Heavy Machinery Doesn’t Have To Pose A Danger For Workers

One of the primary sources of injury on a construction site is heavy machinery. Further, over one-third of all work injuries and about 14 percent of fatalities are caused by these machines.

When safety is a priority for employers and their workers, heavy equipment can be used safely. That begins with proper training. Employers need to make sure that their employees thoroughly understand how equipment works before they touch it.

Employers should also make sure that safety procedures are communicated both verbally and in writing. These procedures and other safety protocols should constantly be reinforced by supervisors.

Part of the safe operation of machinery involves not hurrying. There are always deadlines and quotas to meet. However, they should not be met at the expense of workers’ safety. One of the most common causes of injuries involves trying to work faster than is safe. When workers are hurrying, they likely aren’t paying appropriate attention to what they’re doing.

Machines need to be regularly inspected. Each one likely has literally thousands of parts. It may not be obvious that one isn’t working properly until it causes a dangerous malfunction. Employees should be able to spot problems and instructed to notify the appropriate people if they believe something is wrong with a machine. Keeping machines in good working order can also help save money and downtime by preventing breakdowns.

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, and you believe that it could have been avoided if proper safety protocols had been in place, you may be able to take legal action against one or more individuals or entities. A New York personal injury attorney can offer valuable guidance on your possible legal options for seeking needed compensation.

Source: EHS Today, “5 Tips to Safely Operate Heavy Machinery,” James White, accessed May 31, 2018