Heavy Equipment Safety
When it comes to heavy equipment, the most important thing is safety. Tractors, excavators, and other pieces of machinery are powerful and pose safety risks if operators aren't careful. That's why we created the following guide to help you keep your crew safe. All it takes is some proactivity to foster a safe, accident-free workplace. For all your heavy equipment needs, visit FMI Equipment. We proudly serve those in Spokane and Spokane Valley, Washington as well as Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Dedicate Time to Training
Whether you're using excavators or tractors, it's crucial that your crew undergoes specific training on how to use the heavy equipment. It's a simple way to drastically reduce the chances of a workplace accident. Anyone who would use a given piece of machinery needs to get training on it. Each piece of equipment can have its own unique rules for operation and techniques you'll need to know.
Make sure the training also involves monitored hands-on aspects of it. That way, you can catch any bad habits now and correct them before they become ingrained habits. Plus, it'll help the information stick if workers can go through the steps instead of just hearing or reading about the steps.
The training needs to include the logistics of how to operate that piece of equipment as well as the safety procedures for it.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Even the highest quality tractors and excavators will eventually start wearing down. That's why regular inspections of the heavy equipment are crucial. It'll help you catch any performance red flags early on before they start causing other deeper (and more expensive to fix) issues. It'll also help you work to prevent maintenance issues that could cause safety issues, such as a sudden stall or blowout. You'll want to make sure the equipment can safely perform its task and that its safety equipment is working well. Check aspects such as the seatbelts, fire suppression system, and any failsafe it has. Each piece of equipment has different timelines for how often it should be checked, which you can often find in the owner's manual.
Slow is Best
When a deadline is looming, it's tempting to want to rush to meet it. But moving quickly often means cutting corners and taking risks that compromise safety. This is how many workplace accidents happen. Speed also contributes to other factors, such as workers feeling stressed and distracted, that can also increase the chance of accidents.
Instead, adopt the mantra "slow is steady, steady is fast". Going slow and strategic can actually be the fastest way to (safely) get work done. Workers will be more focused and able to dedicate the energy and time they need to finish projects safely.
Focus and Communicate
Operating heavy equipment requires an intense focus. Excavators and tractors take a steady hand and a focused mind to operate successfully. Make sure workers are rested and alert before they get behind the controls. Stay vigilant as team members do their job, watching for potential dangers and risks.
It's also important that your team stays in close communication with each other. Workers should rely on ways to communicate with each other, such as two-way radios, flaggers, and clear signs. These all help ensure everyone is on the same page and able to get the job safely done.
It's important to prioritize safety when heavy equipment is involved. We hope you found our guide helpful! For all your heavy equipment needs, visit FMI Equipment. Whether you want helps with excavators, tractors, or something else, we are your one-stop shop. We offer everything from rentals to parts replacement to servicing. We proudly serve those in Spokane and Spokane Valley, Washington as well as Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.