Site Safety Requirements
by Shirley Caraveo, M.S. Safety

What does the IIPP requirements tell us about dealing with site safety, employees and contractors?

EMPLOYEES ONLY
If you are dealing specifically with employees, the Injury and Illness Prevention Program defines specific actions which the General Contractor or Fixed Site Manager must take to assure work place safety at the job site or fixed site location. Among these responsibilities, is the requirement to:

• Define the risks of injury at the site (Hazard Assessment),
• Set a standard of safety performance (Safety Rules & Regulations, Codes of Safe Practices)
• And assure safety compliance (Inspections, Employee Motivation, Training).

CONTRACTORS AS PART OF A MULTI-EMPLOYER LOCATION
When a job site or fixed site location that is a multi-employer location, you also have to consider what your relationship is to your various subcontractors, as well. And they also need to consider their relationship with others on the site. The relationships an employer may adopt are as follows:

• Creating Employer: This employer creates conditions that are hazardous.
• Exposing Employer:  This is the employer who is exposing others to the hazard.
• Controlling Employer: This employer controls the operation where the hazard can be found.>
• Correcting Employer: This employer is responsible to correct the hazard.

Ask the Code Consultant
By Chuck Daleo

Q:  I work for a construction/management company as a project manager.  I went in to get a permit to remodel to build an accessible restroom.  The City would not issue me a permit.  They said they don’t issue building permits to the owner.  Is this right?
John S.

I interviewed John for more information and I found that he definitely represents the owner but it’s an LLC and has many partners. 

My first thought was that he could get a notarized letter authorizing him to obtain permits as the owner-builder.  However, he told me that this City does not issue permits to an owner-builder for non-residential jobs. 

I cannot figure the logic behind such an administrative decision since I know of no state law justifying such an action by the City.

I asked John if he had a contractor on board and he does.  I suggested that he send the contractor in to get the permit and be done with the problem.  He did this and the work is now permitted.

This occurrence leads to the realization that cities can almost do whatever they want –administratively – without an adopted ordinance.  The variances in these “policies” can be problematic when anyone tries to get a permit and is not aware of these policies.

governing how a building department conducts business. 

The problem was in getting this information out to the public.  These days it’s a lot easier using a city’s website.  I now search websites to determine if there’s any published policy that could affect my client’s needs. 

A policy is different from an interpretation. 

For example, a policy might allow an engineer to calculate the effective depth of a plywood shear wall when the framer punched the nail too deep past the outer ply.  A policy could also state when this happens that the shear wall must be replaced.  The first case allows for a solution.  The second case isn’t realistic and is difficult to enforce.

An interpretation of the Code should try to simplify or explain the provisions. 

For example, Section 1204.1 states that all uses must be heated to a temperature of at least 68 degrees except when human comfort is not of concern.  A strict interpretation could mean that any warehouse would have to be heated regardless of the size of the interior space.  

Who determines when human comfort is required?  The building department?  Do we believe that this will be enforced by all cities in the same way?

An interpretation by a city would clarify when human comfort is of concern.  This type of interpretation is supported by the administrative provisions of the Code.

language should include exceptions to the rule.  That is the difficult part because it is nearly impossible to cover all instances when an exception can be applied. 

More cities are now addressing issues on a case-by-case review.  They usually require an application for a code modification or an alternate method to approve something that doesn’t meet the “black and white” of the Code. 

The good part of all this is that good policies, interpretations and case-by-case reviews can solve problem areas before and after they occur.  Remember that we deal with construction and not brain surgery.  We all make mistakes but at least they are not fatal.

Q:  How should I report a bad inspector?
Anon.

This anonymous caller is actually the wife of a remodeling contractor.

She said that she is tired of listening to her husband complain about inspectors in general but there is one in particular that is driving her husband nuts.

I asked her what “bad” meant to her.  She helps with their business and she considers bad to mean having to wait “forever” for the inspector to show up at the job, not making a complete inspection, always finding something wrong and having an awful attitude.

She knows that her husband needs to vent and that what she did to me.  I told her that these are unfortunately normal complaints and they don’t justify a formal complaint, per se.  I did tell her that if this continues on all jobs with this inspector that she can speak with the senior inspector and try to get some relief. 

A complaint is justified if the inspector fails to show up when the inspection has been properly scheduled and it costs extra time.  There are other reasons for a complaint but I won’t go into those cases.

She wasn’t happy with my response but there’s not much advice I could give her. 

Chocking and Blocking Safety

Chocking and blocking prevent accidental or unintended movement of mobile equipment and cargo while workers are loading, unloading, hitching, unhitching, or performing service or maintenance. Chocking the wheels of a truck, trailer, tractor, or other piece of mobile equipment provides a physical stopper to the wheels to prevent runaways that can crush and injure workers. Blocking stabilizes cargo loads to prevent shifting and trailer overturns or provides a physical barrier on equipment to prevent accidental activation during maintenance.

