Heavy equipment could very well be one of the most dangerous things on your construction site. Equipment like excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, and dump trucks are large, powerful, and they have limited lines of site. Tucker Paving utilizes all of these pieces of heavy equipment and more, offering services like site clearing, demo, excavation and grading, underground utilities, and concrete and asphalt paving. The safety of our employees and every person who sets foot on our job sites is always our leading concern. We utilize key safety rules that aim to keep everyone around heavy equipment safe.
Rules for Heavy Equipment Safety
- For ground teams approaching heavy equipment: Do not get closer than 6 feet from equipment when the engine is running without permission from the operator.
- For operators: Do not allow people near your equipment when it is still running without your permission to approach. The same is true for on-road dump trucks. People wanting to sign delivery tickets, or people wanting to talk to you, will sometimes mount the truck steps without permission.
- For operators: Be sure your brake is engaged and the equipment is safe before granting permission for those on the ground to approach.
- When using a new piece of machinery, first become familiar with proper mounting and dismounting procedures for the equipment.
- Maintain three points of contact when dismounting and mounting heavy machinery. This means having contact with the construction equipment with either one foot and two hands or one hand and two feet. The smaller the triangle you form with your body, the more stable you are.
- Always face the vehicle, both when mounting and dismounting.
- Examine the surface you are about to step on before stepping and make sure it is dry, even, and free of debris to prevent ankle and knee injuries.
- Never mount or dismount moving equipment.
- Do not mount or dismount with anything, including tools, in your hands. Not only does it throw the body off-balance, but it also reduces your chance of recovering your balance if you do slip. Use a drop rope to raise and lower supplies, tools, and equipment instead.
- Handholds and footholds are on the equipment for a reason – use them.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Loose or torn clothing can get caught on equipment when you are jumping down instead of climbing down. In slippery conditions, wear proper footwear to prevent slipping hazards.
At Tucker Paving, we pride ourselves in having the skill, experience, and expertise to deliver projects of all sizes with top efficiency and quality! We have over three decades in the Earthmoving industry. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or fill out our contact form online, to let us help you with your next construction project!