Heavy Equipment Safety

Most of us are still kids at heart, finding heavy equipment awesome to behold. Massive trucks, towering excavators, giant shovels - these machines are impressive with their might and power. That might and power must be regarded with the utmost respect. These machines can make mincemeat of mere puny humans. Hundreds of people die every year as a result of heavy equipment misoperation. The construction industry is responsible for 20% of worker fatalities. Don’t let your company be part of this somber statistic.

At Bobcat of York, Frederick, Hagerstown, Lancaster, and Adams County, we want every operator to have a safe work environment. Read our tips, and please keep us in mind when you want to rent or buy heavy equipment. We are owned by Crownstone Equipment and serve Pennsylvania and Maryland. 

Invest Time in Training

Training in safe operation must be your first priority. A well-trained crew is less likely to have accidents. No one should operate any heavy equipment until they are fully trained in both operational and safety procedures for that specific machine. 

Use Seatbelts and PPE

Rigorous compliance with safety regulations and the use of PPE should be part of any training program. Seatbelts and rollover protection work. 

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Routine inspections and maintenance are critical to ensuring that equipment is safe to operate.

A sudden malfunction could result in operator injury, as well as equipment damage. 

Operators should perform a daily inspection before they start operation, checking mechanical features such as oil, hydraulic hoses, tires, and more. Before getting started, verify that all lights, gauges, accessories, arms, shovels, etc. are working properly. Any problems should be addressed immediately. 

Observe lock-out/tag-out protocols when servicing or performing maintenance on equipment. Make sure parking brakes are engaged and use chocks to block the wheels.

Slow Down and Focus

Don’t let the pressure of deadlines cause anyone to cut corners on safe operation. Maintain a culture of taking the necessary time to get the job done, rather than rushing things. Avoid distractions on the jobsite and other adverse conditions that contribute to operator error. Keep the area clear around heavy machinery that’s in use. 

Visual and Verbal Communication

Operators must be able to see and communicate with other workers around them. Use signage, two-way radios, and flaggers to ensure good communication. 

Use Equipment as Intended    

Use equipment for the intended task. Don’t use a forklift or a bucket as an aerial lift, don’t use an excavator as a crane. Observe lift capacities and payloads and don’t overload equipment. 

We hope you appreciate the importance of safe operation of heavy equipment. If you have any questions, please talk to our experienced staff. Come into one of our locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Bobcat of York, Frederick, Hagerstown, Lancaster, and Adams County is owned by Crownstone Equipment.