© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 1 Construction Safety Talks Shoveling: Asphalt and Sand No. 82 How This Talk Applies To My Crew: Some Things To Know Before You Give Your Talk. Manual material handling is one of the leading causes of strains and muscle soreness throughout the construction and mining industries. There are countless tasks that require the use of a shovel (have the crew name a few relative to their work). A few examples include shoveling asphalt and sand from beneath conveyors, pothole patching on road crews, and work involving use of fill materials. There are all types and sizes of shovels from the short handle (3 foot) coal shovels with a wide, square blade and flat pan, to the standard length handled round or square point blades. Each shovel has specific purposes. Typically, round pointed blades are used to cut into tightly packed materials (asphalt), while straight blades used for loose materials (sand). They can have straight or D-grip handles. Shoveling Tips (if it must be done): • The first tip, utilize a mechanical means to move the material, if possible! • Ensure the shovel is proper for job and free of defects. The blade should be clean and the handle type and length comfortable for the employee. • Use a release agent so asphalt and sand is less likely to stick to blade. • Prepare yourself to perform shoveling. Too often we go from a “cold” or “non strenuous” task into this very strenuous activity. STRETCH! Start off with small loads and move methodically giving your muscles a chance to “warm up.” • Establish a balanced body position and technique: a. Chose a adequately wide, comfortable stance. Feet should not be together! b. Use your foot to drive the shovel into hard or consolidated materials, not your back and arms.

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Construction Safety Talks

Shoveling: Asphalt and Sand

No. 82

How This Talk Applies To My

Crew:

Some Things To Know Before You Give Your Talk.

Manual material handling is one of the leading causes of strains and muscle soreness throughout the construction and mining industries. There are countless tasks that require the use of a shovel (have the crew name a few relative to their work). A few examples include shoveling asphalt and sand from beneath conveyors, pothole patching on road crews, and work involving use of fill materials.

There are all types and sizes of shovels from the short handle (3 foot) coal shovels with a wide, square blade and flat pan, to the standard length handled round or square point blades. Each shovel has specific purposes. Typically, round pointed blades are used to cut into tightly packed materials (asphalt), while straight blades used for loose materials (sand). They can have straight or D-grip handles.

Shoveling Tips (if it must be done):

• The first tip, utilize a mechanical means to move the material, if possible!

• Ensure the shovel is proper for job and free of defects. The blade should be clean and the handle type and length comfortable for the employee.

• Use a release agent so asphalt and sand is less likely to stick to blade.

• Prepare yourself to perform shoveling. Too often we go from a “cold” or “non strenuous” task into this very strenuous activity. STRETCH! Start off with small loads and move methodically giving your muscles a chance to “warm up.”

• Establish a balanced body position and technique:

a. Chose a adequately wide, comfortable stance. Feet should not be together!

b. Use your foot to drive the shovel into hard or consolidated materials, not your back and arms.

c. Choke down on the shovel to distribute weight evenly and close to blade. Wearing gloves is recommended for a more secure grip.

d. Feet should move with the direction of the shovel, resulting in a full body pivot. Do not twist at the waist when dumping material.

e. Know the material you’re shoveling, hot mix/asphalt has different characteristics than sand, it’s heavier, sticky, and harder to penetrate.

f. Do not overload the shovel! Stay within your means!

Try This For Show And Tell!

Prior to the tool box talk, go through the plant or truck and gather a few of the shovels that are available. Ask the workers to critique each shovel, describing the pros and cons (i.e. length of handle, tightness of seat of handle in blade throat, end attachment shape, ease of penetrating materials, and blade and handle condition).

Questions You Can Use To Get Them Talking:

• Have the crew describe a few tasks where shoveling is required?

• Can use of shovel be eliminated by mechanical means? Best Practice - Many sand and asphalt plants utilize flat scoop attachments on their loaders and bobcats to mechanically move materials under conveyors.

• Is the proper type of shovel available on the job?

• Ask if they know of anyone injured from shovel materials? Describe what happened.

• Ask the crews about grip. Is a D-grip or straight handle better? Do gloves help?

Attended By:

The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.