Preventing Common Injuries On The Construction Site
Working with heavy machinery is a given when you’re on a construction site. These machines help you to work more efficiently and take care of a great deal of the backbreaking work that would normally slow you down and cause fatigue. However, there are still some risks you should be aware of when you’re operating heavy equipment, as injuries can easily be sustained by inattention, carelessness or incorrect operation procedures. This guide by Synergy Equipment is intended to help you reduce the potential for accidents and injuries on your work sites so you and your workers can stay safe and get the job done.
Assign Frequent Training
All your employees need to be trained thoroughly on every piece of equipment they’ll use on a given site. Sitting through a presentation or reading a manual often isn’t enough to make the lessons stick, though. Hands-on training is the real test, as it achieves two goals. One is that it helps employees to retain information they need to successfully operate equipment. Two, having the experience of watching an expert work with a machine can help a novice to learn its proper operation, and the expert can offer them pointers in a safe environment to ensure they know what to do and not to do.
What types of training are needed will depend on the types of construction equipment you’re using, but the following topics should be covered:
- How to power up and power down a machine
- How to enter and exit a cab
- Specific or unique features present on a given model
- What the machine is capable of doing and what its limits are (how much can it lift, how high does it reach, how fast does it go, et cetera)
A refresher course may be necessary every few months or whenever a new piece of equipment is obtained. All new employees will need to complete a training before they can use any machines.
Invest In Safety Gear
Everyone working on a construction site around heavy machinery should be properly outfitted with safety gear. Steel-toed sturdy boots with good traction are a top recommendation. You’ll also need properly fitted helmets, gloves, goggles and protective outerwear. Blazon orange safety vests help workers to see one another and be seen.
Bear in mind that the way employees are dressed is important, too. Ensure that long hair is tied up securely out of the way and that no dangling jewelry is worn on the site. Employees should wear close-fitting garments of a breathable material. Any flowing or loose clothing could easily catch in a machine. Be aware of conditions on particularly hot or cold days and recommend appropriate clothing to maintain a normal body temperature.
Build A Safe Working Environment
A great number of work injuries are caused by falls. Ensure that walking areas are clear of debris and tools so that there are no tripping or slipping hazards. Mark immovable obstacles clearly with bright coloring and signage.
To protect your employees from falling off equipment or from a height, you’ll need to use guard rails, canopies, screens and fencing. Maintain these guards well and inspect them on a regular basis.
Another vital aspect of a safe work environment is adequate lighting. All employees need to be able to see everything around them clearly, whether they are walking or operating a machine. Use artificial bright lighting when the sun sets and ensure that every area is well-lit during the day, too.
Maintain Heavy Equipment
Finally, to keep your employees safe, you need to make sure that you’re sticking to the recommended maintenance schedules for every piece of construction equipment. Inspect machines regularly and follow the guidelines in the owner’s manual. Anything that seems amiss while the machine is operating needs to be promptly addressed. Shut the machine down immediately if something seems to be wrong and have it inspected by a professional like the ones here at Synergy Equipment. Don’t wait for a small issue to become irreparable!
Need equipment rental near Miami? Visit one of our many dealerships in Florida or Georgia to see what we have to offer in terms of heavy equipment and construction rental equipment. We’re also your one-stop shop when it comes to used heavy equipment for sale in Florida. Synergy Equipment also welcomes our customers coming from South Carolina.