Heavy equipment safety tips

Construction sites can be dangerous in many different ways. From dealing with the outdoor elements to working with heavy equipment, construction safety is crucial for the company as well as for the employees themselves. How do you stay safe when operating heavy equipment with so many other things happening around you? Take a look at these construction safety tips and ensure that you are applying them on your own site.

• Make sure all employees are properly trained and certified on all heavy equipment that they will be operating. It is crucial that everyone knows how to properly operate the machinery they’re working with.
• Whether you are operating it or working around it, know the heavy equipment’s blind spots and how it moves. The operator may not be able to see you in the blind spot, but if you know where that blind spot is, you can stay out of it.
• Communication is key. In any form; whether it’s walkie-talkie or hand signals, be sure you’re communicating with your coworkers around you to know what you are doing and where you are going. Construction safety starts with you.
• Always wear a seat belt. This safety tip does not just apply in your car when you leave the site; most pieces of heavy equipment have safety belts of some sort in them, so always wear it as you never know when a roll over or other accident could happen.
• It seems obvious, but never climb on or get equipment while it’s moving. This is an easy construction safety tip to follow. Always get on and off the equipment properly to prevent falls or anything worse. Always use three-point contact (both feet and one hand, or one foot and both hands) when climbing on or off heavy equipment.
• Do a walk around prior to operating any heavy equipment and inspect it for any malfunctions. Check the tires, components, and any other thing that may be damaged to ensure it’s okay to use.
• When unloading or loading a load, make sure the equipment is on a level ground and never exceed the load that it is allowed to carry. This will help prevent rollovers.

Construction safety is something that Dean Kurtz Construction takes very seriously, especially when working around heavy equipment. Take a look at some other safety tips, such as how to improve your construction site’s safety, portable ladder safety, and winter construction site safety tips.