#ToolboxTuesday - Working Around Heavy Equipment

#TOOLBOXTUESDAY - WORKING AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT

 

When working on a job site, whether it be a construction site or an oil and gas location, there is a significant chance that workers would be exposed to heavy equipment. Heavy equipment is used in all industries and often in our day to day operations. Its essential workers know and understand the hazards when working around heavy equipment and how to protect themselves accordingly.

Examples of heavy equipment are excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, loaders, pavers, cranes, telehandlers, skid steers, pile driving and bore machines. 

 

Potential Hazards

  • Crush Points - Heavy equipment is robust and possesses strong force. It can crush objects in a few seconds with minimal force.

  • Blind spots - Heavy equipment is often massive in relation to people and property. It has an enclosed cap, which results in limited visibility creating multiple blind spots. When people, objects or property fall into the blind spots of heavy equipment, the operator could unknowingly make contact with them, potentially resulting in a fatality.

  • Noise Exposure – Heavy equipment can release significant noise levels. If a worker is required to work near the equipment, there is a potential to exceed the Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) over 8 hours.

  • Rollover – Heavy equipment is just that heavy! Equipment working on slopes has an increased potential to roll. When these equipment roll/flip over, there will be significant damage and flying debris. The equipment can and will crush anything that would end up underneath. When heavy equipment is being loaded for transport, rollover risks are also increased.

  • Suspended Loads – Never walk under a suspended load. At any moment, a lifting component could break, and the load would fall.

Controls

  • Backup Alarms – Backup alarms should be installed in every piece of equipment and inspected each day for functionality.

  • Communication System – A communication system between the operator and workers needs to be established prior to beginning daily work tasks. Communication systems can include hand signals and radios procedures.

  • Hearing Protection – Hearing protection can be a control and a hazard when working around equipment. Be sure to use appropriate hearing protection for the task and always be cautious of surrounding when using hearing protection around heavy equipment.

  • Isolate Work Areas - When possible, rope off work area when working next to other trades or companies. When lifting objects over a work area, mark off the area, inform other workers and companies, they are to leave the area until deemed safe for re-entry.

  • Body Positioning and Situational Awareness – Stay in the operators’ line of sight. If you can’t see the operator, there is a good chance they can’t see you. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you are feeling tired and dazed, take a micro-break to refresh yourself.

The use of heavy equipment has many benefits, which is why they are commonly used in daily work operations. However, they also present several hazards. The hazards presented can be mitigated, reducing risk to workers, through education and awareness. 

Amanda Pochapskyalbertasafety, safety, health and safety, HSSEHQ, hsse, HSSE, albertaoilandgas, constructionsafety