Lansing, MI — Michigan OSHA has issued a hazard bulletin after investigating recent incidents involving heavy construction equipment that resulted in workers being injured and killed.
The three incidents, which occurred in June and August, involved a paving roller, a front-end loader and an aerial lift. Two of the four workers injured in the incidents died.
MIOSHA, which operates as a State Plan program under federal OSHA, urges employers to take steps to enhance awareness and training for workers who operate or work around heavy construction equipment.
Other recommendations:
- Evaluate site conditions, such as identifying uneven terrain, soft ground, steep slopes and ditches, before moving equipment into an area.
- Understand and follow the equipment’s safe operating procedures.
- Conduct daily inspections of the equipment’s brakes, tires, seat belts, alarms, etc.
- Don’t operate a piece of equipment without using a seat belt.
- Ensure loads and structures are properly supported before lifting, guiding and working underneath them.
- Follow lockout/tagout procedures to prevent equipment from unexpectedly shifting during maintenance or inspection.
McCraren Compliance offers comprehensive safety training to help prevent accidents. Visit our class calendar to see how our training and consulting services can enhance your safety efforts.
Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication