Heavy Equipment Safety Tips
Despite the number of safety features installed on heavy equipment, these machines are still quite dangerous, and it’s important to handle them with caution. However, there’s a lot more to heavy equipment safety than safe operation. To discover how to stay safe both in and out of the operator’s cab, check out our helpful safety tips below.
Assign Frequent Training
All your employees need to be trained thoroughly on every piece of equipment they’ll use on a given site. Sitting through a presentation or reading a manual often isn’t enough to make the lessons stick, though. Hands-on training is the real test, as it achieves two goals. One is that it helps employees to retain the information they need to successfully operate the equipment. Two, having the experience of watching an expert work with a machine can help a novice to learn its proper operation, and the expert can offer them pointers in a safe environment to ensure they know what to do and not to do.
What types of training are needed will depend on the types of construction equipment you’re using, but the following topics should be covered:
- How to power up and power down a machine
- How to enter and exit a cab
- Specific or unique features present on a given model
- What the machine is capable of doing and what its limits are (how much can it lift, how high does it reach, how fast does it go, et cetera)
A refresher course may be necessary every few months or whenever a new piece of equipment is obtained. All new employees will need to complete training before they can use any machines.
Invest In Safety Gear
Everyone working on a construction site around heavy machinery should be properly outfitted with safety gear. Steel-toed sturdy boots with good traction are a top recommendation. You’ll also need properly fitted helmets, gloves, goggles, and protective outerwear. Blazon orange safety vests help workers to see one another and be seen.
Bear in mind that the way employees are dressed is important, too. Ensure that long hair is tied up securely out of the way and that no dangling jewelry is worn on the site. Employees should wear close-fitting garments of a breathable material. Any flowing or loose clothing could easily catch in a machine. Be aware of conditions on particularly hot or cold days and recommend appropriate clothing to maintain a normal body temperature.
Build A Safe Working Environment
A great number of work injuries are caused by falls. Ensure that walking areas are clear of debris and tools so that there are no tripping or slipping hazards. Mark immovable obstacles clearly with bright coloring and signage.
To protect your employees from falling off equipment or from a height, you’ll need to use guard rails, canopies, screens, and fencing. Maintain these guards well and inspect them regularly.
Another vital aspect of a safe work environment is adequate lighting. All employees need to be able to see everything around them clearly, whether they are walking or operating a machine. Use artificial bright lighting when the sun sets and ensure that every area is well-lit during the day, too.
Looking for more helpful heavy equipment safety tips? Then stop by Northwest Parts and Equipment here in Columbia Falls, MT, and speak with one of our helpful staff. Our expert employees will have no problems answering any of your heavy equipment questions, and we’re proud to serve the nearby cities of Kalispell and White Fish, MT as well as Columbia Falls residents.