Health and safety is an essential and built-in component of civilization. Maintaining an individual’s wellbeing and protection at the highest possible level is ultimately one’s primary goal and responsibility. Therefore, it is imperative to be responsible for your own health and safety and keep maximum control on the rising risks in the working world.

In today’s world, many lawsuits that have been placed on the court’s docket tackle issues concerning workplace health and safety issues. It is an overwhelming concern that workers or any member of the general public should have a safe and wholesome environment in which to work and be free from harm whatever the reasonable cost may be to the employer.

Digger Derricks and the Revised A10.31 Standard

Today, vehicle-mounted augers have several uses in the construction industry. This piece of equipment, otherwise known as digger derricks, has made a huge contribution to the improvement of working conditions and workplace safety in electrical and telecommunication services. It is unfortunately true that along with the benefits of its usefulness is an inherent danger associated with the usage of this powerful machine.

To ensure that the operation of this heavy-duty machine will not cause harm to any lives and/or property, a new set of recommendations has been created so that it can be used more safely. These new safety standards were created to improve business performance and meet legal responsibilities when using digger derricks.

According to American National Standards and Institute (ANSI), the Revised A10.31 Standard is a safety requirement and recommendation in using digger derrick trucks. This standard establishes specifications and dimensions for any lifting machines whose primary function is to drill, set and position materials in their proper place. It also delineates the responsibilities of the owner, user and operator, including manufacturers and dealers of this vehicle. The Revised A10.31 Standard ensures that the general public is kept safe during the use of this powerful machine.

New Conditions of the Revised A10.31 Standard

The chairperson of the ANSI A10.31 subgroup said during an interview that several features were added and amended on the standards which point out the use of vehicle-mounted machines, specifically the digger derrick. Recent changes made on the revised standard are as follows:

When working platforms are in use, as part of technological advances, digger derricks should have an upper control system that will provide protection from harm in case of any circumstances that calls for immediate action. This machine must have a readily identifiable unlocking device so that if a malfunction happens in the middle of the operation, an emergency control system will override any upper control activities. Upper controls and lower controls must have an emergency stop device that deactivates all functions of the machine.

• The Revised Standard has expanded its scope of responsibilities which involves the manufacturer, dealer, owner, user and operator. Responsibilities may include inspections, training regarding the operation of the digger derrick and maintenance of the machine. In connection, training materials should be provided to help users, owners and distributors assume their current responsibilities as outlined in ANSI A92.6-2006 standard.

• The Revised Standard is put into systematic order and constructed closely or similarly to the ANSI A92.2 standard which outlined the use, design and manufacture of any aerial devices. This is to guarantee that the Revised Standard is well understood by the readers.

• The Revised Standard supports and strengthens the use of safety color symbols and accident prevention signs. As an offset, printed decals or colored stickers and placards should be used in the operation of the equipment and safety signs should be applied to prevent physical injuries and damage to properties.

In using digger derricks, all parties involved in their use should take part in the responsibilities of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Everyone must be aware of the accompanying obligation with regards to training, inspection and maintenance. The Revised A10.31 Standard must initially be done voluntarily but will become mandatory to ensure safety during the operation of this vehicle-mounted machine.