RANDY K. LOGSDON
ing each arm and leg independently when climb���
ing. While awkward at first, with repetition, it can
become almost second nature.
n
His third point addresses technique ��� the actual
handgrip. Backed by grip strength research, Mr.
Ellis reveals that grasping a horizontal object (lad���
der rung) provides a much stronger grip than the
opposite option of grasping a vertical object (lad���
der rail). A horizontal grasp provides far superior
grip strength and eliminates the potential of the
grip (hand) sliding on a vertical support should a
fall occur. Imagine trying to lift a bucket of water
using the vertical portion of the handle rather than
the horizontal portion.
In short, by assuring a firm horizontal (control) grip,
should a loss of balance (slip) occur, a slip can be ar���
rested and a fall prevented. He extends this concept
to recommend the redesign of the extension above
the top landing on fixed ladders to include horizon���
tal grips or handles in adjacent to the extended verti���
cal rails as well as adapted extensions on portable
ladders that would provide a similar horizontal grip.
Fortunately, we now have an opportunity to correct
the message. Control trumps Contact. So, from this
point forward, let���s say what we mean ��� three points
of control. Then, through training and observation of
this improved procedure, let���s mean what we say.
(At least when using ladders.) E
Safety isn't just a buzzword. If you're a stone,
sand, gravel, limestone or other
non-metal surface mine, you need a
Training Plan, Training Material and a Record
of Training, according to MSHA. Many
aggregates operations also find it helpful to
incorporate safety training in Spanish for
workers who may not yet have perfect
command of English. In future issues,
you will find some of the safety material
published in Rock Products translated into
Spanish to add to the safety knowledge
of workers in this group.
www.rockproducts.com
Randy K. Logsdon, CMSP,
is manager of safety for
Intrepid Potash New Mexico operations. He has
practiced safety on both
the coal and metal/nonmetal side of mining for
more than 30 years.
Randy is a Certified Mine
Safety Professional. He
can be reached at
rklogsdon@mac.com.
JAMES SHARPE
James Sharpe holds a
master���s degree in environmental health sciences
and is certified in the
comprehensive practice of
industrial hygiene, health
and safety.
He can be reached at
sharpemedia@verizon.net.
ELLEN SMITH
Ellen Smith is the owner of
Legal Publication Services,
publisher of Mine Safety &
Health News, www.minesafety.com. She has been
covering mining issues
since 1987 and has won 31
journalism awards for her
reporting, including the
2010 Magnum Opus Award
for Outstanding Achievement in Custom Media.
Ellen can be reached at 585-721-3211,
or at minesafety@aol.com.
ROCKproducts ��� DECEMBER 2012
41