffle Davis: For recognition and response actions involving a 3rd party vehicle accident along a public road. Employee contacted emergency response crews and provided first aid until first responders arrived. Employee additionally received a gift card for his actions. (Fort Myers) Jake Meeks: For observation unsafe condition from an oil leak in a vehicle that was caused by an improper oil change at the dealership. Dealership was contacted regarding issue and valuable lesson shared with entire company regarding inspection of work after oil changes from shops. (Bartow) Near Miss/ Hazard Identification: Highlighted Near Misses from 26 reports received for the Month of June Employee observed three 5 gallon buckets stacked up in the lab with soil in them. The weight of the buckets was causing them to lean over and could potentially fall causing an injury. To ensure stability of the buckets in the lab, never stack more than two full buckets of heavy materials on top of each other. Employee observed a contractor on site operating heavy equipment and a hydraulic hose on the backhoe failed and started shooting hydraulic fluid in the air. The contractor employees were not wearing safety glasses which could have resulted in fluid going into their eyes. Workers were wearing hard hats which kept most of the fluid off of them. PPE is always the last line of defense when reducing exposure to a hazard. Safety glasses must always be worn on construction sites and where unknown hazards may exist. Employee entered CMT Lab and while standing next to the counter, the Laboratory proctor machine engaged unexpectedly. The hammer on the machine began to raise and drop. Laboratory proctor machines have a safety latch on them. The safety latch must always be secured when the machine is not in use. In addition, check outlets and breakers to ensure they are not overloaded and shorts are not present that could cause surges to equipment. Employee was observing a contractor performing deep dynamic compaction. During the work, debris was sent into the air and shattered the crane operators windshield. Work was stopped and area was inspected to evaluate material conditions and source of the hazard. Always designate an exclusion area around heavy equipment and only authorized personnel should enter the area after confirmation with operator of the equipment. Employee observed a contractor on site using an A-frame ladder incorrectly (in closed position) and also entered a confined space without proper permitting and training. Client was notified and contractor removed employees from area until proper training was completed for ladder use and confined space entry. Confined space entrant training is required for any personnel entering a confined space, in addition, all members involved with the confined space must be trained for their position including the Supervisor, Attendant, Entrant, and Confined Space Rescue Team (CSRT required when entering a permit confined space). Safety Question Answer: B Per the Smith System, mirrors should be checked every 5-8 seconds to help in getting the big picture around your vehicle.
July 2016 Safety Quiz Please circle the letter of the answer that fits best. Some answers can be found in the newsletter 1. Which of the following are considered main types of distractions while driving? A. Manual B. Visual C. Cognitive D. All the above 2. When a vehicle accident occurs, do not admit liability at the scene. A. False B. True 3. One of the most common causes of accidents involving backing up results from. A. Blind areas B. Infrequent backing practice C. Inadequate information while backing D. All the above 4. Texting while driving is a major cause for distractions and is not allowed in Ardaman vehicles while driving. A. False B. True 5. Vehicle design can contribute to accidents when backing up a vehicle. 6. When possible you should try to find a parking spot that does not require backing out. 7. To reduce slip/trip/fall hazards on a site, housekeeping should be performed? A. Daily B. Continuously C. At the end of the shift D. All the above 8. Driver performance and behavior for our company is an important aspect of how others view our company. 9. After reporting a vehicle accident to the authorities, you should exchange information with the other driver and use the IR-C report located in your vehicle to organize the information. 10. When stopped at red lights or in traffic, always leave a 1 car length buffer zone in front of the vehicle. 11. When should you inspect your PPE? A. Never B. Prior to use C. During use D. All the above All Ardaman employees must complete the quiz and turn it in by the end of each month. For those individuals who cannot attend the monthly safety meeting please complete the quiz and submit it to your supervisor for approval. These will be sent to HR/H&S. All others must submit the quiz at the designated location at your office. The supervisor only needs to sign the quiz if you are unable to attend the meeting, you must explain the reason in the box below: Print Name Here Sign Name Here Date Supervisor Print Name Here Supervisor Sign Name Here Date