Most common reasons to want to ride on equipment are,
• Hitch a ride - easiest way to get to another location
• Talk to operator while working - not to slow down operation
• Observe unusual noise on function -mechanics or supervisors assisting
• Training purposes - new or refresher
• I am sure there are many more.

Before you ride ask yourself what are my intentions and what best practice should I use. Best practices for riding on equipment are generally identified in the operator manual. Manufactures will identify what devices are installed for safe operation. Such as extra seats, walkway with rails, etc

Several UNAUTHORIZED riding practices are
• on pickup truck tail gate or in bed
• in bucket or on forks
• outside cab of equipment
• riding without seatbelt ON
 
At Remedial Construction Services, (RECON) NO ONE shall ride on equipment unless authorized in JSA/JASP using "best practices" in accordance with equipment manufactures specification and onsite engineering controls. General rule; if you cannot utilize a seat belt DO NOT RIDE.

At Remedial Construction Services communication with SSE's (short service employees) is of the upmost importance.  Communication is a key resource for avoiding failure on any environmental remediation, bioremediation, or geotechnical construction project as it promotes awareness and training throughout the day.  New people coming in to RECON may not be new to the industry but they are new to RECONS policies and procedures.  There are many employees that hire on to this company that say "I have never worked for a company that was so intense about their safety program and shows a genuine concern for my health.”
 
Mentoring offers a couple of different opportunities and if you don't mentor then you have robbed yourself of the chance to:
1.) Teach someone the right way, the safe way to do things.
2.) Hear a fresh new concept.  Let's face it when we have done the same job for years we tend to develop tunnel vision.  A young person coming in with little to no experience may surprise you with new ideas.
3.) To prove that you have what it takes to be a leader.  It's difficult to increase your opportunities with any company if you're not willing to be a leader.
4.) To save a life!  To be the one that saved another person's life is rewarding.
 
Safety Slogan: Communicate with your SSE's, because mentoring is the key!!!!

THE MYTH:
People don't have to take any responsibility for their own health and safety

THE REALITY: 
Remedial Construction Services has a duty to protect workers and the public from dangers caused by RECON's work. RECON's H&S department is committed to making sure we do that. However, health and safety isn't entirely RECON's or the H&S teams or someone else's responsibility. We all have a duty to keep ourselves safe, by using our Stop Work Authority, properly assessing hazards before we begin work each day on an environmental remediation or bioremediation job site, and not putting ourselves or others in danger.

REMEMBER:
throughout the holidays and always that SAFETY is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!! It's important that we aren't put at risk by other people's actions, but if we ignore our own responsibilities, real risks can get missed. Playing the blame game doesn't keep people safe - better to rely on common sense and co-operation and working the program daily by task by crew.

As Remedial Construction Services, (RECON) moves into higher hazard work regarding demolition, special attention should be focused on increased awareness, communication, and engineering controls to mitigate hazards on these projects:
• The simple nature of a demolition project creates continued changing conditions.  Therefore, always thoroughly review your JSAs/JSAPs each day and discuss how the project will change as progress is achieved, and implement a "Stop Work" at any time if a situation arises which requires communication and engagement by the project team to adequately assess and mitigate the condition(s).
• Always review hazardous materials survey information (e.g., lead based paint, ACM, universal waste, etc.) prior to commencement of field operations, and insure these areas (if not abated) are properly and clearly marked for identification purposes.
• When setting up a controlled work zone within a high hazard area, be aware of wind direction by utilizing a wind sock to constantly observe wind direction.  Always designate a primary and contingency safe zone based on typical prevailing wind direction as falling debris may be directed in the path of wind.  In addition, when lead based paints are present on the exterior surfaces, wind-blown dust/lead particulates will travel in the path of wind. Appropriate respiratory protection should be assessed to minimize chemical exposure potential.
• Understand that during demolition, debris "will" fall, and as such, designate a radius between the active work area and workers such that no personnel should be allowed entry into the "restricted barrier zone" during active demolition.   The restricted barrier zone radius should consider the height of structure and wind direction.
• Review your applicable state/federal OSHA regulations which govern the requirement to perform pre- and post-work blood lead and zinc protoporphyrin screening (state of California has specific requirements regarding lead in construction - CCR Title 8, Section 5192 which supersedes the federal standard).  Measurement of zinc protoporphyrin in red blood cells has been used as a screening test for lead poisoning. 
• Never enter a structure or building after demolition is in progress.  Structural integrity can be greatly diminished very quickly while appearing safe for entry.
• Demolition debris always has jagged or sharp edges, nails etc.  Maintain proper good housekeeping and security of demotion debris.
• Use of hard tire or track equipment in lieu of rubber tire equipment will reduce tire damage.

Remedial Construction Services, LP (RECON) management and supervisors should always ensure that when an employee is tasked with operating specialized off-road vehicles, they have been properly trained in the operation of that equipment. Make sure that the employee has read through the operator manual and has taken the RECON operator test for that specific piece of equipment. The supervisor must also perform a functionality test and document that the operator has demonstrated knowledge of all the controls and can operate the equipment safely. The supervisor or qualified operator must also perform a ride-a -long for new drivers.  The amount of time spent in the ride-a-long depends on the individual.  During the ride-a-long, the supervisor and trainer must also document the skill level and sign the operator training record.

These are the minimum requirements and these documents must be on file at the jobsite for each operator for each piece of equipment that the employee operates. Just because a RECON employee has an operators card that has several pieces of equipment on the card, does not mean he/she can operate the equipment safely on your site.  As an environmental contractor, every site has its own hazards whether we are on an environmental remediation or bioremediation site, performing geotechnical services or performing hazardous waste management.