Preventing Common Construction Injuries

In the world of construction, you’ll inevitably be working with heavy equipment. This construction equipment helps you work smarter, not harder. It allows you to tackle projects that would otherwise go untouched. But with all the advantages of landscaping equipment, there are some safety risks. We created the following guide to help prevent the most common construction injuries. If you have any questions, or want to check out the latest heavy equipment models, visit Birkey’s Farm Store. We proudly serve those in Illinois and Indiana.

Frequent Training
Every employee needs comprehensive training for any construction equipment they use. But it’s not enough to read through a manual or sit through a PowerPoint presentation. This process needs to include hands-on training. This accomplishes two goals. First, it helps employees retain the information needed to operate landscaping and construction equipment. Second, it’s important to have a seasoned pro watch a newbie go through the process. That way, an experienced employee can catch any errors early before they become habit.

The specific training depends on the specific heavy equipment in question. But generally it needs to include the following topics:

• How to turn the construction equipment on and off
• How to enter and dismount the heavy equipment
• Any relevant features of the specific model
• The capabilities of the landscaping equipment (its ability to lift, its loading capacity, the speed capacities)

It’s also important to conduct refreshers to review concepts. If any procedures change, host a new training as soon as possible. Make sure every employee has the knowledge and experience required to operate the construction equipment safely and with ease.

Proper Clothing and Gear
Some heavy equipment will require certain gear for successful operation. This can include hard hat, goggles, gloves, steel-toed shoes, and protective outerwear. But all heavy equipment needs employees to wear shoes with good traction.

Keep in mind health issues not related to the equipment. For example, hot days pose the risk of heat stroke. Wear breathable clothing to keep body temperatures within acceptable levels.

Create a Safe Work Environment
Many workplace injuries involve slips and falls. Remove any possible causes such as debris on the floor or tools scattered about. Keep floors and surfaces as clear as possible and clearly mark any obstacles.

Another common injury is a fall off of heavy equipment or structures. Implement as many preventative measures as possible such as guardrails, canopy structures, screens, and so on. Check that everything is properly installed and inspected regularly.

It may sound simple, but proper lighting is key as well. Employees need to be able to clearly see the area around them whether they are stepping onto the landscaping equipment or driving the construction equipment around. Keep the areas well-lit and use artificial lighting when the sunlight vanishes at night.

Equipment Maintenance
All heavy equipment needs to be in good working order before an employee steps inside. Always keep up to date with regular checks on the landscaping equipment. If anything seems off during operation, bring it in for maintenance.

With the proper preventative and proactive steps, you can equip your employees for safe use of construction equipment. For all your heavy equipment needs, visit Birkey’s Farm Store. We offer a range of equipment including landscape equipment. We offer both new and used equipment options to fit all budgets. Look into our financing options to get your dream construction equipment sooner. We also operate a parts replacement and service department to repair your heavy equipment. If you are experiencing any issues with performance, bring it to our expert staff. We can get them running like new in no time. We proudly serve those in Illinois and Indiana.