A Brief Look Forward – Working Platforms

As we look forward to 2022 we are mindful of an important lesson from the last couple of years… be ready to adapt and persevere! Whether it’s how we communicate or how we design and build a project, adapting to our rapidly changingworld is essential to thriving. Conducting business “because that’s how we’ve always done it” is simply not an option. So as we kickoff 2022, we’re ready to read the defense at the line of scrimmage, make necessary adjustments, and execute accordingly. Hold on tight!

Working Platforms

An important topic in the geotechnical design-build community is the design and construction of safe Working Platforms. We chose this issue given the relatively wet winter we have experienced thus far in the Northeast. A Working Platform (WP) is the subgrade from which site construction activities are completed. Proper design and construction of WPs are essential for safe, productive working conditions. This is especially important in the Northeast where challenging soil conditions combined with long-stretches of wet weather or freeze/thaw cycles can suddenly create unstable (and potentially unsafe) conditions.

After several tipping incidents throughout the world attributed to inadequate WPs, industry trade organizations at the national level recognized the critical nature of addressing WP deficiencies. A joint effort between EFFC/DFI/ADSC developed thorough guidelines and recommendations detailing WP design and performance. That document can be found here. At HELICAL, we developed some abbreviated guidelines to help raise awareness and perhaps help navigate this important safety matter. Please refer to the links below to view our three-part series:

Technique Spotlights

Examples of projects with Working Platforms that are safe and productive!