New crew member onboarding for a grading or utility job requires: OSHA 10 or equivalent safety training verification; site hazard briefing (active utilities, trench areas, equipment zones); introduction to the job’s grade control system (benchmark location, instrument being used, how shots are logged); access to the job in Gradelog; and a supervised first day with an experienced crew member before working independently on grade checks or compaction tests.
Before the New Crew Member Arrives
- Verify current OSHA 10 (or 30) card, driver’s license, and any required certifications (nuclear gauge license if applicable)
- Set up a Gradelog account with appropriate role (field tech vs foreman vs view-only)
- Print or send the current plan set so they can review the job before day 1
- Assign them to a supervisor for the first day
Day 1: Site Safety Briefing
Walk the site and cover:
- Active utility locates and marked utilities (APWA color codes)
- Open excavation and trench locations (and how to approach them safely)
- Equipment movement zones and where to stand clear
- Emergency contact list and site emergency procedures
- PPE requirements for this site (hard hat, hi-vis vest, steel-toe boots, eye protection)
- Nearest hospital and clinic location
Introduction to Grade Control System
Before the new crew member takes any grade shots independently:
- Show them the benchmark: location, ID, and published elevation
- Demonstrate the instrument setup and HI calculation from the benchmark
- Have them calculate one target rod reading on paper to verify they understand the concept
- Walk through the Gradelog app: how to start a session, log a shot, add a photo, and submit the daily report
- Supervised first round of grade checks; review their results against yours
Equipment Assignment
Issue equipment with a checkout record: instrument type, serial number, condition at issue, and assigned crew member name. Set the expectation that instruments go into their cases at the end of every field session and that any damage or anomalous behavior is reported immediately.