Monday Safety Share #12 - Heavy Equipment Safety
As we are well into the winter road construction season and crews are working with equipment to get the job done, it is essential that communication between the operators, workers and travelers to and from the sites have constant communication between each other. All equipment must have VHF radios to communicate with all employees working in the area. When travelling to the sites it is a requirement to call out when crossing portages and direction you are going to make everyone working or traveling the portage aware they will be encountering traffic in their area and be able to safely pass or make room to meet safely. Always obey all signage, speed limits, and stay tuned to your VHF. Know your surroundings and stay clear of equipment working for there are many blind spots, only approach the equipment once you have contacted the operator and he has visual and verbal contact with you.
The Following Consideration Should Be Given to Issues Related to Working Around Heavy Equipment for Operators and Workers:
- Inspect the equipment prior to operation to ensure that all lights and audible alarms are working properly.
- Establish a defined route and clear visual path for the operator when moving equipment from the point of origin to the work site.
- Set up the equipment at the work area with enough space to allow the equipment and workers to perform the planned tasks.
- Use the three-point mounting and dismounting technique off heavy equipment – NEVER JUMP OFF HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
- Establish a danger zone, that is, a working area where contact could result in personal injury or damage during operations.
- Predefine hand signals or use two-way radios between the operator and person in charge of the work crew to accomplish all movement.
- Maintaining a clear line of sight between the operator and workers blind spots is common, but if you can’t see the operator, he 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’s side of equipment as the passenger side has a larger blind spot.
- Workers 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 of the area with barriers or caution tape.
- Wear high visibility clothing and personal protective equipment.
- Never work under a suspended or overhead load.
- Always stay alert.