Safety Tips for Operating Your Heavy Equipment

Heavy machines significantly reduce manual labor and speed up your work. They are perfect for use on farms and construction projects, and they go a long way in keeping your business rolling. However, they can be dangerous if you aren’t careful around them.

To prevent a mishap at your worksite, ensure that all operators are familiar with the safety practices of using heavy equipment. Refer to our guide to learn more about the safety tips to follow, and for more information, visit Bobcat of New Hampshire. You’ll find us in Chichester and Hudson, NH, where we happily welcome our friends from Manchester and Nashua, NH.

Dedicate Time to Training

The first thing you’ll need to do is ensure that your workers receive proper and regular training on the safety and operational procedures of the various machines at your work site. Prioritize training over everything else and allow only fully trained individuals to operate heavy equipment. 

Routine Inspection and Maintenance

Next, you’ll want to ensure that your machines are maintained regularly for safe operation. Proactive maintenance of heavy equipment makes them safer and more efficient to use, and you can spot any hidden issues before they get worse.

You will also want to ensure that your operators perform a daily inspection of your machines before starting them. Include performance checks, such as testing the oil and hydraulic hoses, examining the overall health of your tires, and checking accessories like arms and shovels, into your daily routine. If any issues are spotted, they should be addressed as soon as possible.

Verbal and Visual Communication

Another safety practice to follow is educating and enforcing visual communication among your staff. Operators should see and communicate with fellow workers working around them. This can help them alert people to move away or assist in an emergency. Two-way radios, flaggers, and gestures can ensure successful communication.

Slow Down and Stay Focused

Operator slip-ups can lead to dangerous outcomes, especially when rushing things. That’s why you’ll want to ensure that your staff understands the consequences of cutting corners on safety. Allow them to take whatever time they need to accomplish a given task and ensure there aren’t any distractions around where your heavy machines operate.

Use Equipment as Intended

Different machines can handle distinct work—ensure you use yours for their intended tasks only. You’ll want to avoid overloading your equipment and jeopardizing the safety of your staff.

We hope these tips help you operate your heavy equipment safely and efficiently. If you need more ideas or are still in the market for a new machine, visit Bobcat of New Hampshire. Our knowledgeable team can suggest models that suit your budget and unique needs, and we can also help you pick a machine that’s perfect for you. We have dealerships in Chichester and Hudson, NH, but we also serve Manchester and Nashua, NH.