Front End Loader Toolbox Talk

Front End Loader Safety Talk

Working construction comes with its own set of concerns and worries. Due to the fact that so much heavy machinery is being operated and tools that can be harmful when not operated correctly. The use of this heavy machinery is necessary to get the jobs that need to be done, done.

That is why it is so important that the safety rules that are put into place are strictly followed and obeyed. There have been many reports made of injuries or fatalities to employees due to job site injuries with heavy equipment. If you were to look up the OSHA Accident reports, you would find at least if not more than 600 results. Rules are put into place for a reason and should be followed by all employees.

Hazards For Front End Loader Operations

There is no denying the fact that there are risks associated with operating heavy machinery. When you are looking up the type of hazards that go along with operating a front end loader, you are going to find three different categories. They are struck-by, caught-in, caught-between, and tip over. All can be serious and result in injury or death. Let’s look into some of the explanations behind these categories.

Caught-In Incidents

Caught-in incidents are actually a very common one that you will find listed in the OSHA Accident reports. This is usually a hazard for the individuals who are working outside of the machinery, not the ones operating it. Although, that is not always the case and sometimes it could be the person who is operating the front end loader.

When someone is working outside or below the machine, they are the one who is most at risk. The load can shift or fall, resulting in it striking them. Just like when driving a car, there are blind spots when moving the front end loader, if the individual on the ground is in just the right spot, they are not seen by the operator. Resulting in them getting struck by the machine and getting caught-in the mechanics of it.

Struck-By Incidents

Getting hit by a piece of machinery can result in some pretty serious injuries or cause a fatality. The person operating the front end loader has to be just as careful and cautious as the person who is outside of it. There are blind spots and various reasons that they can possibly not be seen. Caught-Between Incidents Not only getting struck by the machinery being a risk but also getting caught between it can be. When you get hit by the front end loader, you may be close to a wall or other materials. You can get pinned between the machinery and whatever is beside you. The load that is being carried can also move or fall, causing you to be in a bad situation.

Such caution should be used when operating heavy machinery or being outside of it while it’s running. There are multiple amounts of injuries that can happen, some more serious than others. Doing all that you can to be as safe as possible is important.

Tip-Over Incidents

There are rules and safety guidelines that should be followed when operating a front end loader. For the main reasons for the safety of you and the ones around you. These pieces of machinery are very large and heavy, meaning that when operated outside of their guidelines can result in injuries or death.

Loads that are put onto them should be the right weight, height, and in the correct position to ensure that they won’t shift or cause the machinery to tip over. If a front end loader tips over, there is a great risk for the operator and the ones around the machine. The area in which it is being operated should be observed for uneven grounds as well, and you should always remain at a safe speed for the conditions.

Safest Way To Operate A Front End Loader

As it has been mentioned several times throughout this article, the safety guidelines that have been put in place are there for a reason. Everyone who is operating front-end loaders or anywhere on the job site should be familiar with them. This is to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Here are some of the safest and most conscious ways to operate a front end loader:

• Using your seatbelt is a must when operating your car, and using the front end loader is no different. You should always be wearing your seatbelt when operating this type of machinery.

• Have someone available when you are using the front end loader that can watch the surroundings for you. It is so easy to back into things or strike things due to blind spots. Having a spotter can really save you from causing damage to things around you.

• When at all possible, try to always go forward instead of in reverse. It can not always be avoided, but when it can it is best. Backing into things is far too easily done with big machinery like a front end loader.

• The operators of the front end loader should always read the manual and be one hundred percent knowledgeable about it. That way mistakes aren’t made that could have been avoided due to operator error.

• There are a lot of times that training is required to operate certain types of machinery. Make sure that all appropriate training and certifications are in your possession before operating a piece of machinery.

• Know the weight capacity of the machinery and never exceed it, this can only result in unnecessary incidents.

• Passengers should never be had when operating a front end loader unless stated otherwise in the manual.

• When a job site is designed, it is best to have as much movement happening away from the machinery. People walking around and trying to do their job while right next to the big equipment will result in injuries. Block off areas that should not be frequented by people unless absolutely necessary.

Something To Remember

The use of front end loaders and other heavy machinery is necessary for a lot of construction job sites. It is just important that the right precautions are taken to protect the safety of everyone involved. When this is done correctly and everyone involved is responsible, fewer injuries and fatalities will happen.