Tool Box Talk: Working Around Heavy Equipment

Every year heavy equipment operators, ground workers, and pedestrians are injured or killed by heavy mobile equipment used in construction. Many of these incidents are the result of rollovers or by individuals being struck or crushed by equipment. In fact, “struck_by” deaths are one of the construction industry’s “Fatal Four” leading causes of death on the job site of which 75% involve heavy equipment Construction workers are around heavy equipment every day, and they can become accustomed to the presence of heavy equipment, not giving much thought to the risks. Taking some time to understand and follow safety rules and staying alert while on the job can help construction workers stay safe.

In the Tool Box Talk below you will be familiar with the Minimum requirements and safety tips to be conducted to all construction workers during working around the Heavy equipment to avoid any undesired events or incidents that occur.

Heavy Equipment Top 10 Safety Tips for Incident Prevention

Safety Tips 

Safely working in the area of any heavy equipment requires the shared responsibility of both the equipment operator and their co-workers. As with all O&G ventures, each project must have a prepared and well-articulated safety plan. This preparation is both a written document and a shared dialogue with all O&G employees and subcontractors at the beginning of each project as well as each shift.

Consideration should be given to issues related to working around heavy equipment:

• Inspection of the equipment prior to operation to ensure that all lights and audible alarms are working properly.
• A defined route and clear visual path for the operator when moving equipment from the point of origin to the work site.
• Set up of the equipment at the work area should be stable and have enough space to allow the equipment and workers to perform the planed tasks.
• Use 3-point mounting and dismounting technique off heavy equipment – NEVER JUMP OFF HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
• Establish a danger zone, that is; the working area where contact could result in personal injury or damage during operations.
• Predefined hand signals or use of two-way radios between the operator and person in charge of the work crew to accomplish any and all movement.
• Maintain a clear line of site between the operator and workers. Blind spots are common. If you can’t see the operator, they can’t see you.
• Use a spotter when heavy equipment is in motion. This requires communication between the operator and workers to maintain safe movement.
• Always try to walk on the driver side of equipment as the passenger side has a larger blind spot. qWorkers should keep a safe distance from all sides of the heavy equipment while it is in use.
• Be aware of the swing radius on certain equipment and, if possible, cordon off the area with barriers or caution tape.
• Wear high visibility clothing and Personal Protective Equipment
• Never work under a suspended or overhead load qAlways stay alert

Many times, when workers think they can be seen by the operators of heavy equipment they can’t. You may be in a blind spot, or the operator has been driving is a designated travel path for a period and the only thing that has changed is you!!!!! Make eye contact with operators

Caution: If you have not been properly trained on this topic, do not have the proper safety equipment available for use or you are not comfortable with what you are being asked to do, DO NOT PROCEED until the expected safety standards have been met. operator. Regular breaks should be scheduled to prevent fatigue from becoming a hazard to the operator.

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