Operating Heavy Equipment Safely

The Conco Companies are proud to have an excellent safety record and work at it every day to make sure our entire workforce is trained on and adhere to all safety rules and regulations.   Whenever applicable, members of our team are certified on the machinery they operate including our concrete pump operators, shotcrete nozzlemen, and crane operators.    

Operating heavy equipment on a construction site can be dangerous and serious accidents can happen such as running over a crew member, rollovers, or having someone get caught between machines. Drivers of heavy equipment need to remember to take care when mounting or dismounting from their machinery and to follow proper procedures for starting up the equipment.  Experts advise that workers never attempt to dismount a moving vehicle, and when shutting down equipment, they need to engage the parking brake and release any pressure from hydraulic controls.  

Drivers also need to be aware of their surroundings at all times including watching out for obstacles overhead and underground.  Power lines should be deactivated or protected to avoid contact and underground utilities should be identified and marked in advance of any digging.   The website, ConstructionConnect also advises that, “Operators should be aware of their swing radius, especially when working in tighter spaces, to avoid hitting other workers, bystanders, or other vehicles or equipment in the vicinity.” 

As with any vehicle, drivers of heavy equipment need to wear their seat belt.  In addition equipment should not be used to exceed lift capacity or overloaded, and should only be used for its intended purposes.  All jobsite workers need to wear the required proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hard hats, sturdy boots and gloves.   Furthermore, when backing up equipment with workers in the area, a spotter or radio contact should be used to ensure blind spots are clear.    

The Conco Companies are one of the foremost suppliers of concrete services for the Western U.S. We got our start in 1959 in the Bay Area by offering clients the best value on a broad range of concrete services and products.  Since that time, we have taken a leading role as top concrete contractors in the region. We have four regional offices serving California, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado and Washington.

Source:constructconnect.com/blog/construction-safety/heavy-equipment-construction-safety-tips/#comment-10681