Transportation of heavy machinery can be especially dangerous and even fatal if not done correctly. In 2023, the total workplace injury rate in Saskatchewan alone was reported to be 3.95 per 100 workers. The numbers are at risk of growing this year if companies don’t follow proper safety tips for moving heavy machinery.
Fortunately, in this article, we’ll introduce you to some expert safety tips that can help you transport heavy machinery efficiently.
Importance of Safely Moving Heavy Machinery
You should be implementing safety precautions when moving heavy machinery for various reasons. Some of these include:
- Reduce the risk of accidents that can be injurious or even fatal to employees
- Protect the machinery itself from damage during the move.
- Can reduce costs associated with accidents, like medical expenses, compensation claims, and equipment repairs.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and help avoid legal issues.
Tips For Moving Heavy Machinery
Here are some heavy machinery moving strategies to make sure your operations go smoothly:
- Assessing the Machinery and Environment
Before moving the machinery, employees should conduct a visual inspection of all the equipment. This includes heavy machinery and the vehicles being used to move it. Your inspection should cover any potential damages, leaks, or loose attachments in the equipment.
Additionally, your inspection should involve assessing the surrounding environment, including where the machinery will be moved. Look for potential hazards like uneven terrains and road obstacles. By identifying these risks early on, you can make more informed decisions about the moving process and avoid severe casualties.
- Planning the Move
When considering tips for moving heavy machinery, planning your move is probably the most overlooked. People don’t realize this process requires a detailed outline of every step, from dismantling the machinery to final placement. So, without a proper plan to guide you, moving the machinery risks causing employee injuries and accidents.
For this, you’ll need to consider factors like the weight and size of the machinery, as well as the route you’ll take during transport. You’ll also need to ensure you have the necessary tools to carry out your plan, such as safety and lifting equipment.
- Safely Loading and Unloading Equipment
Besides the moving process, safety tips for moving heavy machinery include loading and unloading the equipment. This is because careless handling of the machinery could severely damage it, leading to costly repairs and replacements. You could also be faced with legal consequences like fines or penalties.
So, when loading and unloading the machinery, ensure that you’re on level ground to prevent it from tipping over. Moreover, the work area should be cleared of unnecessary workers to avoid injuries. You should, however, have a spotter present during this process to alert others of potential dangers or damages.
- Ensuring Proper Training
It’s important that workers receive thorough training on how to operate equipment and handle heavy machinery safely. They need to be well-versed in hazard identification and equipment management by conducting hands-on training sessions. Furthermore, regular refresher courses and retraining sessions should be held to ensure workers are always adhering to company guidelines.
Once your workers have a better understanding of equipment operations, they’ll be able to transport heavy machinery independently and confidently.
- Maintain Communication
One of the basic safety tips for heavy machinery is to maintain lines of communication during the moving process. So, besides having a single designated spotter for blind spots, you should employ multiple around key areas. You and these spotters should be able to communicate with each other using two-way hand radios, signs, or hand signals.
This way, multiple people are constantly informed about potential hazards during the moving process, thus signaling them to act accordingly. Overall, effective communication improves coordination among team members and enhances the safety of the moving process.
- Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines
It’s crucial that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when moving heavy machinery. Manufacturers have provided these guidelines with safety in mind, based entirely on their extensive testing and expertise. It provides you with specific instructions on safely handling and transporting the machinery. You’ll also be given details about the machinery, including weight limits, recommended procedures, and equipment requirements.
As the machinery’s handler, you must thoroughly review and understand these guidelines before attempting to move it. This ensures the safety of everyone involved and the protection of the machinery itself.
Conclusion
Implementing safety tips for moving heavy machinery prevents accidents and maintains legal compliance. So, you should always plan ahead of the moving process and assess the surroundings for potential hazards. It also helps to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure proper training of your workers.
If you’re still hesitant about moving heavy machinery on your own, then contact us at Solid Hook. Our team specializes in safely and efficiently moving heavy machinery across Southern Ontario and beyond.
