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Working with heavy machinery in the construction industry requires a great deal of attention to important safety protocols and best practices to ensure safety in the workplace. According to the National Safety Council, contact with objects and equipment is the third leading cause of work-related deaths, causing 738 deaths in 2022 alone. Furthermore, the dangers of working with heavy machinery must not be underestimated and should be thoroughly investigated. In this article, we will discuss some important safety tips for workers handling heavy machinery.
Inspect Your Equipment
Before operating any kind of machinery in the workplace, it is important to conduct a thorough inspection. Doing so ensures not only that the equipment is functioning properly but also helps identify any potential hazards before they turn into serious accidents. The Los Angeles heavy machinery accident attorneys at Grey Law report that mechanical failures are one of the most common causes of heavy machinery accidents. Things to look out for include loose or worn parts, leaks, and flat tires. You will want to make sure that all controls including brakes, levers, and the steering wheel, are responsive and in good working condition.
Wear Proper PPE
The next thing that you must do when working with heavy machinery is wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Wearing PPE is non-negotiable and even the most experienced operators must wear it to protect themselves from potential dangers. PPE used for these types of jobs may include hard hats, face shields, safety vests, gloves, eye goggles, and ear plugs.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Being well aware of your surroundings when operating heavy machinery is one of the most critical factors in reducing accidents and injuries. Heavy machinery operators should always be aware of their blind spots and check to make sure that no objects or persons are in the machine’s path before moving. Individuals who are not operating machinery but are working nearby should always keep a safe distance from the equipment to avoid any potential mishaps.
Follow the 3-Point Rule
The 3-point contact rule is a simple yet effective guideline to help machine operators prevent falls when mounting or dismounting heavy machinery. Following this rule means that you should keep three points of contact – either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand with the equipment at all times. This helps to increase your stability on the machinery and helps reduce the risk of an accident occurring.
Communicate
The last important tip that you must keep in mind when working with heavy machinery is to maintain clear communication. This is especially important on busy job sites where there are many moving parts and workers present. Therefore, establish clear protocols and communication with your co-workers. This can be done by using agreed-upon hand signals, radios, walkie-talkies, or simply by talking to one another in person. Additionally, having regular safety meetings before starting a job can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands their role and responsibilities.