Dangers of Heavy Equipment
Heavy equipment causes many construction fatalities through:
- Struck-by incidents
- Caught-between/crushing incidents
- Rollovers
- Power line contacts
- Equipment failures
Workers on Foot
If you're working around heavy equipment but not operating it:
Know Blind Spots
- All heavy equipment has blind spots
- Never assume the operator can see you
- Stay out of "No-Go Zones" around equipment
- Make eye contact with operators before approaching
Visibility
- Wear high-visibility clothing (Class 2 or 3 reflective vests)
- Never rely on backup alarms alone
- Use spotters when necessary
- Stay visible in low light conditions with reflective gear
Safe Distances
- Stay at least 10 feet away from operating equipment
- Stay clear of swing radius of cranes and excavators
- Never walk under suspended loads
- Never position yourself between equipment and fixed objects
Communication
- Learn and use standard hand signals
- Make eye contact before approaching
- Never approach without operator acknowledgment
- Use radios when needed for clear communication
For Equipment Operators
If you operate heavy equipment:
Pre-Operation
- Complete a walk-around inspection before starting
- Check blind spots and mirrors
- Test all warning devices and controls
- Look for fluid leaks and damaged parts
Awareness
- Know where all workers are at all times
- Use spotters for backing up and tight spaces
- Be aware of changing site conditions
- Never move equipment with an obstructed view
Safe Operation
- Always wear seat belts
- Keep loads stable and within capacity
- Never leave running equipment unattended
- Follow designated traffic patterns
- Maintain appropriate speeds
Mounting/Dismounting
- Always face the equipment
- Maintain three points of contact
- Never jump off equipment
- Use steps and handholds provided
Types of Equipment and Specific Hazards
Excavators
- Large swing radius
- Potential for trench collapse
- Underground utility strikes
- Tipping hazards on slopes
Loaders
- Limited forward visibility when bucket is raised
- Significant blind spots to the rear
- Risk of rollovers on uneven ground
- Dropped loads
Dump Trucks
- Very large rear blind spots
- Tipping hazards when dumping
- Overhead power line contacts
- Struck-by hazards during backing
Dozers
- Limited visibility around the blade
- Track movement hazards
- Noise that masks warnings
- Rollovers on steep terrain
Internal Traffic Control Plans
A good site has an organized traffic plan that:
- Separates workers on foot from equipment
- Creates designated travel lanes
- Minimizes backing operations
- Uses barriers where needed
- Has clear signage for operators and pedestrians
Common Struck-By Scenarios and Prevention
Backing Incidents
- Never assume the operator sees you
- Stay out of backing paths
- Make eye contact before crossing
- Use spotters for all backing operations
Swing Radius Strikes
- Stay outside barricaded areas
- Be aware of counterweight swing
- Never work in pinch points
- Stay visible to the operator
Falling Materials
- Never walk under suspended loads
- Be aware of load limits
- Check that loads are secure
- Wear hard hats at all times
Flying Debris
- Stay clear of grinding, cutting operations
- Wear eye protection
- Be aware of wind conditions
- Stand clear of chipping or breaking operations
Emergency Procedures
If equipment contacts a power line:
- Operator should stay in the cab if possible
- Workers should stay at least 30 feet away
- Call emergency services immediately
- Don't touch equipment and ground simultaneously
If equipment starts to tip:
- Operator should stay in the cab with seat belt on
- Brace yourself and don't jump
- Workers should clear the fall zone immediately