Top 5 Operator Safety Tips for Any Job Site

Perhaps the most important aspect of workplace safety is to ensure all equipment operators have proper training. Whether it's classroom training or hands-on training, all operators need proper education and a general understanding of basic operating procedures for a machine's controls, gauges, signals, indicators, and monitor displays. Review the manufacturer's operation and maintenance manual. The manual serves as a primary guide for proper heavy equipment operation and maintenance, and it is provided upon delivery from your local dealership.

To schedule safety training, request pricing, or discuss future training needs, please visit our website at: http://www.bestline.com/certification-and-training-in-pennsylvania--training or email Best Line's Safety Department: safetydep@bestline.com. 

Explain Safety Guidelines: It is important to make safety a priority. As an equipment owner and operator, it is up to you to communicate proper safety tips to promote a safer work environment, as well as reduce the risk of accidents that could result in injuries. Follow these steps to create a job site that is ready to handle any potential issues thrown its way. 

Communicate Equipment Safety Features:  Efficient and safe operation may include using rear view or side view cameras, travel alarms, work lights, mirrors, and a horn. You can improve your visibility with cameras and reduce the risk of workers getting hurt or even killed on a job site.

Access Job Site Conditions:Maintain the Machine: Equipment operators should be authorized to complete routine maintenance, and they should possess the necessary tools to complete the job correctly. Some maintenance items may need to be completed by an authorized equipment dealership. Typical maintenance procedures, which are provided in the operation and maintenance manual, can be performed without any specific technical training.

Best Line Equipment offers Industrial training and certification services.  

 To keep your operations safe on the job site, make sure they understand universal safety guidelines, such as wearing protective clothing and personal safety devices. Always check with the local job site requirements to make sure your team complies with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) standards. Standards may vary by location and job site solutions. Always use a seat belt and use the grab handles and steps that are provided for a three-point contact when entering and exiting the machine.

Heavy equipment can be highly technical, especially with the evolution of smarter technologies, so it is crucial that your operator understands advanced equipment technologies. For instance, auto idle automatically reduces engine rpm when machine functions are not used for a predetermined amount of time. Auto shutdown, which helps reduce unnecessary noise by shutting down the machine's engine after a set period of inactivity is another feature available on some models. With both technologies, less noise allows for a better job site communication between operators and other workers.

Make sure you and your operators understand multi-functional display panels before operating. Display panels show critical machine data, such as speed, engine rpm, transmission gear, machine warnings, coolant temperature and transmission temperature.

Job sites can be filled with potential dangers. Before your operators start work, all underground utilities should be identified and clearly marked. Use a service such as 811, to have someone identify underground utility lines. Operators should ensure there are no bystandars and use barrier tape, traffic cones or gates to keep other individuals and equipment out of the work area.

Promoting a safety mindset also means performing routine equipment maintenance. Before working, operators should take a few moments to walk around the machine to look for potential problems or hazards.