Safety Recommendations to Protect Your Team
One of the top leading causes of workplace injuries is slip, trip, and falls. Heavy equipment operators are commonly exposed to these injuries while mounting or dismounting equipment. To avoid slip, trip, and fall injuries it is important to recognize the hazards and know how to protect yourself.
What's the Risk?
Mounting or dismounting from heavy equipment/vehicles can cause serious injuries when workers jump down or slip, trip, or fall. Some of the possible risks include:
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Fatalities
Use 3-Points of Contact
Use the 3-point contact method to climb on and off construction equipment safely. Operators should always use two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the equipment. The 3-point contact method should only be broken when you reach the ground, the cab, or a stable platform.
Personal Protective Equipment
For extra grip, slip-resistant footwear and gloves should be worn. Clothing that is loose or torn can get caught or snagged while climbing on/off heavy equipment. During winter months, operators often wear clothing that tends to be bulky. Heavier footwear and gloves can also hamper climbing. Taking extra caution and time to mount and dismount can help prevent injuries.
Perform Equipment Inspection and Maintenance
Equipment or trucks should be inspected prior to the first use of each shift. Any problems should be reported immediately to a supervisor.
Watch Your Surroundings
Before entering or exiting the equipment, check the ground for any hazards. Mud, snow, grease, and other hazards can cause slips, trips, or falls. Always clear handholds and footholds to prevent injuries.
Good housekeeping is very important to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Keep equipment cabs clean and ensure that the ground areas below are clear.
Avoid Distractions
Never carry anything in your hands when getting on or off heavy equipment. Focus on the task.
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For information purposes only. BITCO's blog content does not address all potential circumstances and is not a substitute for business, safety, or legal consultation.
