Join us for this in-depth presentation on “Land Surveyor Safety” — Presented by Rob McMillan, PLS.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/uyc0lqq7y5ia1pu2eo120/AAuX2v87N7v-DjIAIosBQmA?rlkey=68xatu5v0bd4y1wtzsgejjbur&dl=0

Meeting summary for Mentoring Mondays for the Land Surveying Profession (01/27/2025)
Quick recap
The meeting focused on the importance of safety in the workplace, particularly for surveyors and construction workers, with discussions on various hazards, safety precautions, and the need for effective communication and training. Personal experiences were shared, highlighting the potential dangers of working in the field and the importance of prioritizing safety in daily work activities. The team also discussed the importance of safety measures, such as proper personal protective equipment, reporting safety concerns, and conducting safety training effectively.
Next steps
• All attendees to review and implement safety practices discussed in the presentation.
• Trent to share the PowerPoint presentation and safety resources in the Dropbox folder for all attendees.
• All field crews to ensure they have proper safety equipment, including first aid kits, snake chaps, and emergency blankets in their vehicles.
• All surveyors to consider implementing Luis’s safety tips, including setting up emergency contacts on cell phones and sharing location with family members.
• All attendees to attend next week’s Young Surveyors Network meeting about the new YSN mentoring packet.
• All interested attendees to participate in the upcoming Round Table Tuesday and Wisdom Wednesday events.
Summary
Rob’s Background and Weekly Meetings
The meeting began with Trent and Rob discussing the weather in their respective locations. Trent then introduced Rob, who was about to share his screen. Trent also mentioned that Rob’s bio on the website was about to turn five years old. Trent then introduced the topic of their weekly round table meetings, which have been well-received despite initially only having four or five attendees. George expressed his appreciation for the program and the people involved in it. Trent then handed over the discussion to Rob, who shared his background in surveying, starting in 1985 and working in various capacities for over 30 years. He also mentioned his involvement in mobile laser scanning and his retirement from Caltrans in 2020.
Safety and Risk Management in Workplace
Rob discusses the importance of safety in the workplace, emphasizing that it helps employees return home safely and reduces company insurance premiums. He shares his experience of receiving a year-end bonus in the private sector, highlighting how improved company profitability can benefit employees. Rob then outlines aspects of risk management, including employing new technology, transferring risks through insurance, and retaining risks through deductibles. He also points out common safety concerns, including the dangers of commuting to and from project sites.
Responsible Driving and Vehicle Safety
Rob discussed the dangers of speeding and driving recklessly, citing a 71-year-old driver’s opinion that traffic situations have worsened. He emphasized the importance of vehicle safety, noting that crash tests are conducted at lower speeds than actual driving speeds, which significantly increases the risk of accidents. Rob also shared a personal experience of a friend driving under the influence, highlighting the importance of responsible driving and not driving while distracted or impaired. He concluded by urging everyone to drive defensively and make full stops at red lights.
Road Safety and Construction Worker Fatalities
Rob and Trent discussed the importance of road safety, particularly for surveyors and construction workers. They shared a video of a truck hitting a road grader, emphasizing the need for caution and adherence to traffic control devices. Rob also highlighted the issue of traffic fatalities among construction workers, noting a significant reduction in fatalities in 2020 but still a high number of 117 deaths. They stressed the importance of proper traffic control measures and the need for surveyors to be aware of their surroundings while working on the road. Trent agreed to share the video in the Dropbox folder for further reference.
Construction Safety and Traffic Risks
Rob and Trent discussed the dangers of working in the field, particularly in construction. They highlighted the risks of traffic accidents, with 62% of casualties being run over or caught between equipment. They also emphasized the importance of having an extra pair of eyes to prevent accidents. Rob shared a personal experience of a colleague who was hit by a car in 1999 and had to spend months in the hospital. They also discussed the challenges faced by laborers, operating engineers, and surveyors in California. The conversation also touched on the importance of understanding traffic patterns, avoiding equipment with poor sight lines, and being cautious around cranes and pile drivers. They concluded by emphasizing the need to stay away from rebar in foundations and the importance of safety measures.
Workplace Hazards and Safety Measures
Rob and Trent discussed various hazards they encounter in their work, including rattlesnakes, ticks, poison ivy, and other environmental hazards. Rob shared his experience of being stung by a century plant and emphasized the importance of safety measures such as wearing protective gear and filing near-miss reports. Trent mentioned a colleague who had a close encounter with a timber rattler and had filed a near-miss report, which led to the provision of snake chaps. The conversation also touched on the importance of using sunscreen and the dangers of using headphones while working outdoors.
Safety Precautions in Extreme Weather
Rob discussed various safety concerns and precautions for working in extreme weather conditions. He emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, especially in hot temperatures, and the need for effective communication with supervisors. He also highlighted the risks of heat exhaustion and stroke, and shared a personal experience of a colleague who died from heat exhaustion. Rob stressed the importance of safety standards, including fall restraint and arrest systems, and the need for rescue procedures. He also touched on the importance of appropriate footwear and the risks of working on high steel. Trent agreed with Rob’s points throughout the discussion.
Remote Work Safety and Tools
Rob discussed various safety precautions and tools for remote work, particularly in surveying. He emphasized the importance of communication, checking in and out, and being prepared for emergencies. He also highlighted the need for appropriate vehicle equipment, first aid kits, and emergency blankets. Rob shared a personal experience of a coworker’s accident with a steel tool, emphasizing the importance of ensuring tools are secure. He also mentioned the use of a roofing hammer for cutting and line work. Trent contributed to the discussion, sharing his experiences of working in Las Vegas and the potential temperature variations.
Safety Precautions for Surveyors Discussed
Rob discussed various safety precautions for surveyors, emphasizing the importance of being aware of potential hazards such as airborne threats, valley fever, and power lines. He shared a personal experience of a colleague who was electrocuted while working near power lines and stressed the need for safety training. Rob also highlighted the importance of lifting equipment safely and avoiding areas with potential threats like railroads and water bodies. He concluded by advising to always be cautious and guard oneself and one’s equipment.
Stranded Surveying Crew in Alaska
Rob and George discussed a challenging situation involving a surveying crew in Alaska. The crew was stranded on an island after their skiff’s motor died, and they were swept away. The crew had to build a raft to reach their boat, which was anchored offshore. They also had to learn how to operate the radio to call for help. The rescue by the Coast Guard took over 2 days. Rob emphasized the resourcefulness of the crew and the potential dangers of such a situation.
Prioritizing Safety in Daily Work
Rob emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety in daily work activities. He suggested incorporating safety discussions into meetings, being vigilant for potential risks, and conducting safety training effectively. He also highlighted the need for proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and the importance of reporting safety concerns. Rob shared a success story of his team achieving a million hours of work without any lost time injuries. He also mentioned the occasional need to break rules to ensure safety, using the example of backup cameras for trucks. Rob concluded by providing resources for safety and encouraging crew members to get CPR training.
Prioritizing Workplace Safety and Prevention
Rob emphasized the importance of safety in the workplace, sharing his personal experiences of getting hurt due to reckless behavior. He encouraged the team to prioritize their safety and to slow down when necessary. Trent then opened the floor for questions and comments, during which George shared his experience with poison oak and the importance of having a first aid kit. Luis also shared his safety tip of having emergency contacts on his phone, which could be useful in case of an emergency. The team agreed that these tips could help prevent accidents and ensure everyone’s safety. The conversation ended with Trent thanking Rob and the team for their participation.
AI-generated content may be inaccurate or misleading. Always check for accuracy.

Add comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *