Keeping both drivers and workers safe, on the road
The Yuma County Public Works Department hosted a special event as part of National Safety Awareness Week
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - It's a necessary service, and unfortunately it's also one of the most dangerous jobs. Men and women tasked with maintaining the country's infrastructure run the risk of being maimed or even killed on a daily basis.
That's why National Safety Awareness Week is so important. Organizations give safety an amplified focus and work with their counterparts to get the message out to the general public.
On April 13, as part of the Yuma County Public Works Department's safety week itinerary, a special demonstration was organized. Members from the Yuma Fire Department and Rural Metro Fire Department executed an extrication exercise.
An extrication exercise is the procedure used when a subject is trapped. The use of special tools allows firefighters to remove any obstruction.
In this mock exercise, crews engaged a vehicle crash simulation where a single occupant was trapped. By way of hydraulic spreaders, the wedged door was opened and hydraulic cutters were used to cut through the A and B posts of the vehicle allowing firefighters to roll the roof back.
Safety Tech Billy Fiser says that demonstrations like this remind workers of the dangers of distracted driving and what to do if they witness a similar crash. Fiser says safety training is neverending because the threat is neverending.
In a matter of moments a distracted driver could hit a roadway worker, changing not only the life of the worker if they survive, but that of their families. That's why Kaleah Brookins father has worked for public works for years and Kaleah worries each time her father leaves to work.
Kaleah says that people need to be cautious at all times, especially when driving near construction zones. Kaleah asks that drivers think of the worker's children before they decide to exceed the posted speed limit or pick up their phones.
"Construction zones don't last that long, be patient," said Kaleah about people driving through construction zones. After the demonstration was done participants got the opportunity to check out the firefighter's rigs and equipment.
