Manufacturers are producing better and safer equipment today than ever before for several reasons, including advances in technology and user acceptance. However, the operator must learn and follow the operating procedures provided by the manufacturer to responsibly and safely operate equipment. Today, as it has always been, safety is a personal choice that each person must choose. We make that personal choice every day, even as we drive to work, when we choose whether or not to obey speed limits. Proper operating procedures, like speed limits, are put into place to protect not only the operator, but everyone that may be around from co-workers to bystanders.

Listed below are seven primary safety concerns that we as operators, supervisors and managers must all look at to help ensure a safe working environment.

1. Awareness - There are thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths each year in the construction industry. Many of these could have been prevented by simply following the operating procedures and policies outlined by the equipment manufacturer and employer. Awareness reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Supervisors, as well as operators, must be aware of manufacturer’s operating procedures along with employer’s operating and safety policies. This does not stop with equipment operation, but also includes all aspects of the job.

2. Pre-Work Inspection - Before beginning work with a piece of equipment, there are several things that must take place. First and foremost, the operator needs to read and understand the operator’s manual for that piece of equipment. Being familiar with the controls and operating procedures and always operating from the operator’s position are critical to safe operation.

Next, the unit must be in good operating condition. Make sure all guards and shields are in place. Exposed belts, chains and shafts pose potential hazards. Check for leaks, but be cautious when checking leaks in pressurized hydraulic systems. A good way to determine if leaks exist is to look under the unit after it has set overnight. Never use your bare hands to check for leaks. High pressure fluid escaping from a small hole in a hose or fitting can penetrate your skin. Hydraulic poisoning can lead to amputation, or even death, so be careful. Be sure that all safety switches are connected and working according to the manufacturer’s design.

The operator’s manual and the unit’s safety signs are designed to make operators aware of certain hazards associated with the operation and service of the unit. Replace them as they become worn, damaged or misplaced.

3. Loading and Transporting - Before towing, be sure the tow vehicle and trailer are compatible. The tow vehicle must be able to handle the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the loaded trailer as well as the tongue load.

Make sure trailer and tow vehicle are properly connected, and that the towing vehicle’s parking brake is set prior to loading equipment on trailer. With everyone clear of the loading area, put the equipment in the lowest gear or speed range and slowly load the machine onto the trailer. Lower all attachments not held by stow locks, set the parking brake if supplied and secure the machine to the trailer with tiedowns. Reverse the procedure for unloading the unit. Always follow all state and federal D.O.T. regulations.

4. Jobsite Preparation - When operating any piece of equipment, you must be aware of worksite hazards. Before beginning any job, contact your local One-Call service or the national One-Call service at 811 to locate and mark all underground utilities. In most cases, this should be done at least 48 hours prior to start of job but check your local and state regulations for One-Call regulations and notification. Knowledge of the laws in your area is important. Some states may not require all underground utility owners to be members of the One-Call system. In those instances, utility owners must be contacted separately. Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to prevent damage to underground utilities.

Walk the jobsite and take a visual inventory of the area, looking for signs of buried utilities that may have been missed. These could include trench lines, utility risers or pads, meters, lines coming down utility poles, and manholes. Other items that are often overlooked are yard lights, power to outbuildings and invisible dog fences. Some of these may be an inconvenience while others can cause serious injury.

5. Potential Hazards - While operating the unit, there are potential hazards to look out for in addition to buried utilities. When working on slopes, sidehills or uneven terrain, there is the danger of rolling the machine over. You can reduce some of the rollover dangers by always wearing your seatbelt if equipped. Never remove, weld on or alter the Rollover Protection System (ROPS). Work up and down slopes when possible, and when you have to work on a sidehill, keep all attachments close to the ground and uphill to lower the center of gravity. If operating a walk along unit, never stand on the down hill side of the equipment.

If working in dense underbrush or around trees, be aware of low-hanging branches that can snag control levers or catch on attachments.

Never operate any piece of equipment carelessly. Always keep operation slow and intentional, especially in crowded conditions. In congested areas, there is an increased chance of collisions so always be aware of where you are and what’s around you.

6. The Danger Zone - Anytime the unit is running and the attachment is engaged, there is danger of serious injury or death. You, as the operator, must be aware of co-workers and bystanders at all times. Inform co-workers and bystanders to stay at least 6’ (2 m) from the farthest reach of any attachment including a backhoe. We are all aware that there are jobsites where co-workers stand right next to the excavation while the backhoe operator is still working. This is an accident waiting to happen. Bystanders and co-workers within the danger zone may trip and fall into the trench or onto the attachment. The trench could cave-in when working in soft or sandy soils causing possible entanglement with the attachment. When working in rocky conditions, the attachment can throw rocks from the trench and strike co-workers or bystanders.

When operating a machine with an exposed rotating shaft, the danger zone should be extended to 10’ (3 m). Never stand on or grab a rotating shaft with your hands.

Other danger zone areas to look for include such areas as the plow and backhoe attachments as well as the pinch point on articulating frame units. Avoid these by staying aware.

Always operate the unit from the proper operator’s position. Remember to keep fellow workers and bystanders out of the danger zone.

7. The Operator’s Responsibility - Equipment operators are responsible for ensuring equipment is operated safely and properly. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of co-workers and bystanders. However, safety must start with the supervisors and managers requiring that all operators are properly trained on each piece of equipment they operate. Having and enforcing safety policies and procedures and providing the needed training will greatly enhance safety on the job and potentially significantly reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that happen each year in this industry.

Remember, safety is a personal choice that each of us must make. These choices can make a difference on whether we get to go home at the end of each day.