May 9, 2022
Operating heavy machinery is an important part of the daily operation in many different industries. This can be dangerous, though, which is why employers and employers must know how to operate heavy machinery safely to minimise the chance of accidents and injuries. This post will offer a few tips to ensure that safety is a top priority and that operations run efficiently each day. Keep reading to find out more.
First, you need to ensure that anyone operating heavy machinery has proper training and certification. Comprehensive training will show staff the operation and safety protocols of the machinery, reducing the chance of an accident and giving employees confidence in their ability to handle the equipment. The appropriate licence or certifications must also be obtained, such as those provided through CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) or NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme).
In addition to providing training on how to use heavy machinery safely and efficiently, staff should also receive first aid training. This will ensure that first aid can be administered immediately in the event of an injury and will provide peace of mind, knowing that staff will be able to react swiftly and effectively in the event of an accident.
Proper training and certification is also important from a legal standpoint. Failure to ensure that operators have received proper training may lead to a serious accident/injury, which could result in a personal injury claim being made against the business. Every employer has a legal responsibility to create safe working conditions, so training is a key area that must be addressed when it comes to operating heavy machinery.
Accidents often occur due to machinery faults, which is why regular maintenance checks are key. Frequent inspections of heavy machinery can help identify issues before they become dangerous problems and ongoing maintenance will help to keep your equipment in top condition. In addition to safety, this is also beneficial for avoiding breakdowns - these can be costly both in terms of downtime and repairs/replacements.
It will depend on the type of machinery, but you may need to check the brakes, hydraulic systems, and safety guards to ensure the equipment is in safe and working order. Additionally, heavy machinery also has many moving parts, so these must be maintained and properly lubricated to ensure safe operations. Maintenance information for specific equipment can be obtained from the manufacturer’s handbook.
Preventative maintenance is the best form for heavy machinery. This involves carrying out maintenance before issues arise, so you should develop a maintenance schedule for each piece of equipment to ensure that it is properly maintained at all times.
If any issues are detected with your heavy machinery, it is vital that repairs are conducted immediately, even if this means halting operations. Safety must always be a top priority, so you need to ensure that the equipment is in safe working order before work commences.
Operating heavy machinery safely requires adherence to strict safety procedures. It is vital that the manufacturer’s guidelines are always followed and the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is used every time an employee uses the machinery - this should be policy and staff should be reminded, as complacency can be an issue. PPE can include reflective vests, helmets, gloves, eye goggles, and protective boots. Make sure that there is always fresh PPE available in different sizes for your employees. The work area should also be cleared of any hazards before the machinery is used, so regular cleaning is important.
Distractions and fatigue are also common issues when it comes to operating heavy machinery. This is why it is important to minimise distractions in the area, including banning the use of mobile phones when operating heavy machinery. To prevent fatigue from being an issue, you must give employees a manageable workload and ensure that regular breaks are taken so that they are fresh and energised when using heavy machinery.
Safety must be a top priority when it comes to operating heavy machinery in the workplace. Employers have a legal responsibility to provide safe working conditions for employees, so it is vital that proper training is given, as well as ongoing maintenance and adhering to safe operating practices. This will significantly reduce the chance of an accident or injury and provide reassurance for staff and employers that working conditions are safe. Accidents and injuries can be costly to a business in many different ways, so creating a safety-first culture is key and will benefit everyone involved in the organisation.
