Why Safety Training for Heavy Equipment is Important?

Safety in Heavy Equipment Training

The importance of safety at construction sites

One out of every five worker deaths occurs in the construction industry. Safety is very important no matter what field you may work in; you should always make safety your top priority. A company with a good safety culture incorporates it into the core values of the company. Along with ethics, quality control, and production. The safety culture of a company defines a company. When it comes to safety at construction sites it is very important to have safety rules in place so that you prevent accidents. Construction is a particularly dangerous field, and without safety guidelines, problems can quickly arise. Putting construction site safety first can help reduce costs since accidents can lead to lawsuits, project delays and also cost overruns. Creating and promoting an effective safety program and also a culture of safety throughout your company will not only make your employees and fellow staff members feel safe, but it will also help prevent accidents and or death which in the long run will be saving your company a ton of money.

How to manage site safety?

When it comes to site safety management, you must be sure to take the proper steps to keep not only yourself safe but everyone working on your site. You want to first be sure that everyone on your site has received the proper training. Be sure that everyone has the proper attire to complete the job. Having a morning meeting each day to have an informal talk about safety, and the tasks for the day can help improve your employees understanding of safety expectations which will greatly minimize any chance for accident and or error. Be sure everyone understands that it is everyone’s responsibility to follow all safety rules and procedures. It is best to always remember that as a safety manager the example that you set, the way you add to your safety requirements for your daily work routine, and also the way that you communicate and incorporate your safety program will have a huge impact on your company’s safety culture, the company’s safety and health programs and also the ability to reduce any injury’s.

Why crane inspection should be done?

One must understand that when it comes to crane inspection it is a must to keep up with your crane’s inspection. When operating a crane, no matter if it is daily, weekly or monthly, usage tends to wear important crane components. Routine inspections can help catch any problems and have them fixed before an accident or breakdown can occur. Your crane should be inspected daily before the operation to ensure proper functioning and safety for the operator. Performing daily inspections can help prevent the chances of a major breakdown or a serious injury, which it was to happen, would cost the company a large amount of money not only to fix the crane but also insurance for the operator if they are hurt. Be sure to inspect your crane before every shift. Be sure to visually test the following on a daily basis:

  1. Deterioration or leakage in lines, tanks, valves, drain pumps and other parts of air or hydraulic systems;
  2. Check all operating mechanisms for excessive wear of components
  3. Check hooks for deformation or cracks
  4. Hoist chains and end connections for excessive wear
  5. Checking to make sure all components are working correctly

How can I learn more about safety rules and regulations?

When wanting to learn more about the safety rules and regulations, there are many different sources that you may be able to use to find the information you need. You may visit the OSHA website (www.OSHA.gov). When on the OSHA website you will be able to research and find all the information you will need for whichever industry you may be working in. You can find things such as Training requirements, safety guidelines, proper attire, lifting requirements, and much more. While on the OSHA website it will outline the proper steps and techniques you will need to ensure the safety of yourself, your employees and also your worksite. Without conducting the proper research on any of the safety rules and regulations that you are not sure about, could cause many problems for your company. There is no way to have a safe and sturdy safety program for your company without knowing the proper guidelines that need to be followed. If you cannot find what you need on the OSHA website feel free to speak with your safety management team and they may be able to point you in the right direction. If all else fails, and you would like more information, feel free to search the internet. There are many sites that review the rules and regulations that you would need.



Barb Fullman- CEO of Total Equipment Training
About the Author

As the owner of Total Equipment Training, Barb Fullman has been an active contributor to the heavy equipment training industry for over 23 years. Barb, a Penn State University graduate, is recognized as the highest ranking women-owned heavy equipment training business in the US. As a leading authority and provider of heavy equipment training, training manuals and tests based on OSHA Standards and Regulations, Total Equipment Trainings’ client list is composed of most of the Fortune 1000 companies focusing on energy, construction, heavy highway, and manufacturing.

Barb’s motto is “Stay safe, stay up to date”. She is committed to up-to-date & technically correct training, whether it is via in-person or through our library of online heavy equipment resources. With over 50 OSHA qualifying training topics to choose from with TET, the most popular heavy equipment training subjects are mobile cranes, NCCCO, all “dirt equipment”, rigging, crane inspections, and train-the-trainer.