Every year, thousands of injuries and fatalities result from contact with heavy equipment. This type of hazard is known as a struck-by hazard and exists when a worker can be potentially hit or struck by an object. If strict vehicular safety practices are not followed at a job site, workers run the risk of being crushed between a fixed object such as a building or being caught in the swing radius of a crane or backhoe.
Here are some work practices that will help ensure your safety when working around heavy equipment:
Here are some work practices that will help ensure your safety when working around heavy equipment:
- Make sure the equipment operator is experienced with the equipment that they are operating. Operators who are unfamiliar with the equipment that they are operating will be highly distracted and less likely to notice you in the area.
- Always install, use, and maintain vehicle back-up alarms. Vehicle back-up alarms must be detectable above the ambient jobsite noise. Be aware that some alarms are mounted at the rear of a vehicle, and the sound may be blocked when the truck bed is raised or the alarm is obstructed by equipment parts.
- Station one or more flaggers behind vehicles that have obstructed rear views. Never position yourself between moving and fixed objects.
- Keep non-essential workers and all unauthorized personnel away from vehicle use areas. Use barricade material, such as brightly colored snow fencing or flagged rope, so the zone perimeter is highly visible.
- Always wear bright, highly visible clothing when working near equipment and vehicles. Keep your high-vis clothing clean so the color stays bright and always zip or button the front of the vest for more coverage area.
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