When chocking, use specially designed truck wheel chocks of the appropriate size and material to securely hold the vehicle. Don’t use lumber, cinder blocks, rocks, or other make-shift items to chock. Make it easy to find and use the correct chocking equipment; store chocks inside trailers, truck rigs and/or other mobile equipment. Keep chocks available at loading docks; chain the chocks to the dock to prevent them from being misplaced.

If you drive a truck, tractor, or other mobile equipment, use special caution when exiting the vehicle. Ensure that the brakes are set, the vehicle is at a complete standstill, and that it will not roll forward or backward before you exit. If you are performing maintenance or parking the vehicle for an extended period of time, chock the wheels. To properly chock a free-standing vehicle, place chocks on the left and right rear axle wheels. It is safest to chock both the front and back wheels on both sides of a vehicle. Some vehicle wheels may also need to be chocked at the front and back of each tire.

Ensure that trailers are firmly placed against the loading dock edges and prevent rollaways by using chocks. Place chocks on the left and right wheels that are closest to the loading dock. This placement allows a forklift to push down on the trailer wheels and seat them more firmly against the chock. If only the front axle is chocked, a forklift could push the trailer forward and loosen the chock or cause the wheel to jump the chock. The driver, dock workers, and forklift drivers share the responsibility to ensure that the truck and trailer wheels are properly chocked.

Use extra caution when driving a forklift into a trailer from the dock edge; if the trailer rolls away from the dock edge, the forklift can fall into the gap and cause severe injuries or death. Never drive a forklift into a trailer until you ensure that the wheels are properly chocked. Ensure that the trailer floor is in good condition and that it can support the weight of the forklift and its load.

Block or secure trailer cargo to prevent the load from shifting during transit and unloading. Shifting loads can strike, injure, and engulf workers while a sudden shift in center of gravity can overturn a trailer. Securely block all cargo, not just wheeled equipment and round items (e.g., wire reels). Block items separately and on all four sides using lumber thick enough to prevent cargo movement. Use nails or spikes long enough to secure the lumber and drive them in at opposing angles. Don’t use other freight or cargo as a block. When performing maintenance on equipment that could pose a pinch hazard, block it to prevent accidental activation.

Don’t be a blockhead; chocking and blocking prevents serious injuries caused by runaway vehicles, shifting cargo, and accidentally activated machinery.

The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.

Seguridad con el Uso de Cuñas y Calzos

El uso de cuñas y calzos evita el movimiento accidental o inesperado de equipos móviles y carga cuando los trabajadores están cargando, descargando, conectando desconectando remolques, o haciendo mantenimiento o servicio. El uso de cuñas en las ruedas de los camiones, remolques, tractores u otros equipos móviles brinda una barrera física al movimiento de las ruedas para evitar que el equipo se desplace y atropelle o lesione a un trabajador. Los calzos estabilizan la carga para evitar que se desplace en tránsito volcando el remolque, o proporciona una barrera física en los equipos para evitar que se accionen accidentalmente durante las operaciones de mantenimiento.

Al poner cuñas en las ruedas, use cuñas especialmente diseñadas para ruedas de camiones, del tamaño y materiales apropiados para detener con efectividad el vehículo. No se deben usar a guisa de cuñas pedazos de madera, bloques de cenizas, piedras u otros materiales improvisados. Facilite encontrar y usar las cuñas apropiadas; guárdelas dentro de los remolques, camiones u otros vehículos. Tenga siempre cuñas disponibles en andenes de carga; encadene las cuñas al andén para evitar que se pierdan.

Si usted conduce un camión, tractor u otros vehículos, tenga especial cuidado al salir del mismo. Asegúrese de dejar puesto el freno, que el vehículo esté completamente inmóvil y que no pueda desplazarse hacia adelante o hacia a tras antes de que usted salga del mismo. Si está haciendo mantenimiento o estacionando el vehículo por largo tiempo, póngale cuñas bajo las ruedas. Para acuñar correctamente un vehículo, coloque cuñas bajo las ruedas traseras izquierda y derecha. Lo más seguro es poner cuñas bajo las ruedas delanteras y traseras en ambos lados del vehículo. En algunos vehículos también puede ser necesario poner cuñas adelante y atrás de cada rueda.

Asegúrese de que los remolques queden firmemente apoyados contra el borde del andén de carga y evite que se desplacen usando cuñas. Coloque las cuñas bajo las ruedas izquierda y derecha más cercanas al andén de carga. Las cuñas en esta posición le permiten al montacargas hacer presión sobre las ruedas del remolque y asentarlas más firmemente sobre las cuñas. Si sólo se ponen cuñas bajo las ruedas delanteras, los montacargas pueden empujar el remolque hacia adelante y aflojar las cuñas, o hacer que la rueda se salte sobre la cuña. El conductor, los trabajadores del patio de carga y los conductores de los montacargas comparten la responsabilidad de asegurar que las ruedas del camión y el remolque tengan bien puestas las cuñas.

