Photo courtesy Garaventa

One of the most significant dilemmas was coming up with a way to get concrete up to the top of the mountain without using trucks. The solution was a helicopter equipped with a bucket attachment. However, this approach resulted in its own complications due to freezing temperatures, which jeopardized the concrete’s integrity. Windy conditions at the summit posed further difficulties, particularly during concrete placement, when controlling the concrete bucket from the helicopter became challenging. To mitigate this issue, the team employed a smaller helicopter and concrete bucket, enhancing control and precision during the pouring process.

A comprehensive job hazard analysis (JHA) was tailored to the unique task of placing concrete with a helicopter. This process helped the team identify potential hazards and outline protocols to mitigate risks associated with the operation. Following a near-miss episode where communication difficulties arose between the helicopter crew and ground personnel during placement, a revised JHA was created to address communication challenges and enhance protocols. The team held multiple meetings with the helicopter company, pilot, project owner and general contractor. Across 20,627 worker hours, the team reported zero OSHA recordable incidents and no lost-time accidents.