Tag Archives: construction equipment accidents

Heavy equipment accidents

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

People say that accidents are quite prone in a construction zone and one can’t do much to stop them. Well, it is indeed true that one can’t do much to stop every form of accidents but can certainly work together to minimize the incidents that is not only causing harm to the reputation of the company but also leads to losing few good men. People will not be ready to work for a company that does not give importance to their safety. Workers in a construction site understands that accidents does happen but when they see that nothing is done to take care of the situation is when they start thinking of quitting. It is not wise to lose men like this and is therefore very crucial to take stock of the matter and ensure that proper mechanisms are brought in place to avoid them.

The most common form of accidents that occur in a construction site is from heavy equipment. The reasons of accidents can be different at different occasions but one should analyze the various reasons and come out with a formidable solution. It may not be an entirely foolproof one but may still work and you can then think of more ways to keep a check on this problem.

Stop using machines that are decades old:-

Heavy equipment that is pretty old are one of the major reasons of accidents. The operator has a very hard time to maneuver the machine and most of the times; he does not see the person and bumps him off. Since the machine is old, the brakes do not work properly which could have avoided a possible accident from happening. Moreover, the levers of the machines are also old and some of them might even be rusted. Well, proper care needs to be taken of the machine which is particularly old so that they do not become the reason of accidents.

Unavailability of competent operators:-

Earth moving heavy equipment are complicated machines and they require very able and experienced person to work on it. If you allow an inexperienced or an incompetent operator to work on such machine, it will lead to fatal accidents. It is therefore very significant to hire experienced and competent heavy equipment operator who has previously worked on that type of earth moving equipment.

Purchase machines that have rear visibility function:-

Not all heavy equipment are equipped with rear visibility function. This function allows the operator to monitor things at the rear of the machine. This means that when he is moving backwards, he does not have to put his head out of the window to check if there is someone behind the machine. All he needs to do is check the monitor which gives him the video of things at the rear and accordingly he can maneuver the stuff.

Keep your employees and heavy equipment insured:-

Heavy equipment accidents can lead to serious damage to the machine as well as to the worker. It is very crucial to get the machine as well as your employees insured. In case of any eventuality, the insurance company will take care of the monetary loss.

 

Related articles across the web

How to Avoid Heavy Equipment Accidents

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Are you going to start new business? Well, in that case you definitely want to choose the most profitable industry that can bring success within short period of time. Construction industry is definitely the best place that can help you to establish a great business. However, you have to continue your business very carefully and safely. Actually most of the accidents happen in the construction sites so, it is very essential to take serious steps and maintain the safety with the site. As you have to work with heavy equipment, so it is really important that you should give your full attention to the safety and security. If you fail to concentrate on the site then it you may find yourself in some unexpected danger.

Here are some tips that help you to prevent any unexpected danger or you can rescue yourself from such conditions.

At first you need to perform a site analysis. There are many professional experts who can help you in this work. You need to understand the situation and get familiarize with any unwanted hazards. If you can manage to learn how to face such problems then you can definitely make some solutions. You should also try to know that what types of personal protection you should need to take for protection. It is very important to have necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for the proper protection. So, through these processes you will be able to recognize and can deal with that properly.

You should not use a piece of equipment because it can cause accidents. So, before using equipment, you have to check out whether it can be adjusted or not. Equipment has different parts and it is very important to give full attention to every part of the machine. You should try to give special attention to the rotating and moving parts of the machine. As those parts are the most important so they can cause huge accidents, therefore, it is good to take special care on the moving parts.

As the equipment is very expensive, so you should also verify it before buying. If there is any kind of damage then try to fix it. With damaged parts you cannot work in the construction site. It can increase the chances of risks. Damaged parts are always very risky as it can bring unexpected danger in the site. As you are running a construction site with a number of workers so you have to take their responsibility also.

It is very important to maintain the machine properly. Without a proper maintenance equipment can be damaged and cause huge accidents. Thereby, it is best to maintain your machine everyday to avoid such accidents.

These are the few steps that can maintain your machine and help you to avoid certain types of accidents. To work in the most secure atmosphere you should organize such facilities take care of it.

Related articles across the web

Accidents associated with construction equipment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Construction equipment are generally heavy and one has to be cautious at all time to minimize the risks that can happen from bad handling and lack of proper maintenance of this equipment. Heavy construction equipment used in big construction companies make the construction much faster and easier. There are always some risks associated with the heavy construction equipment which can have disastrous consequences. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 75% of workers at construction equipment factory became victims of accidents. Some of the risks of using construction equipment are listed below.

  • Site fall: It includes roof related falls, scaffolding falls, elevator shaft falls, crane falls and falling objects. Over three hundred deaths arise from construction site fall every year. Though some companies pay compensation for the injury caused to the victim, but do you think it’s enough? Safety precautions should be taken by the construction equipment to ensure well being of the worker.
  • Roof related Falls:– Roof fall is one of the most common form of accidents. This includes skylight falls, communication tower falls and fall through existing opening. Many of the deaths and injuries can be controlled by proper protection equipment.
  • Crane Falls on Construction Site:– Cranes are designed to control enormous pieces of powerful machinery. The operators can also fall from crane due to loss of its balance.

 

  • Other common form of accidents using construction equipment are:
  • Forklifts
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Front-end loaders and
  • Skid Steers.
  • Steps to avoid such construction site accidents
  • Allow only trained and expert professionals for operating heavy equipment.
  • Equipment has been designed properly and safely manufactured.
  • A display of warnings on the machinery should be there.
  • Equipment is needed to maintain regularly with periodic checkups.
  • Find out whether the machine is properly carried out or not with tightened bolts, nuts and screws.
  • Check the trailer deck, stability and clearances.
  • Be careful of overhead hurdles and underground utilities like water, sewer, electrical lines, gas and telecom.
  • Find out whether any unconventional sound is coming or not from the construction equipment.

Accidents related with construction equipment is mostly categorized into two categories. Firstly, it’s improper maintenance management system and the way of its handling. And secondly, defect in the design or manufacture of the equipment including absence of proper warnings.

Sometimes there are also electrical accidents due to the construction equipment. OSHA has issued some guidelines for the safety of the workers with construction equipment and some precautionary steps that should be taken to face such hazardous accidents. Electric shock is another such common accident. It can cause many complications like muscular spasm, internal injury, cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest. A fire plan should also be there to evacuate the workers safely when an explosion occurs.

We all know the fact that accidents are not natural but they are manmade mainly because of their ignorance. So, to minimize such accidents the construction equipment companies should take proper steps and guarantee a safe life to its workers.