Hazard was anywhere, and it is most common in construction sites when operating heavy equipment. However, there are ten safety tips for incident prevention that we can use.
1. There are certain blind areas
When operating heavy machinery, operators must be sure that no one is behind them or in their blind zones, even if that means stepping out of the machine and checking. Have a spotter guide to direct you from a safe, visible location. Make sure individuals working around you for the day are aware of your blind spots and that they make eye contact with you before approaching the equipment. It requires high-visibility vests on all sites.
2. Communication
Maintain continual communication with those that work with you. The optimum mode of communication is a two-way radio; if it is not available, a trained spotter can help you utilize hand signals. Every safety meeting should include a discussion of communication with operators, which the foreman on site should reinforce.
3. Use of seatbelts
Seatbelts are just as critical in heavy equipment as in a moving vehicle. There is no justification for not wearing it at all times except laziness. It will not only save your life in the event of a rollover, but it will also keep you firmly in your seat when driving on rugged terrain, saving energy and reducing close calls at the end of the day.
4. Installation and Deinstallation
OSHA and other safety organizations have identified falls and stepping on and off as two of the most common causes of harm. The process includes entering and exiting a machine’s cab. When going on or off your equipment, it’s a good rule of thumb to keep three contact points. Never take a leap of faith. Remember that the three-point rule dictates two hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand. Replace any damaged handholds or steps; it could save you from a catastrophic injury down the road.
5. Equipment for loading and unloading
Ensure you’re on level ground while loading or unloading your equipment. This tip will considerably reduce rollovers and sliding off the low-bed ramps. If you’re unloading on a busy job site or in a high-traffic area, make sure everyone is out of the way and hire a spotter to help you out.
6. Dangers from Above and Below
Identify and flag power lines and poor clearance before starting the work on any site. Most importantly, call 811 to ensure that underground facilities such as water, sewer, gas, and electricity are located and marked with color-coded paint and flags by the relevant department. When approaching the subsurface utility, be cautious and hand dig to reveal it. If you’re going to leave holes for workers or the general public to fall into, make sure there are barriers and snow fencing.
7. Lock-out/Tag-out
According to OSHA, employers must train employees and implement procedures to guarantee quality service or maintenance on a machine, so the equipment or energy source must be inoperative. Pinch points, attachments, and elevated loads are all examples of risks. Owners should use picture warnings, locks, and tags to avoid mishaps.
8. Load Capacity
When running various machines during the day, be mindful of the load restrictions of each one. The load limits might vary dramatically depending on the equipment set-up and size. Secure the loads with the necessary rigging attachments and inspect them regularly to verify they are in excellent operating order. When lifting and moving loads, confirm that all workers are at a safe distance, as with most machinery operations.
9. Take a look around the inspection
First, before using the equipment, we should inspect it at least once a day. The inspection entails strolling around with a pre-made component checklist to ensure everything is in working order. Second, examine and report the state of hydraulic hoses, undercarriage, oil levels, stress points, and other components to the maintenance/safety department before the operation starts. Moreover, using a cloud-based mobile device can considerably enhance communication and response time between the operator and the mechanic when doing work like this.
10. Understanding Your Limits
Even for a seasoned veteran, operating heavy equipment may be at times. But, regardless of your instructions, never place yourself in a situation where you are uncomfortable. For example, get out of the cab if you’re unsure about operating on a slope. In addition, staying calm and awake throughout the day will help you be more productive and create a great working atmosphere for others.
Source : ConstructionEquipment