Statements
- Preventing accidents involving earthmoving equipment is the operator’s responsibility;
- I am aware of the risks relating to earthmoving equipment at my workplace.
Questions for machine operators
- What risks relating to earthmoving equipment can you think of? How do you deal with these risks?
- What would you like to pass on to construction site workers to prevent unsafe situations?
- What would you like to pass on to your peer machine operators to prevent unsafe situations?
Questions for construction site employees
- What risks relating to earthmoving equipment can you think of? How do you deal with these risks?
- What would you like to pass on to machine operators to prevent unsafe situations?
- What would you like to pass on to other construction site workers to prevent unsafe situations?
Working and being present near earthmoving equipment involves many risks. In this Toolbox we devote attention to this topic. In addition, this toolbox identifies mitigating measures.
- Collision hazards;
- Distraction caused by smartphones (operator as well as colleagues on the construction site);
- Too many activities per m2;
- Time pressures;
- Poor lighting.
Ensure that these risks are minimised.
Collision hazards and distraction by smartphones
- Be aware of who is working in your surroundings (as machine operator) and where the crane is located (as construction site employee);
- Be aware of the crane’s movements. No one may be present within the crane’s turning radius.
- Ensure that the mirrors and cameras of mobile equipment are properly adjusted (as machine operator) and that you can oversee the work.
- Check that all safety signals on the machines operate properly, for example the backup signal.
- Be sure to have eye contact with colleagues at the workplace when you move (as machine operator) or when you are walking around the crane (as construction site worker).
- If necessary, agree on a signal in advance.
- Never simply assume that someone has seen you or that a crane will stay immobile.
- Do not allow yourself to be distracted, for example by your smartphone.
- Be sure to be in a safe place when you are using your smartphone.
For additional information, see the toolbox: Can you see me, can I see you and the toolbox: Deliberate use of smartphones
Too many activities per m2 and time pressures
Some situations are predetermined before you start working at the construction site. For example the schedule and the space available for you to work in. Be aware of the risks of a tight schedule and a small workplace and forward reports of unsafe situations.
- Discuss with the team who performs what activities. This way you know who is working where and this enables you to coordinate each other’s activities;
- Clean things up properly and keep the construction site tidy;
- It is important that you report unsafe situations (for example because of too much work per m2). Reports about work pressures, capacity and available working space can provide management, work planning and designers with concrete improvements;
- If you are unable to work safely, stop the work if necessary;
- Keep a close eye on yourself as well. If you are too tired or too stressed, discuss this with your foreman.
For additional information, see the toolbox: GO app and the toolbox: Relax! Tips for reducing work stress
Poor lighting
A broken or missing lamp may not immediately cause an accident, but remains a high risk, especially around mobile equipment. If you encounter a workplace that is too dark, prepare a GO! app report and solve the problem: order new lighting and, for example, extra reflective vests.
- Prepare a GO! app report and solve the problem;
- Order lighting;
- Wear reflective vests.
For additional information, see the toolbox: Construction lighting
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