In the construction industry, laborers are 4 times more likely to suffer injuries to the hand and lower extremities as workers in other industries are. In a study funded by the Center for Construction Research & Training, 2,916 injured construction workers were classified into injury categories by percent of injuries suffered.

38.9% of the reported injuries were fractures, abrasions, sprains or lacerations to the hands or fingers
19.5% of the reported injuries were to the feet, knees and legs
18.9% of the injuries were to the back10.9% of the injuries were to the head and/or neck10.6% of the injuries were to the elbow or shoulder

Recommendation:

Reviewing RECON Safety Procedures as a refresher covering PPE, hazard assessment and daily work planning will lessen the possibility of an injury.

STOP WORK - RECON started 2011 with an objective to further emphasize and maximize effectiveness of our Stop Work program. Specifically, we have focused a lot of attention this year on stopping work activity when conditions change or even when someone is unsure of a safety condition. Interestingly, some of the BP auditors had a feeling that something wasn't right during their walk-around. They couldn't put a finger on what it was, but later acknowledged that they should have stopped and investigated further.

Action: At RECON, a changed condition or even just a feeling that something may not be right MUST elicit an immediate STOP WORK. Stop, evaluate, confirm or re-plan, and communicate - before restarting work. This is the core of RECON's behavior based safety program!

• Expertise - Auditors are not necessarily experts in all areas that they review. It would be very difficult to identify such an individual. The BP Sr. Mgrs were certainly not expert in all areas related to oil well management. Nevertheless, it was later recognized that had the managers consulted with an expert concerning some of the issues that they were auditing, it may have identified concerns that went unnoticed.
• Action: Seek expert opinion and insight prior or during an audit in areas where such knowledge may be lacking or beneficial.

• Interference - Last month, we discussed that a worker's "behavior" is more difficult to audit than a "condition" such as a permit or JSAP because the worker is dynamic (actively working). All too often, auditors fall into the trap of not wanting to interfere with an employee that is engaged in his work task. This is perhaps one of the most challenging concerns facing the auditor. Should I audit a productive worker that is doing his job? We must remember that the reason for the safety audit is to assure that the worker is performing his job correctly (safely).
• Action: Go to where the work is being performed, observe and determine face to face if he understands the task and its risks.