When’s the last time you got your construction equipment checked? You may want to check your calendar, because OSHA is cracking down. Safety is a hot button issue throughout these industries and for good reason — when up to 35% of all job-related construction injuries are caused by machine accidents alone, it stands to reason that quality equipment is the key ingredient to a safe work environment. The tips below will give you a better idea on how to spot a good form of equipment from a faulty one, as well as suggestions on how to cultivate the most secure environment possible in one of the most dangerous fields around.
Know Your Limits
One size does not fit all. Remember that every form of equipment, from that shiny new excavator on sale to that used boom lift, has its limits. Loaders are used primarily for loading materials onto trucks, as well as laying pipe and digging. A loader, however, is not particularly geared for the latter — it can’t dig deep below the level of its wheels. A backhoe, however, can and in fine form.
Always Adhere To Safety Standards
Safety is no joke. Not only have studies shown as much as 35% of on-the-job injuries are due to machine accidents, another 15% are comprised of on-the-job deaths. OSHA (short for Occupational Safety Hazard Administration) stipulates that workers need to maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet away or more from the nearest overhead line. This isn’t the only stipulation in place, however.
Make Sure Protective Gear Is Worn
The average field of construction is home to over a hundred hazards that can strike at any minute. Faulty equipment, slips, trips, failures and unpredictable weather are just a few that need to be prepared for. OSHA’s rules are constantly being updated as awareness for new dangers increase, though basics such as wearing the right equipment have remained a constant. Helmets, gloves, steel-toed boots and bright vests are essential to traverse safely across a given construction space. But what about heavy equipment, such as an excavator for sale?
Consider Common Machine Equipment Hazards
What are some of the most common hazards posed by construction workers operating heavy machinery? Let statistics be your guide. A very frequent category of injury associated with heavy equipment involves both mounting and dismounting vehicles. Training involving boom lifts and transportation equipment emphasize what’s known as the ‘3-point contact rule’ — every operator either mounting or dismounting a vehicle should remain contact with the vehicle with two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand until finished.
Seek Out Equipment Repair Services Regularly
Equipment breaks down. Equipment wears out. Before you seek out an excavator for sale or look into affordable attachments, see how your already existing equipment is doing. A simple check-up could save a life — a report provided by Dodge Data and Analytics back in 2016 has predicted a 6% growth over the next few years, meaning equipment maintenance services are only going to increase in demand. Whether you buy an excavator for sale or a hydraulic dump, these rules will always apply. How can you create a safer environment this year?