Heavy Equipment

Heavy equipment is both powerful and dangerous, both for the operator and for those who work around it. It’s important that you know the safety precautions to take when working with and around heavy equipment such as dump trucks, front-end loaders, cranes, tractors and cement trucks.

Safety Rules for Heavy Equipment Operators

When you operate heavy equipment, always check the brakes, steering and other controls before starting the engine
Before you start up. make sure no one is near your equipment. The safest way to do this is to walk around your vehicle
Always wear the right personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and a hardhat when operating heavy equipment
Always wear your safety belt
When you park your machine, lower buckets, shovels or dippers, set the parking brake and shut off the engine
Resist the temptation to jump off of your machine; instead, use the handholds, rails and steps. Be sure to keep these areas clean and free from grease
Always stop the engine before lubricating or working on a machine. And make sure all safety guards are in place
Avoid backing up heavy equipment unless it’s absolutely necessary
Check the surrounding area for obstacles before beginning an operation
Keep other vehicles, materials, equipment and people out of areas where heavy equipment is operating
Make sure your mirrors are angled to reduce blind spots
Check your reverse alarm before operation
If you’re unable to see behind your machine, use a person on the ground as a spotter to help direct you and look for obstacles
Only use equipment you’re trained to use
Be familiar with the limitations of your equipment
Never assume your path is clear if you can’t see it

Safety Rules for Working Around Heavy Equipment

Keep clear of moving equipment
Never assume the operator knows where you are or where you’re going
Keep an eye out for moving equipment at all times
Watch out for and stay clear of pinch points, earth-moving equipment and cranes
If you must walk around a piece of heavy equipment, alert the operator to stop the machine before going by
Always stay out from under loads on cranes or hoists-even if it means taking the long way around
Avoid walking behind a piece of equipment that’s backing up. You could trip and fall
Never walk beside moving equipment or ride on its running board or drawbar in case it slides or turns or the load shifts
Never ride on top of a truck loaded with masonry blocks or other materials that could shift and injure you
If you’re working on portable staging, scaffolds or platforms, get off while the machine is being moved

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