Tenga especial cuidado al conducir un montacargas entrando del andén de carga a un remolque, ya que si el remolque se desplaza alejándose del andén el montacargas puede caer en el espacio que queda libre y ocasionar lesiones graves o muerte. Nunca entre con un montacargas a un remolque hasta que haya comprobado que el remolque tiene bien puestas las cuñas. Asegúrese de que el piso del remolque esté en buenas condiciones y de que puede soportar el peso del montacargas y de su carga.

Calce o asegure la carga en el remolque para evitar que ésta se desplace en tránsito o durante su descarga. Las cargas que se desplazan pueden golpear, lesionar o sepultar a un trabajador, y un desplazamiento súbito puede cambiar el centro de gravedad y hacer volcar al remolque. Calce correctamente todas las cargas, no sólo los vehículos y los artículos redondos (ejemplo: rollos de cables). Calce cada artículo por separado y por los cuatro lados usando tablas de suficiente tamaño para evitar que la carga se mueva. Use clavos o púas de suficiente longitud para sujetar la madera y póngalos en ángulos opuestos. No use otras partes de la carga como calces. Al hacer mantenimiento en equipos que puedan presentar un peligro de quedar atrapado, cálcelo para evitar que se desplace accidentalmente.

Sea precavido; el uso de cuñas y calces previene lesiones graves causadas por el desplazamiento accidental de vehículos, de la carga o de maquinaria.

The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.

Kalb's Q&A for Contractors
By David Kalb, President of Capitol
Services, Inc.
Kalb's Q&A for Contractors

Centuries ago in ancient times all roads led to Rome.  In California’s contractor licensing world all roads lead to CSLB HQ in Sacramento. When filing on time is a crucial issue going to the ‘source’ is often the best bet for success…

Q:  My husband and I own a building company in Northern CA.   On our renewal date for comp insurance, we chose to drop State Fund and go with a different carrier.  Our new Worker’s Compensation certificate was sent to the CSLB showing a different Insurance company but using the same effective date -- 10-1-2011.  There was no lapse in coverage; however we just received a notice from the CSLB that our license will be suspended retroactively to 10-1-2011 unless we provide a current certificate (which they already have).  

The problem is they’re 2 to 3 weeks behind in their paperwork, and even though we are in compliance, they think we’re not.  What can we do to ensure our license is not suspended???  I’m pretty sure our certificate is in the pile of thousands of others as this is a very popular renewal date.  We’ve already had one potential customer ask us about this “problem.”  Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.  
 
A:  One solution would be to come to Sacramento and hand-deliver a new Certificate to the Contractor’s Board (or you could have someone deliver it to them on your behalf).  A second option would be to call the Board and see if you can fax this form to someone in the Worker’s Comp Unit.  Either way, I suggest asking them to quickly put it on record since this delay is unnecessarily costing you business.  Regardless, when your Certificate is finally processed, the Board should backdate your records so no suspension will show up on your license history.

Q:  I am a 50% owner and Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) of my General contractor corporation. I am approaching retirement age and would like one of my sons to ‘step up’ and take over.  He has worked in many capacities for us for over 10 years. I understand that the Board may grant a test waiver if a close relative is replacing an RMO in a family business.

My question is, if my son puts in an application and is granted the waiver and is issued the license do I have to remove myself immediately as RMO or could my son have the license and be the backup in a long-term plan, say 1 or 2 years?

A:  You’re correct, the CSLB will consider applications for replacing the RMO with a waiver of the law and trade exams. However, there are two parts to this code section (7065.1) so it’s important to reference the correct one.  As you stated, the CSLB “MAY” grant a waiver; however it depends on how the application is prepared and the wording of your son’s certification of work experience.

You have an option of remaining on the license as a ‘corporate’ officer; however, once your son becomes the official Qualifier you will no longer be the ‘responsible managing’ officer (RMO).  The CSLB will not simultaneously allow two Qualifiers on the same license for the same classification.  To implement your “long-term plan” you may want to wait until a few months before retiring and then begin the application process.

Before beginning the replacement process, note that the Hazardous and Asbestos Certifications you hold are NOT subject to any waivers.  Your son would need to first qualify as RMO, then file applications one at a time for the ‘ASB’ or ‘HAZ’, and pass both exams.  You cannot remain as the “RMO” for Certifications only.  These are tied directly to your “A” classification.

While knowledge is power, knowing where to go for the answers is half the battle. Get expert assistance immediately when you call 866-443-0657, email info@cutredtape.com, or write me at Capitol Services, Inc., 1225 8th St. Ste. 580, Sacramento, CA 95814. Research past columns at www.cutredtape.com.