The Minneapolis area had 2 workers killed on roadway construction zones in a two-day span last week, both involving heavy machinery/vehicle movement. These tragedies are a reminder that even if you’re not the one operating equipment, we are all working around it and need to take precautions. Today, we’ll focus on how we can stay safe around heavy machinery on our job sites.
Key Hazards Around Heavy Machinery
- Struck-by Incidents: People being hit by moving equipment or loads.
- Caught-In/Between Hazards: Getting pinned between a piece of machinery and another object.
- Blind Spots: Operators often cannot see workers standing too close, especially behind or beside the machine.
- Unexpected Movement: Equipment can swing, back up, or shift suddenly.
Safe Practices for Everyone on Site
- Stay Visible
- Always make eye contact with the operator before entering their work area.
- Wear high-visibility vests at all times.
- Never assume an operator can see you.
- Maintain Safe Distances
- Stay out of swing zones, turning radiuses, and blind spots.
- Keep a minimum buffer zone when trucks or machines are backing up or dumping.
- Communication is Critical
- Use radios, hand signals, or spotters when working around equipment.
- Only one designated spotter should give signals to the operator.
- Pay Attention to Warning Signals
- Backup alarms, horns, or flashing lights mean equipment is moving.
- Stop, look, and wait for the operator to acknowledge you before proceeding.
- Don’t Take Shortcuts
- Never walk directly behind or under raised equipment.
- Use designated walkways or paths when possible.
Responsibilities of Operators
- Complete pre-use inspections.
- Use seat belts and follow safe operating procedures.
- Stop work immediately if visibility is poor or people enter unsafe areas.
- Communicate clearly with ground personnel.
Heavy machinery is essential to the work we do, but it can also be deadly if we get careless. The recent fatalities in our area could have been prevented. Staying alert, keeping a safe distance, and communicating clearly are the keys to making sure we all go home safely at the end of the day.
See below for examples of blind spots on heavy machinery that may be present on a construction site.
Stay Safe!