If you’re performing Government construction projects and you’ve been suffering through sleepless nights and spontaneous crying over what to do with Accident Prevention Plans due to the updated 2024 EM 385-1-1, your frustration is just about over.
Go ahead and book that vacation that you previously canceled after realizing the enormity of the impact of the new 2024 EM 385-1-1 changes to your already overloaded work schedule. This August, Gadzoom, Inc is releasing its new APP creation platform that takes the complexity of new forms and document requirements and rolls them all into one easy solution!
Expanding the Accident Prevention Plan
The new 2024 EM 385-1-1 is elevating Accident Prevention Plans (APPs) to a more integral and vital role in daily project Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) operations. Comprehending and accurately interpreting all its requirements though, has become a much more complex and demanding task, even for those with extensive SOH experience on federal projects. Each APP is expected to be site/project-specific, serving as the primary guide for all SOH requirements on each project. Although the 2024 EM 385-1-1 offers only broad guidelines for an APP outline, the new eight-page APP cover sheet, CESO ENG Form 6293, provides detailed directions on formatting APPs and incorporating supplemental safety plans. This cover sheet is not a replacement for the APP but serves as a supplemental guide and checklist for correctly assembling the project’s safety documentation. Additionally, it offers a clear and straightforward synopsis of the APP, highlighting the most significant and relevant information for both reviewers and field personnel.
Additionally, ENG Form 6282, is now required to attest to the qualifications, training, and level of experience of each SSHO and is signed by both the SSHO appointee and their respective company Safety and Occupational Health Official. The ENG Form 6282 is then inserted into the APP along with the proper appointment letter, resume and training certifications. This process is required for all SSHOs and Alternate SSHOs assigned to the project.
Accident Prevention Plans are now the Hub of Project Safety
On projects governed by the 2024 EM 385-1-1, Accident Prevention Plans are now to be treated as living documents throughout the duration of the project where all approved site-specific Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) documents are incorporated and organized for easy reference. The APP becomes the hub for all SOH documentation, including Activity Hazard Analyses, site-specific/activity-specific plans such as lift plans, confined space entry plans, and others, as well as training certifications for all workers.
This requirement essentially makes each Accident Prevention Plan a site-specific, single source of truth for each project, as well as a nightmare to manage. Gadzoom has recognized the enormous complexity of this challenge and developed a workflow that simplifies APP management. As additional data and approved plans are uploaded, the platform inserts them in the appropriate spot and automatically updates the page numbering, table of contents, and bookmarks, keeping the APP up to date for all to see.
Managers of the APP will be able to review the documentation requirements of all project DFOWs and the associated SOH requirements. Required inspections requirements and information for Individuals who conduct inspections will also be stored and maintained for easy reference.
Creating Transparency for All
In the past, most workers on a project probably had never seen an Accident Prevention Plan and likely could not tell you what it was, but that’s about to change! The new EM 385-1-1 requires that ALL workers on a project have easy access to the APP. Workers are to have unfettered physical access to review the APP, containing all approved safety plans and AHAs, at any time during working hours.
But this requirement presents logistical challenges and limitations that may hamper the spontaneous consumption of safety guidance, like when employees are standing in a trench and need information now and the trailer is 600 yards away.
Gadzoom’s unique solution is to allow all workers to access the Accident Prevention Plan on their mobile devices from anywhere using Gadzoom’s free mobile app. Workers can view the most up-to-date version of the APP with approved, attached AHAs, safety plans, lift plans, and other requirements. So, whether they are standing in a trench, erecting steel on the tenth floor, or reviewing requirements as they plan their work for the next day, all project participants will have the APP at their fingertips.
Gadzoom has truly simplified management of the APP throughout the life of the project.
About Gadzoom
Gadzoom enables you to generate important documents in minutes, giving you the freedom to run and manage your business without all the headaches that come with administrative responsibilities. Our company was born to make construction document management as streamlined as possible. Create a variety of government compliant safety and administrative documents at the touch of a button. If you’re interested in learning more, visit our site today.