Ways to Stay Safe on the Jobsite

Getting On and Off Equipment

Getting on and off equipment is the leading cause of injury on jobsites.

Did you know?

When getting on, make sure your boots are clean and free of mud before climbing on your equipment.

Use tough grip gloves to ensure you have a strong grip.

The Right Gear

Use foot and hand holds when getting on equipment. If there are no hand or foot holds, use a step ladder to get on the equipment.

If foot and hand holds can be installed, make sure that they are and that the holds are sized and adjusted for all operators.

Keep your Grip

Never hold objects when climbing, so that you are focused on getting on the equipment without distractions.

Stay Focused

When getting off, use the foot and hand holds just like you did when getting on the equipment.

Go Down the Same Way

Make it Down Safe

The most important part when getting off of your equipment is to never jump! Slowly lower yourself to the ground.

Loading and Unloading

Equipment

Keep it in the Middle

When taking equipment off trailers or other transport vehicles, be sure you are centered when coming down the ramp and that you stay straight.

Have Someone Watch

Use a spotter to make sure that you have enough room to clear the ramps before you turn. Have them keep the area clear of others so that you don’t put others at risk for injury.

Use the Proper Tie-Downs

If you are using compression chain binders, be careful when opening the handle since the load can shift and cause the spring to open. You can choose to use either safety tie wires or ratchet binders.

Make Sure You’re Clear

Double check the trailer deck, clearances, and stability during the loading and unloading process. Make sure that the machine is in “Zero Energy State” when stored.

Keep the Work Area

Clear

Don’t Let People Watch

People are fascinated by machines and their capabilities, which is why they tend to hover around machines in use. But make sure that people on the ground are well enough away so they don’t expose themselves to injury.

Safety Meetings are Important

Be sure to review the importance of keeping the workplace clear in your safety meetings and that your foreman helps to enforce this rule.

Make it Known

When the operator is ready to use the machine, make sure they use the horn to warn others that the machine will be in use.

Make the Area Safe

Don’t be afraid to stop the machine if you think that the work area is unsafe.

Be sure to check your back while in reverse on the machine.

Watch the Swing Radius

Did you know?

Machine swing radius accidents are nearly always fatal and safety measures need to be taken to ensure that these accidents do not occur on the jobsite.

Rope it Off

Before using the machinery, you should rope off the swing radius around the machine or secure it.

Watch your SurroundingsDon’t allow anyone to watch while using the machine.

Use a spotter to make sure that people stay clear of the machine while it is in use.

Look Out for Obstructions

Mark the SpotsOn a new jobsite, be sure to mark obstructions including low clearances, electrical lines, water, sewer, gas, etc. to be sure you don’t hit one.

Call for Help

When you start to dig and aren’t sure about where an obstruction may be placed, call the appropriate person to help you mark the obstruction.

Still Use Caution

Even after marking underground obstructions, use extreme caution. Markings can be skewed and it is best to hand dig lines when getting close.

Take No Chances

The last thing you want on the jobsite is to deal with hitting an obstruction, so use barrier tapes and signs when necessary.

Going in Reverse

Don’t Rely on the Alarm

Construction sites can be extremely loud, so don’t trust only the backup alarm. Most people won’t be able to hear the alarm and will run the risk of being hit by the machine.

Be 100% Sure

If you want to be completely sure that no one is behind you, get off the machine and looking before you continue using the machine.

Get the Big PictureUse wide angled mirrors so you can see a wider view. Be sure to clean and adjust them for each user.

If possible, use a rear view camera or rear sensing alarms. These will promote accuracy and help you make sure the area is clear.

Be Prepared for Machine Upsets

Your Seatbelt is Your Ally

Wearing a seat belt at all times, even with a cab door closed, you will be better prepared when a situation arises to take control and avoid an accident.

Keep Control

Wearing a seat belt will reduce the amount that you bounce during normal driving of machinery and help you stay in control.

Look for Instructions

Check with the manufacturer to see if they provide instructional videos on how to handle to equipment on different surface conditions.

Protect Yourself with the Right Equipment

Limit Your Exposure

When working in close contact with chemicals or substances that produce harmful fumes, wear protective equipment such as masks and goggles.

Protect Your Ears

Tools produce intense noises and vibrations that can harm your ears. Use power tools with lower vibrations so the noise is muffled.

Watch Out for Falling Objects

On the jobsite, there is a greater risk of falling objects, which is why it is important to wear a hard hat and steel toed boots while on the job.

Spec on the Job

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