Recognize  Hazards Begin  by  recognizing  that  construction  is  a dangerous business. The potential for death or serious injury  is  present  daily  on  jobsites.  Identify   very specifically what hazards could cause death or injury. One  obvious  hazard  in  the  pier  example  is  drowning. Identify Corrective Action Our  primary  reference  for  preventive  measures  is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements  Manual,  EM  385-1-1,  October  1992. The table of contents, section 5, addresses work near water. In chapter 5, specific requirements for work safety  near  the  water  include  the  following: —  A  U.S.  Coast  Guard-approved  international orange  personal  flotation  device  (PFD)  type  III, type V, or better vest must be provided to and worn  by  persons  on  structures  extending  over or adjacent to water unless guardrails or safety nets are in place. — The PFD must be inspected for defects before and after each use. — Ring buoys, conforming to 46 CFR 160 (U.S. Coast   Guard-approved),   with   90   feet   of 3/8-inch solid braid polypropylene (or equal) attached, must be provided at intervals of not more than 200 feet on piers extending over or immediately  adjacent  to  water. —   At   least   one   equipped   skiff   must   be immediately   available   at   locations   where employees are working over or immediately adjacent to water. — Personnel trained in launching and operating the  skiff  must  be  readily  available  during working  hours. Obtain Equipment/Material/Training The Ops department and safety office will provide assistance in obtaining the PFDs, the buoys, and the skiff.  The  customer  may  be  persuaded  to  provide unavailable equipment, or the equipment will have to be  purchased/rented  using  project  funds.  Training  for the crew in operating the skiff maybe required and the Ops and training departments will assist in setting up this  training. Ensure Personnel Awareness Use  the  daily  5-minute  stand-up  safety  lecture  to ensure  the  crew  understands  the  proper  use  and purpose of the safety equipment and the locations of the  buoys  and  the  skiff.  Safety  lectures  must  address all  hazards  identified  on  the  CAS  sheet  for  work scheduled that day. Remember to inspect the PFDs before and after each use. Proper  Supervision The crew leader is responsible for ensuring that personnel wear PFDs at all times while on the pier. Emergency  Response To  be  sure  that  an  emergency  response  is  not delayed,  the  location  of  the  nearest  phone,  a  map showing   the   nearest   medical   facility   or   first-aid station, and all emergency phone numbers must be posted  on  the  jobsite. Investigate and Report Any  mishap  (regardless  of  how  minor)  or  near miss   must   be   investigated   and   documented. Documentation  helps  minimize  the  chance  that  an incident will happen again. Figure 2-28 is the form used  for  the  supervisor’s  report  of  injury. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES The safety responsibilities for various levels in the chain  of  command  are  listed  in  the  NCF   Safety Manual. Crew  Leader’s  Responsibilities Crew  leaders  and  other  supervisors  are  identified in the  NCF  Safety  Manual  as the  key  people in a successful and aggressive safety program. The  NCF Safety Manual  lists but is not limited to the following responsibilities: Being familiar with safety rules and regulations for jobs and facilities in his/her area, and acting in a safe manner. Enforcing safety rules and correcting unsafe acts. Inspecting jobs and work areas for hazards and taking corrective action. 2-38