1. Construction Safety Talks
Caution Some Things To Know Before You Give Your Talk.
With Front Rubber-tired front end loaders are commonly found on job sites.
End However, they have special hazards that should be avoided.
Loaders
Talk to your crew about the problems that can come from
No. 7 operating a front end loader and make sure they understand how
to prevent them.
Most important, if your equipment is equipped with ROPS (rollover
protection), the seat belt must be worn to keep you within the
How This Talk
Applies To My
safety envelope if the machine overturns.
Crew:
Raised Buckets
There are many dangers that can result from leaving the machine
with the bucket raised. Every year falling buckets cause injuries.
Some of these injuries occur to construction workers who should
know better and some to children who don't. There are also a few
older machines with the pivot behind the seat which can crush the
operator as they climb under the raised bucket arm to leave the
machine.
Hauling Riders
This is another cause of serious accidents. The only safe place to
ride is on a seat provided for that specific purpose. Tell the crew
that your company enforces a rule that there must be a seat for
each rider.
Traveling
These machines should be roaded (driven) in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions, especially concerning speed and
grade.
Falls
Falls while getting on and off the loader are the most common
accidents. Make sure that steps and ladders are properly
maintained. Steps and ladders should be kept clear of mud, snow,
and ice. Remember, always keep a "three point contact" with the
machine (two feet and a hand or two hands and a foot) Never
jump off!
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2. Backing Over Someone
There is always the danger of backing over a person while working. The operator must
watch for and warn people who get into the backing area. Make sure the machine is
equipped with an operational back up alarm which is in working order.
Working On Stockpiles Or Fill Areas
Care must be taken in these areas. Undercutting a stock pile can result in a slide that
will bury a loader. A hopper should have a stoplog to prevent a truck or loader from
driving into it. When working on a stock pile or fill area, the operator should know where
the edge is and approach it slowly.
At the beginning of each shift, the operator should check the machine to make sure all
safety devices are working. Do not use your hands to check for hydraulic leaks. Use a
small piece of wood such as a cut-off broom handle or paint paddle. A hydraulic leak
under pressure has so much force that it cuts as effectively as a sharp saw blade.
Try This For Show And Tell!
Take the crew to one of your front end loaders and have one of them sit in the driver's
seat. Then have someone stand behind the loader to show the crew how difficult it is for
the driver to see anyone behind them.
Questions You Can Use To Get Them Talking:
• What can we do to keep truck drivers and other workers out of the backing area?
• How many of you have been injured or slipped while working around or getting
on and off a loader? What happened?
• Has anyone here had trouble with a machine while it was being roaded?
• What do you include in your pre-shift inspection?
Attended By:
The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at
the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the
appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.
© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 2