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ITD to offer OSHA course to roadway workers

ITD employees who work on roadway construction and maintenance projects will be better able to recognize hazards and reduce the risk of injury and death after completing an optional 10-hour training program now available for delivery in each district.

Jointly developed and distributed by the National Safety Council and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, the course is the first of its kind that focuses directly on the day-to-day hazards facing roadway construction workers.

“There has been strong interest among employees the past six or eight years,” explains Garth Newman, a technical training specialist for ITD. “Now it’s ready for delivery.”

Employees need to complete a 733 Nomination for Training form and have the approval of their immediate supervisor to take the course. Wayne Curtis of District 5 and Trey Mink of District 4, along with three outside trainers, will present the two-day course to groups of 12-15 people.

Newman said about 50 ITD personnel have completed the course as part of the Resident Engineers’ Academy. The course has not been available outside of the academy until now, he said.

“It’s all about safety – safety for our workers and for contractors’ workers. We all want to get off work tonight and go home… Our role is to try to prevent injuries and accidents.

“I believe that’s one of the reasons we may require that contractors have at least one person on the work site who has completed the training. We want to raise awareness so they understand all of the safety risks and hazards.”

Much of the course content is “common sense,” he explains. “But this brings awareness to the surface again so we don’t take it for granted.”

The course focuses on practical approaches to recognizing and controlling construction hazards identified by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA). Course participants will learn about the importance of identifying, controlling and eliminating common construction hazards as a way of preventing deaths, injuries and illnesses.

“It teaches you to respond positively to OSHA safety and health regulatory compliance issues that are specific to roadway construction,” according to course developers.

Among the modules included in the 10-hour, two-day training are: