by Pedro Negri
by Bill Pyles
Monday, August 29, 2011

Have your equipment operators follow these heavy equipment safety procedures:

  • Do not use heavy machinery when drowsy, intoxicated or taking prescription medications that may affect performance.

  • Use only equipment that is appropriate for the work to be done.
  • Inspect the equipment to ensure it is in superior working condition before beginning a job.
  • Conduct regular maintenance appropriately.
  • Do not stress or overload equipment.
  • Never get on or off moving equipment.
  • Do not lubricate or adjust a running engine.
  • Turn the engine off before refueling.
  • Keep all shields and safety guards in place.
  • Avoid underground utilities and overhead power lines.
  • Before leaving equipment unattended, ensure all buckets, blades, etc., are on the ground; the transmission is in neutral; the engine is off; and the equipment is secure against movement.

    • Source: University of Texas at Arlington

     

    Construction Business Owner, August 2011


    Pedro Negrin is the director of used equipment and Bill Pyles is the vice president of service for Nortrax, a North American dealer for John Deere Construction and Forestry retailers. The company has 52 dealers in the eastern and central portions of the United States and Canada and recently reached six million work hours without a lost-time injury.