Heavy Equipment Do’s and Don’ts

From
backhoes to excavators, construction workers know how important heavy equipment
is on the jobsite. Review the safety basics of heavy equipment with these do’s
and don’ts:   

DO: Communicate

Job
sites are loud and have many moving parts. When using heavy equipment, it’s
imperative everyone on site knows exactly what’s going on to avoid accidents. Two-way
radios and hand signals from a trained spotter are effective ways to ensure there
are no communication mishaps.

DO: Think Before You
Step

Missteps
and falls are two of the leading causes of construction accidents. When
mounting and dismounting heavy equipment, always have three points of contact
with the machine (both feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot). Never
jump out of equipment—it’s a serious injury risk.

DO: Inspect Equipment
Before Use

Daily
inspections of heavy equipment are a must. Before operating machinery, visually
assess equipment to make sure it’s in proper working condition. Have a
predetermined checklist in place and report any irregularities that may need a
further inspection.

DON’T: Ignore Your
Surroundings

Know
what’s underground and overhead before you operate machinery. There could be
visible or non-visible hazards, such as power or utility lines. When operating
heavy equipment, double-check your surroundings and blind spots before making
any sudden movements. Being aware is imperative to a safe and functional job
site.

DON’T: Forget Your
Seatbelt

Just
like when driving a car, there are zero excuses not to wear a seatbelt when
operating heavy machinery. If equipment rolls over or tips, wearing a seatbelt
could save your life. It’ll also keep you safely in place when operating
equipment on uneven terrain.

DON’T: Push Yourself Too
Hard

As
always, knowing your physical limits on the job site is crucial. Being overly
exhausted or dehydrated can impede proper equipment operation. If you feel like
you’ve exerted yourself too much, tell your supervisor immediately. It’s better
to be safe than sorry.

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