AMCHAM T&T and NGC Host Intensive Excavation Safety Workshop
September 26th, 2024 | Related To: Private: AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (AMCHAM T&T) | Related To: The NGC Group of Companies
The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T), in collaboration with The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC), recently hosted a pivotal 3-day workshop focused on enhancing excavation safety measures in Trinidad and Tobago. The workshop, titled “The Competent Person for Excavation Safety (Train The Trainer),” was designed to elevate safety standards across the construction, engineering, and safety sectors.
The session featured twenty-four (24) participants from various disciplines, including professionals from two (2) local public utilities organizations alongside private sector representatives from the construction and engineering sectors. The workshop was led by Mr. Ross Vandenberg who is renowned for his expertise in trench and traffic safety solutions based in Houston, Texas.
AMCHAM T&T organized this training in response to a learning team session held after last year’s HSSE Conference. At that event, Feature Speaker Kym Bancroft, a world-renowned HSE Leader with over twenty years of experience, including a significant stint in utilities, emphasized the critical need for specialized excavation training within the industry. The feedback from conference participants highlighted a clear demand for enhanced excavation safety practices.
Nirad Tewarie, CEO of AMCHAM T&T, remarked, “Excavation work is a fundamental component of many construction projects, including building foundations, utility installations, and roadworks in T&T. However, it carries significant risks that can lead to severe injuries or fatalities if not managed properly. By hosting this workshop in collaboration with NGC, AMCHAM T&T aims to advance excavation safety training for all construction workers and engineers in T&T. Our goal is to mitigate job-related risks and ensure that work sites comply with the highest safety regulations. We believe strongly in the importance of collaboration to generate value and drive meaningful change to achieve our desired outcomes.”
Meanwhile, Jerson Wattie, Health and Safety, Manager at The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) highlighted the value of collaboration in advancing a robust health and safety culture for all employees. “We remain committed to continuous improvement. This is a clear, positive example of industry collaboration focusing on worker safety in the field.”
The workshop allowed for rigorous in class discussion on theories of Adult Learning and the Practical Application of the OSHA Sub Part P Excavation Standards to build a more complete understanding of the standards and how it is applied in the field. Participants were also challenged to evaluate an excavation in the field on the third day of the workshop following which they had to assess their observations from what they witnessed in the field to enhance safety concerns and requirements on an excavation site.
Following the workshop, participants were equipped with expert analysis and unique insights on the following key topics:
- In-depth review of the OSHA Excavation Standard
- Soil Mechanics and Soil Analysis
- Protective System Planning and Selection
- Job Planning Related to Trench Safety
- Competent Person Responsibilities
- Techniques for presenting to audiences in various class formats
The workshop underscored AMCHAM T&T’s commitment to fostering a safer working environment and reinforcing safety practices within the construction and engineering sectors. By equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to become competent trainers in excavation safety, AMCHAM T&T and NGC are taking proactive steps to enhance safety standards and enhance safety for workers across industries in T&T.
