Working on a construction site, no matter the size can be a pretty dangerous job if the rules aren’t followed. Sites are full of machinery and equipment that can cause injury and death, so following the rules and regulations that keep workers safe is the top priority.
Many construction sites will have their own rules and regulations for worker safety, but these ten rules for drivers can be applied across the board.
Drivers must be fully trained
No one should be using any machinery they aren’t trained on, and this includes equipment that can be driven. Make sure the drivers are fully trained on the plant they’re operating and have a complete understanding of the machine.
If you find yourself uncertain about your qualifications to operate machinery, consider operated plant hire. Let us take a load off your shoulders by providing a highly skilled operator who will efficiently complete the job, all while ensuring a safe working environment.
Drivers must be well enough to use the equipment safely
Anyone operating driven machinery should feel well enough to do so, especially if their ill health involves their vision. Drivers should also not be under the influence of any drugs, prescribed or otherwise, or alcohol to ensure the safety of everyone on-site, not just themselves.
Follow site procedures and rules
Site operating procedures should be fully understood before anyone starts driving, along with the rules of the construction site. Breaking rules and procedures could result in workers getting hurt, so avoid taking shortcuts to save time or effort and make sure to follow the correct procedure for the site.
Follow site emergency procedures
Knowing exactly what to do and where to go during an emergency on-site is crucial. Before anyone starts operating or driving vehicles, they must know the site’s emergency procedures to ensure everyone’s safety.
Learn the safe operating limitations of the vehicle
Before operating, make sure drivers understand the safe operating limitations of the vehicle they’re driving. This includes maximum load amounts, load spread, and more specific limits for each vehicle model.
Follow site routes and practice safe driving
Any routes for machinery and vehicles on site should be followed. Signage will help workers know which routes they can and can’t take, so a good understanding of these signs and routes is important. Safe driving, in general, should always be practised, including proper reversing, signalling, and parking. Not doing this could cause an accident where someone could get hurt and vehicles could get damaged.
Complete daily vehicle checks and report any issues
Vehicles should be checked daily in line with manufacturer guidelines available in the operator’s manual supplied with the machine and any problems or defects, should then be reported immediately before using the machine. Keeping on top of machine maintenance will help keep everyone on site safe and is absolutely worth the time it takes to do so if it prevents even one injury.
Keep the vehicle tidy of obstructions
Anything that can stop the safe operation of a vehicle needs to be removed. Personal touches are fun, but if they block the driver’s view or pose a threat to controls, then they have to go. Items that could fall on the controls, clog mechanisms or obstruct use are dangerous, so keep the vehicle clean and free of clutter.
Ensure loads are safe to transport
Before driving any loads across the site, make sure it’s correctly and safely attached to the vehicle. This includes the safe joining of plant attachments by workers following procedure, and the safe unloading once done.
It is important to make sure your excavator accessories are correct for the job you are undertaking. For example a compaction plate attachment should only be used for compaction and not other jobs on site. The risk of using the wrong attachment can lead to dangerous environments and unpredictable reactions from the machine. There are many options and sizes for excavator attachments, so make sure all the possibilities have been considered before choosing the right one for the job.
Operate the vehicle safely
This rule goes without saying. When driving the vehicle, follow the rules and do it safely. It may sound obvious but do not get on and off the vehicle or try to get to the engine while it’s running. These seemingly small risks have the potential to turn into major injuries, so use the vehicle correctly to keep everyone safe.
Though simple, these rules are incredibly important when it comes to the safety and well-being of workers on site. Plant can be dangerous pieces of equipment that should be used correctly and treated with respect, and a full understanding of how they operate is paramount. Site engineers can help with keeping everyone safe and fully trained, but site workers too have the power to protect themselves and those around them through safe driving practice.
Rockthorn Plant Hire
At Rockthorn, we supply a huge range of drivable machinery through our plant hire service. The equipment available is fully maintained and in top condition for when you hire, helping you get one step closer to perfect site safety. To find out more about our available machines, give us a call on 0330 118 5030 or use our easy online form to get a quote.