Prevent Construction Equipment Accidents

Construction sites are known for the fatality that occurs due to the machinery and equipment. Machines and equipment have reduced the work of humans. The work that was not possible to do in the early years now only needs some time to get accomplished. Everything has it’s pros and cons, so does machinery and equipment. It can get you in trouble if not operated adequately. You will have to make the employees stay attentive and take precautions while working with equipment and machinery. Modular construction equipment does not involve many threats compared to traditional construction; still, taking precautions will save from any harm. So, here we provide you with some tips to follow for safely conducting the work at construction sites.

1) Be Careful With Blind Spot

When you are working with modular construction equipment, you will be focused on the equipment to work carefully. But there will be blind spots where you won’t be able to see what’s ahead. There could be some mishap in the blind spots that you won’t be able to check as you will be busy with the work. Or else there may be something in the blind spot that can harm you. To prevent such mishaps in the blind spot, you can appoint a well-trained spotter. A spotter will be helpful as he will give you the directions and warn you if there be any possible harm in the blind spots. Inform your colleagues and others on your blind spot days and tell them to communicate by coming in front of the eyes. 

2) Keep Communicating With Others

Constant communication with other colleagues and employees will be beneficial. Communicate when working on or with heavy modular construction equipment or machinery. Two-ways radio will be very effective when working with heavy equipment. You can communicate through the radio to other colleagues and employees about the moving of heavy equipment. They will be warned and stay attentive when going on that path. If radio communication is not available, then you can appoint the spotter to communicate. A well-trained spotter will be handy to communicate and prevent any accidents.

3) Be Careful When Mounting and Dismounting

It is recorded that many fatalities at construction sites are caused by failures during mounting or dismounting. It can be caused when entering and exiting from a big vehicle or a modular cabin. It can happen to anyone when they are not paying attention. So it is vital to pay attention when entering or exiting cabins or vehicles. To stay attentive, you can use the three-point rule whenever entering or exiting cabins or vehicles, and never jump. The three-point rule means you need to have three or four points of contact to be maintained with the vehicle or cabin. If the handholds or stepovers are damaged, replace them to prevent any injury.

4) Pay Attention When Loading or Unloading Equipment

Modular construction equipment is heavy, but you need to be careful with them at every point. When loading or unloading any heavy equipment, make sure to be on the ground level to make the loading smooth. Keeping it on the ground level reduces the risk of any rollovers or slidings. When you are unloading any heavy equipment, make sure the ground below is empty and clear. You need to be more careful if unloading on a busy job site. You can also appoint a spotter to guide you when loading or unloading equipment.

5) Eliminate the Overhead and Underground Hazards

Before starting the construction, the area needs to be cleared of any overhead and underground hazards. Any electric wires or power lines above the head should be attended immediately and marked. This will prevent the employees from getting in contact with any overhead hazard. Underground utilities like sewer, water line, gas, or electrical lines can be in the ground that needs to be identified by the appropriate department. Mark such underground utilities with a colour coded paint. When digging the underground utility, do it safely and dug it with hands. If there is any dugout hole on the site don’t leave it unattended, keep barriers around the hole so no one may fall in it.

6) Inspect the Equipment

Before the equipment and machinery are used, they should be inspected thoroughly daily. This will prevent any accidents, and any equipment that is damaged can be reported and took care of. Maintain a checklist of the equipment and walk around the site to inspect the equipment are in working condition and which are not. Equipment like hydraulics, undercarriage, stress points, oil levels, etc. need to be inspected and reported to the safety and maintenance department. All the equipment should be analyzed before starting up. You can communicate such things on a cloud-based mobile device for fast reporting between an operator and mechanic.

7) Work in Limits

When working with heavy modular construction equipment, you need to stay focused and untired. At times, it can get stressful, even skilled veterans can get tired and this may lead to unexpected accidents. Whenever you feel uncomfortable working with heavy equipment, stop your work and get relaxed. Being tired, you may not be able to pay attention to work. When feeling stressed, stay alert and calm throughout the. Stop the work if you are conducting it around a slope or a hazardous place. Doing such and instructing your employees doing so will create a healthy environment and will prevent any accidents. 

Modular construction sites have less number of accidents when compared with traditional construction. But modular construction also has limitations. Modular construction equipment is rarely heavy, but staying alert won’t harm you and will prevent you from getting harmed. Make sure no one gets irresponsible when working that would really help to prevent accidents. For an experienced and amazing construction building call us, we have the best professionals in Edmonton.