|
|
|
WORKER SAFETY
Why do we talk about safety and being safe so much? Because racing is a dangerous business. It is dangerous for the drivers (riders); it is dangerous for officials and corner workers. It is even dangerous for the fans. How many fans have been injured or even killed over the years in locations they considered completely safe.
From the moment you drive through the front gates into a racing facility, you must consider yourself in danger. With that in mind, it pays to always be aware of your surroundings and what is going on around you. You don't have to be out on the course to get seriously injured. Just walking through the paddock can be a hazardous proposition.
Working actually on or near the racing surface brings with it a whole new set of rules regarding your personal wellbeing. Never take anything for granted. Always be checking your environment. Look over your shoulder; keep your ears tuned to unusual sounds. Watch out for your fellow workers, especially when working around a "live" track. However, don't assume anybody is watching your back but you. Never put yourself in jeopardy for a racer. It may sound tactless, but he paid for the privilege of putting himself in harm's way. Don't you.
The best time to prepare yourself for a safe corner-working experience is before the racing starts. Don't wait until disaster strikes to plan your escape route. Go over in your mind what types of things might be needed to keep you safe during the event.
Good clothing is a must: always wear as much white as possible if you are going to be working on the side of the track (unless your position calls for other colors). It will help you to be seen by racers. Cotton is best-it breathes better, it is usually lighter weight, and it won't support combustion or melt onto your skin near heat as some man-made fabrics will. Wear a hat-it will keep the sun (or rain) from your eyes when you need to see traffic. Wear sturdy shoes-they protect your feet. Carry a whistle-use it for signaling other workers and racers. Make sure it is on a breakaway lanyard if it is around your neck. You don't want it to catch on a vehicle that is moving. Wear gloves, preferably a heat resistant type like Nomex. Leather can shrink onto your hands under severe heat conditions. Always have plenty of liquids handy, water is best. Wear sunscreen.
Now for the part that nobody wants to contemplate: CALAMITY. A vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed is approaching your position without warning and you have nanoseconds to react. What are you going to do? It is difficult to practice this scenario without actually being in the situation. However, you can do some pre planning. If you are going to be working an area you have never been before, prepare yourself. As you approach your new corner for the first time, map out entrance points and exit routes. Play "what if" and go over what could possibly happen if a racer lost control in any part of the turn. If you are going to be in a fixed position for most of the time and not moving around (such as a flagger), plan your escape route or "bailout" path. Know where you will go and what you will do before the time comes. With this in mind, always be mindful of ANYTHING that will obstruct that path. Chairs, coolers, flag stands, people (tell that photographer he cannot stand there unless he wants to get run over when you bail). When the time comes, don't wait until the last moment-leave. Hopefully, you've practiced enough in your mind that your body will react correctly. And, please, take your buddy with you. He will thank you for it. Believe me.
These are some of things to consider in making your racing experience a safer experience. Hopefully, this will also contribute to it being a more enjoyable time as well.
Presented by your USARM training Committee
