10 Equipment Safety Tips

While working on the job there are many hazards that you may find yourself surrounded with. Equipment hazards are a major safety risk. Without proper procedures we can find ourselves in a situation that may cause injury to ourselves and our coworkers. These tips address some of the risks that we may take if we don’t follow proper procedures when using equipment. 

Equipment safety is something that should be taken seriously. Incidents can cause damage to equipment, injuries to a person, or can even be fatal. Listed below are a few examples: 

• Unexpected equipment start-up as the worker did not Lock-out/Tag-out the equipment they are servicing. 
• No spotter used when moving equipment with blind spots leading to a distracted worker being drove over. 
• Seatbelt not being worn when using equipment causing the worker to fall out of roll cage and be crushed by equipment 

Let’s prevent these incidents from happening by following the 10 Equipment Safety Tips. 

Blind Spots 

• Always have a spotter visible to guide you. 
• Honk twice before moving large equipment. 
• Always wear high visibility vests while working. 

Communication 

• Always be in communication with those around you. 
• Use hand signals from a spotter to guide you. 
• Honk twice when moving equipment. 

Mounting & Dismounting 

• Use the three points of contact rule. 
• Never jump when mounting or dismounting. 
• Always ensure handholds and steps are in adequate condition. 

Loading/Unloading Equipment 

• Be on level ground. 
• Use a spotter if unloading/loading equipment is a complex job. 
• Ensure everyone involved understands the procedure. 
• Seatbelts Always wear a seatbelt when using equipment. 
• Seatbelts increase the chance of survival in a rollover. 
• Secures you to your seat in rough terrain. 

Lock-Out/Tag-out 

• Always lock-out/tag-out equipment before servicing. 
• Disconnect the battery. 
• Take the keys out of the cab 

Overhead & Underground Hazards 

• Ensure that you aware of the height restrictions associated with your equipment. 
• Beware of powerlines and their potential low clearance restrictions. 

Load Limits 

• Ensure that the equipment you are using is right for the task. 
• Know your load limits. 
• Ensure to secure load properly. 

Walk-around Inspection Inspect daily. 

• Fill out inspection checklist. 
• Perform Field Level assessments 

Knowing Your Limits 

• If unsure how to operate, ask for help. 
• If uncomfortable with task, do not perform. 
• Do not operate when fatigued