Heavy Equipment in Construction
A dump truck, front-end loader, and excavator are shown.
Date Posted: 05/11/2024
Whether it's a tractor, bulldozer, forklift, excavator, paver, milling machine, etc., working around heavy equipment adds a new level of danger to workers. Approximately 75% of construction-related “struck by” and “run over” fatalities involve heavy equipment. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), struck-by incidents occur when a moving object strikes a worker. These struck-by incidents are a leading cause of death among construction workers. The four most common struck-by hazards are struck by a flying, falling, swinging, or rolling object, both large and small, from vehicles and heavy machinery to rocks, gravel, and tools. Construction workers have two times the risk of struck-by injuries than all other industries.
Causes of Equipment-Related Injuries
Several conditions can contribute to struck-by injuries and fatalities, including:
Mechanical Hazards
Falling materials and loads.
Equipment operator blind spots.
An operator dismounts and leaves equipment in gear or does not set the brakes or wheel chocks.
Equipment tip-over or rollover.
Equipment or controls not locked out during maintenance.
Establish a Heavy Equipment “Danger Zone”
A danger zone is an area surrounding heavy equipment that other workers and personnel should avoid. If someone enters the danger zone while you are operating heavy equipment, stop and ask them to move. Unless it is essential to the task, all personnel should avoid all sides of heavy equipment while it is in use. Danger zones include (but are not limited to):
Blind spots and areas of limited visibility
Rotating machinery
Swing radius
Travel path
Under suspended or overhead loads
Overhead hazards (i.e., overhead utility lines, overhead piping/cable trays, etc.)
Working over or around existing underground facilities
Close proximity of moving equipment
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
while operating machinery on the job site. There are many dangers, such as overhead powerlines, passing workers, and even oncoming traffic in residential areas. These variables can make operating heavy construction equipment on any worksite extremely difficult. Here are some tips to help keep the surroundings safe and reduce unnecessary risk to machine operators, other workers, and the public.
De-energize electrical lines to ensure accidents won’t impact surrounding homes or injury operators.
When digging, call the local utility company so water, gas, and other utilities are marked and turned off.
Clearly mark where heavy equipment will be operated to keep other workers from entering the “danger zone.”
Workers and pedestrians should be kept out of the area where heavy equipment operates whenever possible. Operators should know their swing radius, clearance, and other factors to keep the working space safe.
Workers Near Operating Equipment
Construction workers are around heavy equipment every day, and they can become accustomed to the presence of heavy equipment, giving little thought to the risks. Taking some time to understand and follow safety rules—and staying alert while on the job—can help construction workers stay safe.
Spotters
Worker visibility and visual and verbal communication are essential to keeping workers safe around moving construction equipment. Blind spots can be a significant hazard for workers on the ground where the operator is unable to see them. A spotter, using effective means of communication or hand signals, can help communicate between the operator, workers on the ground, and any pedestrians entering the work zone. Spotters must wear high-visibility clothing, stand clear of equipment, and always be visible to the equipment operator.
A construction worker is shown using a walkie-talkie and acting as a spotter.
General Safety When Operating or Working Around Heavy Equipment
Develop a work zone traffic control plan. Indicate travel routes through the site to eliminate (as much as possible) the need for backing equipment or vehicles.
When vehicles or heavy equipment must operate in reverse, ensure they are equipped with an audible backup alarm.
Inspect equipment before operation to ensure all lights and audible alarms work correctly.
Set up the equipment in the work zone so that construction equipment and workers have adequate space to perform the planned tasks.
Use 3-point mounting and dismounting technique off heavy equipment - NEVER JUMP OFF HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
Establish a “danger zone,” the working area where contact could result in personal injury or damage during operations.
Wear high-visibility clothing when working around heavy mobile equipment.
Use predefined and understood hand signals or two-way radios to control movement within the work zone.
Maintain a clear line of sight between the operator and workers.
Use a spotter when heavy equipment is in motion. This requires communication between the operator and workers to maintain safe movement.
Workers should keep a safe distance from all sides of the heavy equipment while it is in use.
Be aware of the swing radius on specific equipment and, if possible, cordon off the area with barriers or caution tape.
Avoid walking or working under a suspended load.
Wear high-visibility clothing and Personal Protective Equipment.
Never work under a suspended or overhead load.
Ensure that all vehicle and equipment operators and passengers wear a seatbelt.
Maintain vehicles and equipment.
Resources
1926.600 - Equipment. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
