9 Heavy Equipment Operator Safety Tips

As a heavy equipment operator, you must be aware of the potential risks of operating heavy equipment. Heavy equipment can only be operated by certified professionals, and there is a reason for this. Components of such types of equipment can be harmful to you and your environment. This is why you should always adhere strictly to safety guidelines, as outlined by OSHA and other government bodies. For more information and complete courses related to heavy operator equipment, visit heavy machinery courses.

Let’s take a look at 9 heavy equipment safety operator tips that every heavy equipment operator must follow. 

Operating Heavy Equipment Safely

Heavy equipment consists of heavy-duty machinery that is used mainly in construction and manufacturing industries. Heavy equipment is used for multiple purposes, including landscaping, transportation, ice removal, road construction, etc. These are mainly large-scale projects which require the use of heavy equipment for greater efficiency and productivity. As the name suggests, heavy equipment can weigh in tonnes, and it is not easy to operate these machines. There are several hazards associated with the usage of such a type of machinery.

The Need for Heavy Equipment Safety

Heavy equipment components include blades with sharp edges, moving conveyor belts, and overheating parts. According to the US Bureau of Statistics, the death rate is approximately 400 people per year as a result of the usage of heavy equipment. Tens of thousands of injuries, both major and minor, also get reported every year. The most common types of injuries include fractures, tears, sprains, and strains. Some severe injuries also include brain trauma and cardiac arrests. 

If not operated carefully, there is a very high chance that these accidents can become fatal for you or your workforce. For the operator’s safety, OSHA has outlined several regulations that need to be followed strictly. These are implemented for the protection and safety of the heavy equipment operator and the environment. 

Let’s discuss 9 tips you should follow when operating heavy equipment safely.

Heavy Equipment Safety 

1. Ensure that you have received your training from your operator school adequately. Training also allows you to stay up-to-date with handling heavy equipment safely. Heavy equipment such as bulldozers and cranes can easily topple over. After you receive the right training, you will be able to safely balance yourself without letting the machine tip over. 
2. Keep inspecting your heavy equipment regularly. Make sure all of the components are working in perfect condition and there is no wear and tear. If something is not operating properly, carefully switch the equipment off and get it repaired. 
3. Always wear safety gear. Depending on which machinery you are operating, safety gear could include gloves, goggles, and high-visibility vests. This sort of PPE protects you from dust and harmful chemicals, High visibility vests ensure that you and your team members can be easily seen. 
4. Keep the Operation Manual with you at all times. Machines from different manufacturers operate differently. Make sure you are familiar with how a specific machine works and if not, you can always refer to the manual.
5. Always keep communication channels open and clear. Establish what sort of communication channel works best for you. This can either be radio signals or hand gestures. 
6. Plan your worksite for your project properly. Provide in-depth instructions to your team members and make sure they understand them properly. This can include safe dismounting, balancing trucks and cranes, and verbal communication. 
7. Create a buffer zone for your worksite. This means that in the area where heavy equipment is being used, no other heavy equipment can be used, and there is strict entry for everyone except the project supervisor and heavy equipment operator.
8. Heavy equipment such as bulldozers and cranes can easily topple over. It is, therefore, crucial to wear a seatbelt at all times. 
9. Lay out safety instructions every time you start a new project. You can also organize safety seminars regularly to ensure your workforce is aware of the hazards of operating heavy equipment. 

Heavy Machinery Operations – Bottomline

In essence, operating heavy machinery can pose a lot of risks for the operator. Ensuring that you have received the right training and are always vigilant is imperative. Even if you cannot mitigate the risks completely, your goal should be to try to reduce them as much as you can. Always prioritize safety for yourself and your environment when working with heavy equipment in order to increase productivity and efficiency safely.

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