Staying Safe whilst using Construction Equipment


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.