Safe Operation of Heavy Equipment
Whether or not you’re in the industry, you probably find heavy equipment awesome to behold. Towering excavators, enormous trucks, massive shovels - there’s no mistaking the power and might of these impressive machines.
There’s also no mistaking that we must regard these machines with the utmost respect. A puny human is no match for this type of equipment. Hundreds of people die annually due to mistakes while operating heavy equipment. 20% of worker fatalities take place in the construction industry. Don’t be part of this grim statistic.
At Maxx Outdoor & Equipment, we want to help every operator work in a safe environment. Read these tips, and please keep us in mind for renting or buying heavy equipment in Weatherford, Texas, where we also serve the folks from Dallas and Fort Worth.
Dedicate Time to Training
Training the crew to operate equipment safely must be your number one priority. No one should operate a piece of heavy equipment until they are completely trained in both safety and operational procedures for that specific machine.
Routine Inspection and Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure equipment is safe to operate. Sudden malfunctions may cause operator injury as well as equipment damage.
Train operators to perform a daily inspection before starting operation, checking mechanical features such as hydraulic hoses, oil, tires, and more. Before starting, they should verify that all gauges, accessories, lights, arms, shovels, etc. are working properly. Any problems should be addressed and resolved before beginning work.
Lock-out/tag-out protocols are critical safety measures to observe when servicing or performing maintenance on equipment. Make sure the parking brake is engaged and use chocks to block the wheels.
Use PPE and Seatbelts
Every training program must emphasize rigorous compliance with safety regulations and the use of PPE. Rollover protection and seatbelts work.
Verbal and Visual Communication
Make sure operators can see and communicate with other workers around them. Use two-way radios, flaggers, and signage to ensure successful communication.
Slow Down and Stay Focused
Never let the pressure of deadlines compel anyone to cut corners on safety. Cultivate a company culture of taking whatever time necessary to get the job done, rather than rushing things. Avoid distractions on the job site and any adverse conditions that might contribute to operator error. Take the time to keep the area clear around heavy machinery in operation.
Use Equipment as Intended
Only use equipment for its intended task. Don’t use an excavator as a crane, don’t use a forklift or a bucket as an aerial lift. Observe payloads and lift capacities and don’t overload equipment.
We hope all of our customers appreciate how important it is to respect heavy equipment. Our experienced staff is always happy to discuss these issues with you. We look forward to working with you at Maxx Outdoor & Equipment, in Weatherford, Texas, where we also serve folks from Dallas and Fort Worth.