Heavy equipment has widespread applications from construction to factories to the movie industry. While they make most of the tasks very simple, they can also be the reason for large hospital bills if not used carefully. As reported in many cases at OSHA, occupational accidents are pretty common where workers get crushed under heavy machinery or get struck by them, leading to fatal outcomes. Most of these accidents occur because of preventable human errors. Learning and understanding how to avoid these accidents are very helpful in maintaining a safe working environment for everyone.
Here are some practical tips to avoid heavy equipment accidents at the workplace.
Tip #1- Strategize a Work Plan: Planning ahead and creating a work plan is very important wherever heavy equipment is used. Keeping the area clear of any extra person and keeping communication channels open for everyone present on the worksite are some things you need to consider in your work plan. Walkie-talkies are a great instrument to operate at such times to warn everyone about the heavy equipment. If the operator has a blind spot, they should take the assistance of a colleague to direct them. The user should check the machine before mounting it and be ready with a plan if the equipment does not function properly. They should also make sure there are no potential hazards like rocks, visible pipelines, and leaking fluids that might be problematic later.
Tip #2- Only Hire Trained Operators: Most believe it is just another vehicle to drive, but heavy machinery is very different from everyday automobiles. You need to be appropriately trained and receive licenses for operating them from the proper state authorities. If untrained people use heavy equipment, they can put themselves and others on the field in grave danger. Accidents resulting from heavy machinery are always life-threatening. In that situation, a heavy crane rental service always helps you. Further, you should not operate a machine you are not trained for since every piece of equipment has different features.
Tip #3- Wear Proper Safety Gear: Experience does not matter regarding precautions. You should ensure that every worker and operator wears their safety gear, including hard hats, sharp-toed shoes, earplugs, back gear, gloves, and goggles. Failing to do so can expose anyone present at the job site to various dangers.
Tip #4- Follow User Guidelines: A trained operator will know the importance of user guidelines while using heavy equipment. For instance, they will put on their seat belt while operating. A knowledgeable operator will also follow precise capacity instructions and not fill up the machine just to complete the task quickly. Going over the capacity can reduce efficiency and lead to accidents.
Tip #5- Inspect the Equipment Before and After Use: Regular system maintenance is critical in heavy equipment usage. The operator should check them for proper functioning before and after each use. There should be no leakage or error lights on in the machinery. If you spot any problem that can cause accidents, it is best not to use that particular equipment until the issues are resolved.
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