- Heavy equipment accidents are preventable if operators take the necessary precautions.
- Some safety measures include inspecting the equipment before use, being aware of their surroundings, and following traffic laws.
- Safety tips include knowing the structure’s weight limit and keeping an eye out for other workers in the area.
- Be mindful of proper safety protocols when transferring loads between vehicles or machines.
Many hazards can threaten the safety of construction workers, including falling objects, electrical risks, and exposure to harmful chemicals. However, heavy equipment is one of construction sites’ most common and potentially deadly hazards. Every year, dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries are associated with heavy equipment accidents. Most of these accidents are preventable if operators take the necessary precautions. Following these tips can help keep yourself and your fellow workers safe on the job site.
Hazards When Working Around Heavy Equipment
Heavy construction equipment such as forklifts, bulldozers, heavy-duty backhoe loaders, and cranes can present several severe hazards to workers. These include risks from the equipment, such as overheating motors and exposed moving parts, and environmental hazards, such as falling objects and unstable surfaces. To ensure worker safety, operators must be aware of the potential risks when operating heavy equipment.
Mechanical Hazards
Mechanical hazards are risks from the equipment, such as overheating motors and exposed moving parts. Heavy equipment operators should always inspect the machine before use to check for any loose parts or potential mechanical issues. Operators should also be aware of their surroundings and watch out for any objects that may be in the way of their operation.
Environmental Hazards
Environmental hazards include falling objects, unstable surfaces, and other environmental factors that can present a risk when operating heavy equipment. Operators need to stay alert and take all necessary precautions when working around such hazards. This includes wearing appropriate protective gear such as hard hats, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility clothing. Other safety measures include using caution signs or barriers to create a buffer zone between workers and potentially hazardous areas.
Equipment Operator Training
Operator training is essential for ensuring worker safety when operating heavy equipment. Many potential hazards can pose a threat to workers, and operators need to be aware of these risks. Heavy equipment operators should receive training on how to operate the machinery safely and identify and avoid potential hazards.
Operator training programs can vary in length, but most last for several weeks or months. Some programs may require operators to complete refresher courses regularly. Generally, they should cover a variety of topics, including machine operation, safety procedures, and hazard recognition. Operators should be thoroughly familiar with the controls of the machinery they will be using and should understand all safety procedures. They should also know how to identify potential hazards and what actions to take to avoid them.
Construction Equipment Safety Tips
Construction sites are dangerous places, and heavy equipment can be one of the most hazardous risks. Every year, many workers are injured due to accidents involving heavy machinery. Fortunately, there are steps that operators can take to ensure their safety while operating such equipment. By following the correct safety tips and receiving proper training on how to manage the machines, workers can reduce the risk of injury or death from these potentially deadly hazards.
Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When you are operating heavy equipment, you must be aware of what is happening around you. This includes being aware of other workers in the area and any potential hazards that could pose a threat to your safety.
- Always keep an eye out for other workers in the area and be aware of their movements
- Scan the area for potential hazards such as falling objects or unstable surfaces
- Maintain a safe distance between yourself and any hazardous areas
- Wear appropriate protective gear, including hard hats, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility clothing
- Use caution signs or barriers to create a buffer zone between you and potentially hazardous areas
- Listen carefully to instructions from supervisors on how to operate heavy equipment safely
Follow Traffic Laws
Construction sites often have their own set of traffic laws that operators must follow. These laws are put in place to help keep everyone safe on the job site. Make sure you are familiar with the traffic laws before you start operating any equipment.
One common traffic law for construction sites is that operators must always yield to workers who are on foot. This means operators must stop and let people pass before continuing their operation. They must also drive their equipment safely and in the direction of travel indicated by signs or signals. When going on inclines or uneven surfaces, they should also take it slow and steady to ensure they have maximum control over their machines. They should avoid backing up wherever possible, as this increases the risk of collision with other workers or objects.
When transferring loads between vehicles or machines, operators must follow proper safety protocols. For example, personnel should wear appropriate clothing, such as boots and hard hats, during the transfer process to protect themselves from any potential risks. Loads must also be secured to reduce the chances of them falling or shifting during transport.
Be Mindful of Weight Limits
Do not exceed the weight limit for bridges or other structures. Overweight loads can cause bridges or other structures to collapse, leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. Always check the weight limit before crossing any bridge or structure with your heavy equipment. One example of a weight limit is the maximum axle weight for a truck or trailer. This is the amount that each axle can support without causing damage to the vehicle or its load. The rules and regulations vary from state to state, but generally speaking, the maximum weight for an individual axle is about 20,000 lbs.
Workplace accidents involving heavy machinery happen far too often. However, most of these accidents are preventable if operators take the necessary precautions. Following these safety tips can help keep yourself and your fellow workers safe while operating heavy machinery.
