A report in 2018 revealed that there were 5,250 fatal injuries as a result of their work. 21% of these cases came from construction work. These deaths are caused by a plethora of reasons, such as objects falling, being electrocuted, and being stuck between heavy objects. Some of them also get struck by the equipment or crushed by heavy objects.
No matter the amount of training that you have (or anyone on-site for that matter), we should all adhere to these safety guidelines to make sure that injuries are prevented and precautions are taken. If you’re looking for a heavy equipment supplier, check out Landmark Tools. With that said, these are 10 optimal ways that you can practice prevention from accidents caused by bulky equipment.
Prepare a plan for managing incidents
You probably won’t see an accident coming when it actually happens. Hence a risk management plan should be kept in case of such occurrences. Hazards should be identified, analyzed carefully, and corrected so that they won’t repeat in the future. Distractions are also minimized, and immediate help can be sought in the event that a worker gets into an accident. With an efficient and well-thought-out plan, distractions can be put aside while you’re managing the situation.
Operators should be well-trained
Training should be given to people who are in charge of the operation of any bulky equipment. Operators should be well versed in using the equipment, and it should not be a hit-or-miss situation when operating the machines. Issues should be identified by the operator when they arise. Also, make sure to double-check the certification of any contractors that you work with.
Always be vigilant
Vigilance should be practiced when bulky machines are being operated. Look out for your surroundings and make sure to take note of any obstacles around or areas that may be dangerous. You should take note of any power lines or barriers of any sort.
Dangerous zones should be marked out so that people can watch out for those spaces, and this could prevent potential accidents. Workers should be heavily involved in their field of work to be allowed on site. Try to avoid overcrowding on-site and having an excessive number of people there, as clearing up the space helps the operator out when they’re doing their work.
Mount and dismount carefully
One of the more frequent causes of injuries that happen in construction sites would be people falling off of bulky machinery, followed by objects falling on people as another leading cause. Be careful when you mount and dismount bulky machinery and make sure to grip onto handles well using the handles and make sure to use the steps when you’re getting off the machine. Make sure that you do not dismount a moving machine and do not bring any equipment that is not needed into the operator cab.
Carry out equipment inspection
Ensure servicing is done for your equipment regularly. And we don’t mean casual troubleshooting of any issues; servicing should be done properly by a professional. Servicing can ensure that your machinery lasts longer and can be used safely. The operators should also practice all the necessary precautions before using the equipment; a thorough inspection of the machinery should be carried out before use.
Just as you would check the tires, fluid levels, and fuel of a car, you should practice the same level of care when checking your equipment. Be as meticulous as possible when checking for any issues, and do not attempt to fix them if you are not knowledgeable about solving the problem.
You should leave it to professionals to resolve the problem and ensure the machine is in good condition before using it. Do note that the machine should be parked when undergoing any form of maintenance to avoid causing any injuries.
Always use the correct PPE
You should be equipped with the appropriate gear for protection. These should include safety goggles, a hard hat, some gloves, and safety boots. High-visibility clothing reduces the risk of any incidents as it makes one easily visible, especially in busy areas. Fall protection devices may also be used as well.
Protective gear may seem troublesome as it can be a hassle to put on but do not risk your personal safety just for a few moments of convenience.
Take note of blind spots
Make sure you have a good view of every side of the machine. If there’s any blind spot, you can always get someone else to keep a lookout and help direct you safely to your destination.
Practice open communication
There should be plenty of options for communication channels available for people working on-site. Invest in good quality equipment for communicating, such as walkie-talkies.
Another good option is a two-way radio that can be used to talk to each other when you’re working within the construction area. This way, everybody can be notified of any important information and avoid zones that are particularly dangerous.
Use the machinery only for its intended use
Every bulky machine has an intended use, but sometimes you might find yourself using it for other purposes. Although it may seem advantageous to use equipment for multiple uses, this should not be practiced on heavy-duty machines because this could lead to the overworking of the machine or even overloading the equipment.
If any parts get broken off and fall out, it could potentially injure someone or even cause a fatal accident. Follow the recommended use of each piece of equipment closely.
Always put on your seatbelt
Seatbelts are very important and are implemented in the machinery for a reason, so always remember that you should put them on! The seatbelt could very well save your life if you’re ever met with an accident.
Conclusion
The number of cases of injuries or fatalities within the construction sites is extremely disheartening, and precautions should be taken to make sure they are avoided at all costs. A majority of these cases could’ve been easily prevented if proper precautions had been taken. Companies should take the time to craft proper preventative measures and plan to ensure the safety of their workers.
