Heavy Equipment Safety Tips
The construction industry is a high-risk industry. Each year hundreds of construction workers die from severe injury or disease. This is because construction work can be dangerous if you aren’t being vigilant.
Every year dozens of Americans lose their lives to mining equipment. While mining has become incredibly automated, there are hundreds of thousands of mining equipment operators across the United States. And with so many operators, there are bound to be safety lapses.
Safety lapses allow mining equipment to injure or kill people. If you want to avoid injury while operating heavy equipment, follow our safety tips below. These tips will help you keep yourself safe while operating large trucks and other pieces of heavy machinery.
Continue reading to learn more.
PPE for Operators
Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating construction heavy equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, a hard hat, steel-toe boots, safety glasses, and hearing protection. Avoid loose clothing that could get caught in the equipment.
Pre-Operation Checks
Always read the operator’s manual before using any construction equipment. Familiarize yourself with the controls and the proper procedures for operating the equipment.
Inspect the equipment before use to ensure that it is in good working order and that any safety devices are functioning correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating the equipment and never attempt to exceed the rated capacity.
Maintaining a Safe Work Zone
Never operate any machinery without proper supervision. A qualified supervisor should be present to offer guidance and instructions when needed. If you see something that could potentially be unsafe, do not hesitate to report it to a supervisor.
Do not operate equipment while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your hands and feet clear of moving parts. Give yourself plenty of room to maneuver.
Be cautious of blind spots and areas where the machinery could tip over. Always maintain a safe distance from other people when operating the equipment.
Load Securement
Before operating any kind of heavy equipment, it is critical to adhere to load securement safety protocols. This means that all loads must be adequately balanced and secured using the appropriate chains, straps, or other tie-downs.
Any loose debris should be cleared from the area to avoid potential hazards. If the load is unbalanced or unstable in any way, do not attempt to move it and instead, seek assistance from a colleague. For your construction equipment transportation, you can check out an international equipment shipping company.
Equipment Inspections
Check for any damaged or loose parts that could cause an accident. Make sure all safety devices are in working order and that the operator’s manual is on hand.
Never try to force the equipment to do something it is not intended to do. If something goes wrong, shut off the power and follow the troubleshooting steps in the manual.
Follow These Heavy Equipment Safety Tips
When operating heavy equipment, it is essential to follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents. Some tips to prevent accidents include: knowing the machine and its limitations, being aware of your surroundings, and using proper safety gear.
Following these safety tips can help prevent accidents and keep you safe while operating heavy equipment.
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