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Learn how to prevent construction-related "struck by" and "back over" incidents involving heavy equipment. This guide provides safety tips and best practices for equipment operators, workers on foot, ground guides, and the use of cell phones on construction sites.
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Disclaimer: As a committee of a national organization, the Safety, Health & Environmental Committee of NPCA must reference federal standards. However, users of this information are informed that state and local agencies may have more stringent standards than those cited here. It is the users responsibility to ensure that the federal standards referenced herein are applicable in their locale. If more stringent standards apply locally, you must adhere to those local requirements.
The majority of construction related “struck by” and “back over” incidents involve heavy equipment. The use of such equipment is essential at the majority of precast plants or the job sites precast is delivered.
According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics review of the 962 fatal workplace injuries on construction sites from 2003 to 2010, 443 were due to a worker being struck by mobile equipment.
Common Equipment found on Precast Job Sites: Dump trucks Flat bed trucks Boom trucks Cranes Excavators Skid steers Forklifts Rubber-Tired gantry cranes Commercial trucks Customers!
Equipment Safety: Operation of any type of equipment should always be done by highly skilled operators who have demonstrated the ability and necessary skills to operate safely. Operators must have proficient knowledge of the specific piece of equipment they are operating. They are responsible for the inspection of the equipment and any people who are near by during operation.
Equipment Safety: Pre-shift Inspection: Check equipment's brakes, horn, back-up lights, back-up alarm, 4-way flashers. 360 degree walk around visual inspecting for any oil leaks or any type of damage. Clean windows and mirrors thoroughly to provide a clear view.
Equipment Safety: Get to know the equipment's blind spots. Adjust mirrors for maximum visibility. If the equipment has a trailer, adjust mirrors while the tractor and trailer are in a perfectly straight line with the operator sitting in a normal comfortable sitting position. Get help adjusting the out of reach mirrors. Walk around the equipment and check your path of travel.
Safely working in the area of any equipment requires the shared responsibility of both the equipment operator and their coworkers. Many times when workers think they can be seen by the operators, they can’t. You may be in a blind spot! A common rule of thumb is “pedestrians always have the right of way.” However, this doesn't work if the operator does not see the pedestrian.
Workers on Foot: Always wear high visibility apparel that is job appropriate. Be aware of equipment and blind areas. Confirm communication signals with an operator. Be aware of equipment travel paths. Listen for reverse alarms. Do not rely solely on one safety practice; always be aware of your surroundings.
Ground Guide: A ground guide must be familiar with the equipment and the job site. Arm and hand signals are the basic method. Voice signals between the ground guides and driver can be misunderstood and should not be used except in an emergency. Ground guide should always keep visual contact with the operator. Ground guides should not position themselves between the vehicle being guided and another object where an inadvertent engine surge could cause injury.
Communication: Good communication is essential. A standardized set of hand signals should be used. Operators should always know exactly where all ground based workers are located and make them give signals before proceeding. Ground workers should always keep their attention focused on moving equipment and should be in constant communication with the operator.
Use of cell phones by operators of moving equipment has become an important issue. A New England Journal of Medicine linked use of cell phones to a quadrupled risk of motor vehicle collision. There are many significant safety hazards in a construction work environment, and it is critical to reduce those hazards where possible. Elimination of unnecessary hazards such as those caused by cell phone usage is critical for the safety of heavy equipment operators and others at the work site. Cell Phone Policy:
Studies have found three main problems related to cell phone usage and moving equipment. Dialing Holding the phone Talking While “hands free” equipment may reduce the impact of these issues, research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that engagement in conversation is more often a factor in collisions than hand/eye distractions. Cell Phone Policy:
For Safety of themselves and others, it is critical that equipment operators and ground employees stay focused while equipment is in operation. Remember: Don’t use cellular phones while operation equipment. Use voice-mail and return calls during breaks or equipment downtime. Personal phones should be left in vehicles. The time to make personal calls is during a designated break time. If it is necessary to answer or make a work related phone call, completely shut down the equipment or remove oneself from the “hazardous work area.” Cell Phone Policy:
Training: The purpose of safety training is to provide the knowledge necessary to perform a job safely by establishing expectations for employees on how to perform job tasks. Knowledge acquired by participating in training is one of the methods used to create an effective safety culture. It is the employers responsibility to see that all employee’s working on, or around equipment possess the proper knowledge and ability to perform the job safely.
