4 Things To Be Cautious Of When Operating Heavy Machinery At A Construction Site

Construction projects require heavy machinery for serious tasks, but these machines can be dangerous for many reasons. If they’re not operated properly, they can cause accidents, which could lead to death or severe injuries for construction workers.

You don’t have to be a victim before taking proactive steps around these big machines. Here are four safety tips for working with heavy machinery on a construction site.

IMAGE: UNSPLASH

Get The Proper Training For The Equipment

Don’t just jump on a piece of equipment because you think you have the basic knowledge to run it. That is both dangerous and careless. Instead, inform the construction manager that you don’t have the skill to operate the machinery and need to be trained.

While some trainings may take months, others could take just a few weeks to wrap up. But in any case, what you will learn from the training will protect you from hazards and ensure you do your work efficiently.

The trainer will show you how to operate the machine or equipment and inform you about the equipment’s blind spots, capabilities, limitations, safety protocols, risk assessment, and emergency procedures. These are what make the difference between using equipment safely and getting injured.

Don’t say, “Because I know how to use a bulldozer, I may also know how to use a grader.” These are different pieces of equipment with different use cases, and any form of assumption could put you in harm’s way.

Keep Your Eyes On Your Work Environment

Working on a construction site means being vigilant at all times to avoid accidents, which is common when working with many people.

A construction site is very dynamic, and changes like alterations to the site layout or newly excavated areas can happen in just a shift. You should be aware of these changes and use them in making decisions, especially when operating heavy machines.

Take note of areas where your fellow workers on foot are positioned, and use your mirrors or any available camera systems on the machine to identify any potential obstacles, hazards, or changes since the previous shift.

Also, be observant of other heavy equipment close by and be aware of your blind spots. Every heavy machinery has a blind spot, so don’t think yours doesn’t. Use your vigilance in areas where your machine is lacking.

This might mean physically turning to look behind the machine before reversing or using a spotter in tight or crowded places.

Know How To Safely Get On And Off Equipment

Climbing and exiting a heavy machine may sound easy, but the underrated factors usually lead to severe accidents and injuries. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 30% of construction deaths in 2021 were caused by falls, slips, and trips.

This is why knowing how to mount and dismount heavy equipment properly is very important. The “three-point contact” rule is perhaps the most effective method. This rule means always maintaining three points of contact with your machine—either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.

This way, you can maintain your stability and reduce the chances of falling, especially in wet or muddy conditions, which are common on construction sites.

To add to that, make sure to observe your access point before climbing or exiting the equipment.

If it has substances like grease on it, then the “three-point contact” rule may not be enough to prevent you from slipping; you’d also have to apply your intuition to mitigate the slipperiness, and if possible, try cleaning it off and make sure you have your work boots on.

Check Your Equipment Before Starting Work

While the construction manager must ensure that all machines are working efficiently before use, you are responsible for observing the heavy equipment you’ve been instructed to work with.

If you suspect the machine’s structural integrity is faulty, report it immediately so it can be taken out of service until it’s repaired.

Most of these heavy equipment, like bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, backhoes, and graders, are made by Caterpillar, so it’s very easy to find aftermarket Cat parts to fix them as soon as they break down.

You must check the fluid levels (engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant), tires or tracks, hydraulic hoses, lights and warning systems, and all safety features. They must all be in perfect condition to run.

Also, observe the sound the machine makes when you turn it on. Unusual noises and vibrations are signs that the equipment is about to break down, which is common in machines like bulldozers and excavators.

Then, report your observation to the manager so they can call repairers to fix it.

Wrapping Up

Operating heavy equipment is only a job and not a lifetime commitment; your family still needs you to come back home every day in good health and with no injuries. So, take the safety tips here seriously and make them a part of your work ethic.