Heavy Equipment Safety Operation of heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, graders, rollers, and bulldozers, should always be done by highly skilled operators who have demonstrated the ability and necessary skills to operate safely. Ground-based workers should be trained in how to work safely around the equipment, and how to stay clear. Unsafe practices by either the operator or those around the equipment can create very dangerous situations. Serious injuries can occur if the equipment strikes a worker, or if the equipment is rolled over. Here are a few common safety rules for operators of heavy equipment and ground-based workers to consider: 1)...

The Three-Point Rule - Truck Safety You Don't Have To Fall Off A Truck! Falling while getting into or out of heavy equipment, a truck or tractor cab, hooking up air and electrical lines, or mounting or dismounting trailers is a sure way to get seriously hurt. An insurance industry study showed that falls from vehicles produced injuries that were almost 25% worse than other types of injuries. Even an ankle sprain can play havoc with your ability to use the clutch. Minor injuries can cost you big in terms of lost income and downtime. The biggest single cause of falls from a vehicle...

Unexpected Hazards In Demolition Work Remodeling of buildings sometimes involves demolishing parts of existing structures to make room for new improvements. Demolition can expose workers to dangerous materials that are sometimes difficult to recognize. In many cases, even the building owner may not know these hazards are present. Potentially dangerous materials include lead, silica and asbestos. Lead dust is caused by removing, grinding, or cutting materials covered with lead based paint, or from handling metallic lead. Lead fumes can also be created when a torch is used to cut tanks that have contained leaded gasoline or other lead containing products. Since lead...

Heavy Equipment Heavy equipment has been designed to handle very large volumes or large loads. As such, heavy equipment is powerful machines and can be dangerous to all around them if not operated correctly. It is important to remember the proper methods used to move them from one site to another, and how to work around them properly. Guide for Discussion General Rules When Heavy Equipment is Nearby Always remain alert to the equipment moving around you. Do not get near moving equipment unless necessary. Never ride on equipment unless it has been designed to carry you. This means it must have a...

Heavy Equipment Hazards The use of heavy equipment on a jobsite is vital and necessary to the overall success of the construction project. However, unauthorized or unwise use of heavy equipment can result in personal injury, loss of life, or severe loss to materials needed to complete the project. Today we will discuss some key points to keep in mind when working around heavy equipment. Guide for Discussion Workers Always be alert to the position of the equipment around you. Only authorized personnel are to operate the equipment. Never ride the equipment unless it is designed to be ridden. Always keep away from...