Stern Law Firm’s Heavy Machinery and Vehicle Accident Prevention Tips

How can injuries occurring from heavy machinery and vehicles on a construction site be prevented?

Equipment failure from things like trucks, forklifts, cranes, hoists, excavators and scaffolding on construction sites are often the cause of minor and major injuries. One of the more frequent types of injuries is being run over by construction trucks, or equipment, usually while backing up, as well as being crushed between vehicles and other objects. Most often, improper use or failure to take the correct safety precautions is the blame for these injuries. If you have been injured by a construction vehicle, or piece of heavy machinery while on a construction site in the Metro New York City area, contact Stern Law Firm today for your free case evaluation. 

Here are a few tips to help prevent injuries from construction vehicles and heavy machinery equipment:

  1. Never drive a vehicle in reverse  if your rear view is obstructed or if you have not received a signal from someone with a clear view behind the truck that you are safe to do so. 

  2. Avoid interfering with moving equipment. Operating heavy machinery takes focus and precision. Be sure to stand clear, and never distract someone who is operating this type of equipment. Pay attention and do not goof off around heavy machinery because this can result in serious injuries.

  3. Establish a traffic plan for the construction site. Check that the paths are appropriate for vehicle and pedestrian activities. If possible, separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes by providing a physical barrier and posting adequate warning signs. Make sure that pedestrian pathways across vehicle routes are clearly marked.

  4. Do not use equipment that you have not been trained to use. Make sure you understand the operating procedures and safe operating limits of your vehicle. Often, before safely working with heavy machinery or construction vehicles, a worker must obtain licences or certifications and receive hands-on training. Operating equipment without the right training has the potential to seriously injure or kill someone. 

  5. Use machine guards. Machine guards protect workers from flying debris and objects that could hit them. 

  6. Always wear the proper personal protection equipment (PPE). The appropriate safety gear often includes back supports, ear plugs, gloves, goggles, hard hats, steel-toed shoes and, when necessary, fall protection equipment.

  7. Always be aware of your surroundings. Think about the work that is being done and identify any potential hazards that come with the presence of vehicles and heavy machinery on a jobsite.

  8. Perform regular maintenance and maintenance checks on all equipment per the manufacturers recommendation. 

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