An oil rig construction site is a
minefield of potential hazards and safety issues, and nothing is more paramount
that being savvy when you’re on a construction site. Whether you’re visiting
the site, working in a different capacity on it or the person actually handling
the construction equipment, be vigilant, aware, and safety-conscious at all
times.
Heavy equipment is a
necessity for this sort of job, and it’s also crucial to ensure you’re using
the best equipment suited for the task at hand.
Bear the following safety
tips in mind while carrying out your work.
Training
There is probably nothing
more important than the initial training before you even begin using the necessary
equipment, and this should be a balance of classroom-based learning and
practical demonstration.
Training should not only
include the safety issues involved in using the equipment, but also the safety
regarding you, as well. For example, the correct and safest way to mount or
dismount and the best way to identify hazards.
If you don’t feel like you
have been adequately trained or if anything during your training feels unclear,
always raise the concern before you
agree to use any equipment.
Always Check the Equipment Before Use
It’s vital to perform a
visual check on anything before you start it up and begin your work. It needs
to be in good
operating condition, and any red flags should be raised before you even
consider using it.
If the equipment is in good
enough condition for you to start it up, don’t proceed until you’ve also double
checked that all lights and gauges are working correctly, too, as these will
need to be working to inform you if something is wrong.
You can find a range of
heavy equipment and details on their proper use at www.machineproviders.com.
Be Aware of your Surroundings
It’s easy to become focused
on the job at hand and be oblivious to other things which might be happening on
the site. It may sound good to be solely concentrating on the piece of
machinery you are using, but you also need to be aware of potential bystanders,
other workers and hazards such as power lines or pipes if you are digging.
Spatial awareness is also crucial if you are using equipment which has a swing
radius.
Ensure You Have the Correct PPE
This is another area which
should have been covered in your training, and all Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) should be provided to you before commencing
work. This can include:
- Safety
glasses
- Safety
boots
- Hard
hats
- Gloves
If you feel that any item is
missing or an extra item is needed, be sure to speak to an authority figure
about it before you begin using your equipment.
It’s also important to
ensure that any PPE supplied to you is well-fitting and the correct size; if
you have boots which are loose and fit uncomfortably, for example, this can be
a hazard in itself, especially if you are operating a machine which uses foot
pedal control.