Spring Restart Safety with Troy Austin

NSSGA Podcast

Welcome back to Safety Shorts, your quick dose of safety wisdom! I'm your new host, Emily Hargrove, and I'm thrilled to welcome Troy Austin, Value Safety Manager at Luck Companies, back to the podcast today. As the days get longer and temperatures rise, many in the mining and aggregates industry are gearing up to restart seasonal operationshis, and this episode is all about ensuring a safe and efficient return to work, focusing on proactive strategies to mitigate risks associated with post-winter start-ups. Troy shares his expert insights on three critical areas to address, offers practical tips to keep everyone safe and productive as operations resume, and reminds us all that safety truly is a shared responsibility.

Main Themes:

• Equipment Inspections & Maintenance

• Worksite Safety & Hazard Assessments

• High Wall Stability

• PPE Use

• Workforce Readiness & Training

• Clear Expectations

• Safety as a Responsibility

• Emergency Procedures

Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:

1. In this episode, Troy talks about three areas for getting an intermittent/seasonal facility running in the spring: equipment inspections, worksite safety and workforce readiness. Which do you think our facility does best?

2. Troy talks about proactive inspections of equipment and the site as a part of a spring thaw. Why do you think it’s important to focus on proactivity?

3. Does anyone have a story they’d like to share about coming back to work after the winter?

Key Takeaways:

"A solid restart plan ensures operations run safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary risks."

"Nothing is more important than making sure everyone goes home safe."

"Post-winter maintenance prevents breakdowns, costly delays, and serious safety incidents."

"Proactive inspections aren't just about preventing downtime; they're about preventing accidents."

"Worksite safety and hazard assessments are crucial to protect crews from potential risks."

"A safe start means a strong start, ensuring everyone goes home to their families."

"Refresher training on emergency procedures and safety protocols is a must."

"Rushing leads to mistakes, and mistakes in this industry can cost lives."

"Safety isn't just a policy; it's a responsibility we all share to protect each other."

"Preparation is everything; the effort we put in now makes all the difference for safety and productivity."

Links:

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website

Luck Companies