Many construction operations require heavy equipment to improve efficiency and meet deadlines. However, these rigs require special attention and training to ensure the welfare of all personnel on the site. Here’s how teams can prioritize protection and maximize productivity when using heavy equipment.
The Importance of Safety in Heavy Equipment Operation
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry had 1,075 fatalities in 2023, making it the deadliest sector in terms of occupational injuries that year. Employee well-being is one of the biggest reasons to prioritize safety in the construction area, particularly when handling heavy equipment.
Here are some other reasons to prioritize safety in construction:
- Avoiding hefty fines or expenses related to resolving accidents and injuries
- Ensuring compliance with labor laws and industry standards
- Increasing productivity by minimizing the time lost to accidents on-site
- Building a positive reputation
6 Tips to Maintain Heavy Construction Equipment Safety
Creating a safer, more productive work environment requires teamwork and effective systems. These six tips can help construction professionals maintain safety when working with heavy rigs:
1. Provide Comprehensive Training
People do better at work when they know what to do. Specialized training ensures that operators understand the capabilities and limitations of their equipment, as well as the practices necessary to accomplish their jobs safely.
Aside from protecting staff and bystanders from injuries, well-trained employees can also boost productivity, as seen in a 2023 study. Ideally, courses should include theoretical and hands-on training for more well-rounded and capable employees.
2. Perform Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to keep equipment running in optimal conditions, avoiding accidents or breakdowns. Daily visual inspections and regular check-ins allow technicians to catch and fix issues before they escalate and cause harm. Tools like inspection checklists standardize the process and ensure no one overlooks critical components.
3. Maintain Clear Communication
Construction zones can be crowded and noisy, with several people moving around and doing different tasks simultaneously. Teams must establish clear communication channels and chains of command. Aside from in-person meetings, construction teams can use text, instant messaging and two-way radios to ensure everyone stays on the same page and is aware of what’s happening.
4. Wear Appropriate Gear
Personal protective equipment (PPE) protects one’s body from possible injuries and other dangers. Heavy equipment operators should always wear PPE when on the jobsite. Wearing these could significantly reduce the harm one could suffer should accidents occur while working:
- Safety glasses: Equipment operators need to see their controls and environment freely while protecting their eyes from construction debris.
- Noise-canceling headphones: Construction areas can be loud. Noise cancellation helps protect workers’ hearing.
- Hard hats: Accidents can happen anytime. Hard hats protect workers’ heads from bumps or falling objects.
- Work gloves: Some heavy-duty work gloves can protect the hands from excess friction and other environmental hazards.
- Steel-toed work boots: Sturdy boots protect the feet from construction zone accidents. The reinforced toe is especially helpful for preventing severe injuries.
5. Use a Spotter System
Spotters serve as a second pair of eyes and ears for heavy construction equipment operators. Large equipment can be challenging to drive due to the limited visibility, which also comes with injury risks. A spotter communicates with drivers and operators, giving them directions and informing them about obstacles and tight spots that they might not be able to see or hear by themselves.
6. Assess and Update Safety Plans
Technologies and practices evolve in the construction industry, so safety plans should grow with them. Regularly reviewing and updating safety protocols helps address new risks, ensure compliance with current regulations and keep workers safe.
Prioritizing Safety Pays Off
Heavy construction equipment safety is essential to productivity, as it protects the crew, the project timeline and the stakeholders’ investments. Proper training and safety practices prevent accidents and improve everyday operations, ensuring the project’s completion and everyone’s well-being.
