3. Getting on and off equipment
is the leading cause of injury
on jobsites.
4. 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
5. 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
6. Never hold objects when climbing, so that
you are focused on getting on the equipment
without distractions.
Stay Focused
7. When getting off, use the foot and hand
holds just like you did when getting on the
equipment.
Go Down the Same Way
8. Make it Down Safe
The most important part when getting off
of your equipment is to never jump! Slowly
lower yourself to the ground.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
20. 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.
21. Rope it Off
Before using the machinery, you should
rope off the swing radius around the
machine or secure it.
22. Watch your Surroundings
Don’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.
24. Mark the Spots
On 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.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. Get the Big Picture
Use 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.
33. 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.
34. Keep Control
Wearing a seat belt will reduce the amount
that you bounce during normal driving of
machinery and help you stay in control.
35. Look for Instructions
Check with the manufacturer to see if they
provide instructional videos on how to handle
to equipment on different surface conditions.
37. Limit Your Exposure
When working in close contact with chemicals
or substances that produce harmful fumes,
wear protective equipment such as masks and
goggles.
38. 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.
39. 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.
40. Spec on the Job
Helping You Build Your
Quality Workforce