Operating heavy construction equipment is a little challenging. The operations need proper training before putting hands on them. Manufacturers are trying to make them user-friendly but still using heavy equipment with proper training and precautions can save the lives of workers.
It is a general estimation, around 20,000 laborers get injured during construction work due to the use of heavy equipment without any precautions. The basic and necessary steps can be followed to avoid these injuries or accidents. OSHA has suggested some important safety tips to be followed by everyone working on construction sites.
Avoid Unseen Area
When driving heavy construction equipment, you must be very cautious about the blind spots. For example, if you have ever used mining equipment, it must be known that sometimes, the driver is unable to see what’s behind the machine. The driver has to make sure that nothing is under the hit point of machinery. The back view mirror does not give enough help to the driver as it does not provide the complete 360° view, and then he has to get down to check.
In advanced heavy equipment, the installation of the camera for the back is view is a great help. So, you must keep in mind the feature while looking for heavy equipment for sale.
Keep in Contact with Others
Continuous contact with the other equipment drivers, crew members, and site supervisors is really needed for smooth and proper workflow. For continuous and hassle-free communication, a two-way radio can be of great help.
Wear Safety Seat Belt
Wearing of seat belt, while driving any vehicle, is the most important safety precaution that has to be followed by every driver. This safety measure becomes more essential while driving heavy equipment. Heavy equipment manufacturers must provide a high-quality safety belt so that any major injury due to the rollout of machinery can be avoided.
Apart from it, the site supervisor should inspect whether the driver is using a seat belt properly or not. If any equipment driver is seen without the seat belt must be fined or charged a penalty by OSHA. This way the rule can be implemented well.
Safe loading and unloading
During the supply of heavy construction equipment, always make sure to load and unload it with proper safety precautions. You must keep in mind that no one is standing at the site of unloading. Always make sure that the ground is level while unloading so that equipment should not roll out and create any mishap.
Hazard Inspection
There must be a proper inspection on-site before starting construction. The appropriate indication of underground, overhead risks such as gas-line, cables, and pipelines. Every hazardous site must be tagged to avoid any injury or accident.
Follow Equipment Manual
Before using any heavy equipment, read the manual given with it. Understanding all the features by reading first and then practising will make it easy for the drivers to operate them on-site. Visual and manual checking of equipment along with its attachment can save from any mishaps.
Conclusion
All the construction workers should operate heavy machinery such as used mining equipment with proper safety precautions that have been set by OSHA. Following all the safety measures by hook and crook can save you from any major incident. Some of the necessary tips are gathered here that can be of great help for construction workers before working on-board.
