3 Heavy Equipment Hazards and How to Control Them

Improper operation

Nicholson says one of the big problems he’s seen over the years is that operators who think they know how to use machines and equipment properly overlook the best safety practices. “A lot of operators don’t take the time to read the manual,” he says, Nicholson. This can lead to improper usage. limit. “

Health and safety leaders need to recognize that just because an operator is bulldozer-savvy doesn’t mean they can jump on an excavator or grader without proper training. They will want to make sure operators read the manual before operating heavy equipment.

Nicholson cites a labor shortage of skilled workers as one of the reasons operators are juggling different types of heavy equipment in the construction industry. This is an ongoing challenge, and “the industry is slowly starting to understand its responsibilities,” says Nicholson, but “there is still a long way to go.”

maintenance

Poorly maintained and malfunctioning equipment is another hazard that can lead to serious injury or death on construction sites. An Alberta worker was recently killed while servicing an excavator. “You have to know the critical components of your equipment,” says Nicholson.

According to Nicholson, it’s not just operators who need to know this kind of information; supervisors also need to be familiar with the details of all equipment used under their supervision.