Every day thousands of construction workers are injured on the job. The data is even more sobering than that because each day, two construction workers die from being injured on the job. It's an untenable state of affairs that can be remedied by exercising caution, particularly around heavy construction equipment, which is both highly effective at getting the job done—and highly dangerous. Here are five crucial safety tips for every construction firm to practice to keep their workers safer.
Tips for Worker Safety in Construction
Heavy equipment is key for every construction project. But these tools can be extremely dangers, and not just to the operator of this equipment. Following these safety rules is critical to ensuring that everyone stays just a little safer on the job site.
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Make sure everyone receives proper training. While some training may be in the classroom, most often construction equipment training is often a hands-on process. Each employee operating the heavy equipment should be trained in following the machine’s safety rules, identifying hazards, and safe driving of the heavy equipment.
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Train employees in situational awareness. This means all employees and not just equipment operators. Make sure the area where the equipment is being used is safe. For example, if there are overhead power lines, they should be decommissioned temporarily. Clearly mark any underground utility lines. Employees who are not operating the heavy machinery should be kept out of the area and everyone should be trained in the swing radius of these machines to ensure no one inadvertently walks where they shouldn't.
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Don’t grow comfortable with entering and exiting heavy machinery. There is actually a right way and a wrong way to enter and exit these machines. Keeping three points of contact at all times as the worker enters and exits the cab of these machines will keep them a little safer. Don’t carry items in or out of the cab. Certainly, do not jump off the equipment as you exit and always wait for it to shut down before you leave it. Engage the parking brake and release hydraulic pressure. Follow these safety rules every time.
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Teach your workers to inspect equipment before they use it. While each new user should leave the machine in a proper shutdown mode, checking the tires and oil or other fluid levels will ensure the machine works properly before you use it. Look for any cracks or damage in booms or buckets and make sure the attachments are secure.
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Finally, only use the equipment as recommended. These tools were created to perform specific tasks. Excavators aren’t cranes and wheel loaders are not ariel lifts. Use these tools as the manufacturer intended and keep everyone a little safer.
If your team is searching for serious construction help, talk to the team at People Plus. We have experienced employees available that can follow the rules you set for safety. Contact us today to get started.