Five Things To Consider When Operating Heavy Machinery

Working in the heavy industry is far from simple. Heavy machinery is a necessity for nearly every project and unfortunately this comes with its own risks, both in terms of safety and logistics. 

Accidents must be predicted before they happen, so follow these five safety tips the next time you’re operating heavy machinery to ensure you and your employees stay safe, productive and maintain an accident-free workplace: 

 1. Invest In Training 

Workers should never attempt to operate heavy machinery without being trained to. Each machine is highly technical and has its own quirks and attributes, therefore training must be provided to avoid any accidents.  

Setting up a certification program will prove to be very beneficial as it will ensure each worker is competent enough to maneuver and safely run different units. The ongoing training program should include both instructional and hands-on learning to review equipment safety features, identify potential hazards, maneuver safely and understand safety precautions. 

Retraining and refresher courses are also advised, especially if a worker is observed operating the heavy machinery unsafely in a manner other than its intended purpose. 

 2. Inspect Machinery Before Use 

Proper maintenance is invaluable and must be undertaken to ensure your machinery is up to par. Many industrial appliances can suffer damage if they are not properly maintained and accidents as well as injuries can be avoided with regular inspections. When did you purchase the machinery you use, and when was the last time you inspected it? 

 3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings  

Operators must be mindful of the area they are working in and any obstacles they may encounter while using heavy machinery. There are many dangers that they may encounter, such as passing workers and misplaced stock. These variables can make it extremely difficult to operate heavy machinery in any warehouse, therefore operators must be aware of their swing radius, clearance, and other factors to keep the working spaces as safe as possible.  

Safety Signs & Floor Markers are a great way to warn workers of certain areas in the warehouse and avoid any accidents, as they are visible and essential contributors to strong workplace health and safety culture. Another way to reduce and prevent accidents while using heavy machinery is by installing barriers. As much as barriers are used to protect employees, they are also used to reduce damage to your heavy machinery. The last thing you would want is to have to pay for repairs of equipment which ultimately disrupts the workforce in the process. 

 4. Communicate Effectively 

When working with heavy machinery, communication is absolutely vital. A two-way radio is a great way to communicate with your team and reduce the likelihood that someone will be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Warehouses can be loud, so heavy machinery operators must not assume that they’ll be able to hear everyone at all times. Use radios, wear appropriate PPE gear, such as bright safety vests and safety glasses, and always double-check your surroundings before operating heavy machinery.  

 5. Know Your Limits 

Like you should always know the limits of your equipment, make sure you are aware of your own. Knowing your physical limits is another crucial aspect of worksite safety. Operating heavy machinery can be extremely dangerous at times, so if for whatever reason you feel uncomfortable, hesitant or even overworked and distracted, notify your supervisor to ensure you don’t cause a serious threat to yourself and your coworkers. 

Everyone can do their part to reduce risks while operating heavy machinery by investing time in training, inspecting machinery, being alert at all times, communicating effectively and being aware of their own limits. 

We hope you found this article both useful and informative. Visit our website to view our range of heavy machinery, place an order, or give our team a call on 0333 234 2344 for more information.