One worker in Cleveland was recently injured when his excavator fell through two floors inside a parking garage. As a result of the accident, the worker was momentarily trapped. After being freed, the worker was transported to a nearby medical facility. The accident is still under investigation.
Heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, cranes, and forklifts, perform many important tasks. Unfortunately, heavy equipment accidents occur all the time and change the lives of the workers involved. While nothing can completely eliminate the risk of being in a heavy equipment accident, by following the advice listed below, you can greatly reduce your chances of being seriously injured or killed.
Receive Adequate Training
Many heavy equipment accidents occur because workers are not properly trained. Not only should everyone who handles heavy equipment receive adequate training, but they should also understand what safety strategies should be utilized when operating each piece of machinery. If special licensure is required to work equipment, the worker should obtain this licensure as well.
Always Wear Proper Safety Gear
One of the most common reasons workers are injured while operating heavy equipment is due to the lack of adequate safety gear. Workers who operate heavy equipment must make sure to use all of the recommended safety gear to greatly reduce their risk of injury. Some of the most common types of safety equipment include gloves, goggles, hard hats, and steel-toed boots.
Use Equipment for its Intended Purpose
Most heavy equipment is designed to be used in a specific manner. If you attempt to use heavy equipment in a manner that is outside of this purpose, your chances of getting seriously injured increase greatly.
Properly Maintain Heavy Equipment
You should make sure to both routinely inspect and maintain heavy equipment. A large number of heavy equipment accidents involve equipment that is not adequately maintained. If any signs of defects or required maintenance are noticed on equipment, it should not be used until repairs are made.
Clearly Communicate
Workers should always be aware of heavy equipment that is being used at a work site. Communication must exist between drivers and all other involved parties to avoid accidents. While hand signals often work, sometimes it becomes necessary to utilize two-way radio contact so workers can stay out of the path of heavy equipment.
Reduce Blind Spots
Due to the substantial size of some equipment, machinery operators are sometimes not able to see all of the areas around equipment. Large blind spots greatly the risk that a worker will not be seen and that injuries or fatalities will occur. By utilizing mirrors as well as other technology, drivers can greatly reduce the risk of collisions.
Speak With Me Today
No matter how your heavy equipment accident occurred, an experienced accident attorney can help. Give me a call today and we will discuss your options to pursue compensation. Always remember, I’ll Make Them Pay!®.
