Safety first! We’ve all heard that, and it’s a slogan we do our very best to follow in our daily lives, whether we’re working on a job site or with our equipment. We all do our very best to practice safety and ensure the well-being of ourselves and our fellow co-workers. But as we all also know, construction sites are inherently risky environments, with heavy machinery playing a significant role in both productivity and danger. Knowing understanding the risks associated with what we do is crucial for our safety and that of and our co-worker’s. Let’s explore the common hazards associated with construction equipment and outline some essential safety measures that will keep you on the job and out of the hospital.

At a Glance

• Construction sites are inherently risky, especially due to the presence of heavy machinery and a variety of hazards, from struck-by incidents to electrical dangers, that can threaten worker safety.
• Common risks are identified, such as entanglement, falls, noise, dust, and equipment hazards, while also outlining essential safety measures like proper training, equipment inspections, use of PPE, and clear emergency procedures.
• By understanding these threats and consistently applying robust safety practices, construction teams can foster a safer and more secure work environment for everyone involved.

Common Hazards

• Struck-by incidents:
Workers can be struck by moving equipment, swinging loads, or materials being moved by machinery. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can be extremely dangerous.
• Caught in between hazards:
Workers can be caught between equipment and other objects, or between moving parts of machinery.
• Rollover and tip-overs:
Heavy equipment can be unstable, especially on uneven terrain, leading to rollovers and potential crush injuries.
• Entanglement:
Workers can get their clothing or body parts caught in moving machinery, causing serious injury.
• Falls:
Workers may fall from equipment or from elevated work areas near equipment.
• Noise and vibration:
Heavy equipment can generate high levels of noise and vibration, leading to hearing loss and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
• Dust and airborne contaminants:
Construction work can generate dust, which can be harmful if inhaled, especially in certain work environments.
• Electrical hazards:
Equipment can come into contact with overhead or buried power lines, leading to electrocution.

Safety Measures

• Training and Competency:
Workers should receive proper and frequent training on the safe operation of all equipment they will be using.
• Equipment Inspections:
Daily pre-use inspections of equipment are crucial to identify potential hazards before starting operations.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Workers should wear appropriate PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and high-visibility clothing.
• Safe Work Practices:
Implement safe work practices, such as using spotters, establishing clear communication protocols, and maintaining safe distances from equipment.
• Traffic Management:
Implement a traffic management plan to control the movement of vehicles and pedestrians on the site.
• Environmental Controls:
Implement measures to control dust and noise, such as using water suppression and noise barriers. Masks or respiratory equipment can also be incorporated in certain conditions.
• Electrical Safety:
Ensure proper grounding of equipment and maintain safe distances from power lines. Always know whenever you’re in proximity of potential electrical contact, and plan accordingly.
• Working at Heights:
Use appropriate fall protection measures when working near or from equipment.
• Emergency Procedures:
Establish emergency procedures, including first aid and evacuation plans.
• Reporting and Investigation:
Encourage workers to report near misses and incidents and conduct thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences.

By understanding the hazards associated with construction equipment and implementing appropriate safety measures, construction sites can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, creating a safer working environment for everyone.

CMI-Case reminds you…safety first!