Even though large construction machinery might be vital to your business, heavy equipment can be very unwieldy. If you want to avoid unexpected delays and other expensive problems with that machinery, then you will need to simplify and streamline your operations.
Use Radio Remote Controls
In order to reduce your risk of workplace accidents, you might want to invest in radio remote controls for some of your equipment. Those controls will allow your employees to operate the equipment from a safe distance, and the technology is extremely user-friendly. Many types of machinery can even be retrofitted to work with radio controls, and that upgrade could end up saving you and your company quite a bit of time and money in the coming years.
Give Your Machinery Some Space
While every worksite is sure to have limited space, you should try to set aside at least one area for your large machinery. That space needs to be roped off before any work takes place, and every employee on the site must be notified of the restricted space. When you are designating an area for your machinery, you should always err on the side of caution and give your operators plenty of room to work.
Set Aside Days for Heavy Machinery
Another tactic that many contractors use is setting aside days for their heavy machinery. On those days, your employees are going to be much more cautious and diligent, and that will reduce your risk of an accident. Some companies even operate with a skeleton crew on the days when their larger equipment is being used. If you can’t set aside an entire day each week, then you might want to only use your heavy machinery during certain times of the day.
Carry Out Daily Inspections
Most of your machinery should be serviced by certified mechanics, but you can carry out some basic inspections on your own. After you purchase a new piece of equipment, you and your team can come up with a daily heavy machinery checklist that includes important tasks such as visually inspecting the belts, tires, and safety equipment. There should also be adequate barricades for all of the machinery so that it doesn’t become a liability when it isn’t in use.
In addition to these few tips, you must also make sure that your heavy equipment remains well-maintained at all times. A little bit of preventative maintenance is going to reduce your risk of costly breakdowns that bring your company to a grinding halt.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
