On July 10, the Minister of Public Works of the Region of Murcia visited the rehabilitation works of the Northwest Highway (RM-15), whose health and safety coordination has been carried out by Rosa Luz Carreño, from GespreObra. The 54-kilometer stretch out of a total of 64 that makes up the main connection between the towns of the Northwest region makes it the largest paving project in the Region of Murcia.
Occupational risks in paving works
In the execution of a paving project of these characteristics, in this case carried out by Aunor, of Sacyr Concesiones, it is necessary to take into account various important issues regarding health and safety in paving works.
As in any health and safety coordination, it is of vital importance that contractors and subcontractors carry out effective and efficient management of the preventive measures derived from the risks of accidents, hygienic risks, and risks derived from physical and psychosocial loads. However, of all the preventive measures mentioned, those related to risks derived from the working environment should be highlighted. Paving works involve exposure to physical and chemical contaminants that must be exhaustively considered in the studies, health and safety plans, and risk assessments.
Thus, in relation to physical contaminants, we can highlight exposure to extreme temperatures as a major source of risk for thermal stress, which can lead to heat stroke and dehydration. This is why work should be planned for the coolest hours of the day. As far as possible, it is even advisable to pave at night. This measure will avoid exposure to another physical agent typical of outdoor paving work: solar radiation. If this is not possible, sun protection must be used. Likewise, the frequency of hydration for personnel must be appropriate for these environmental conditions.
Noise and vibrations are other physical agents to which exposure is common in paving works. Traffic and the machinery used in this type of work can be a source of risk for health and safety in paving works. This must be controlled through the corresponding control and maintenance measures for the work equipment. In any case, hearing protection appropriate to the sound pressure level must be provided.
On the other hand, it must be taken into account that asphalt or asphalt concrete is a material composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons and minerals; this can cause health risks derived from the gases and vapors generated. To avoid exposure to these contaminants, the asphalt temperature should be kept as low as possible. Carrying out paving work outdoors, in the opposite direction to the wind, will also help reduce exposure. If the work is carried out in an enclosed area, respiratory protection for gases and vapors with mixed filters must be used.
Skin contact with said material should be avoided with appropriate clothing or specific protective creams such as tar cream. Other personal protective equipment (PPE) must also be used to avoid risks of flying particles, such as face shields, eye protection, etc.
The implementation of the aforementioned preventive measures, combined with adequate training and information and the corresponding health surveillance, will favor the preventive success of health and safety actions in paving works of the characteristics of the Northwest Highway (RM-15) rehabilitation project, coordinated by the GespreObra team, specialists in health and safety, including health and safety in paving works.
