Construction Equipment Safety

Construction equipment is built to be tough and powerful because it has to be, but that comes with inherent risks. If construction workers are not careful, the risk of injury is enormous. That is why Meltron Machinery & Material handling has created this safety guide to help newcomers learn the ropes and provide a refresher for veterans.

Training

Workers must be fully trained on any equipment they use at the job site. Part of this training must be hands-on to get them used to the equipment so that the trainer can correct bad behaviors before they become habits. 

Workers should know how to safely mount and dismount, how to start the equipment properly, what issues to look for during inspection, how all features of the equipment work, and the equipment’s lifting and load capacity. By the end of the training, workers should be fully confident in their ability to operate the equipment. Refresher training should be scheduled regularly. 

Inspecting the Equipment

Compromised equipment is incredibly unsafe, and should never be used. When making an inspection, check the fluid levels, tire treads, tire pressure, attachments, horn, and lights. If the maintenance issue is simple enough to perform on-site like topping off the fluids, do so. More severe problems will require a service appointment. 

Using the Equipment

Always follow basic safety procedures. Fully turn off vehicles and engage the parking brake before entering or exiting. Three points of contract must be used when entering, and nothing should be in the operator's hands. Operators must dress in the proper gear, including gloves, glasses, hard hats, boots, and any other necessary equipment. Always stay within the load limits. Remember that many pieces of equipment will have unique safety considerations, so read the manual fully before attempting to operate the machine. 

One particular area of concern is blind spots. If the operator is not confident in their ability to see and react to situations, they should employ a spotter to assist them. 

Situational Awareness

As in most situations, situational awareness is the most important component of accident prevention. If possible, you should turn off overhead lines or set up barriers to prevent accidental contact if they need to stay on. Identify any and all sewer, gas, water, and electrical utilities to avoid them. Operators should know the swing radius of the machine they are operating and maintain awareness of any nearby people or vehicles. Make sure you have sufficient light if operating at night. 

We here at Melton Machinery & Material Handling want you to be safe on the job site and off of it. For more information, visit our dealership in Garden City, Idaho. We are proud to serve the southwestern Idaho area, including Boise.