Each piece of heavy equipment on the construction site is very important. Job sites with heavy equipment like motor graders are essential for construction and roadwork, but they also pose significant safety risks. Heavy equipment, on the one hand, can ease your work or on the other hand, can risk your life.
That is why it is essential to take proper precautions. Because proper safety and carefully planned work can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities, it does not matter whether you are the operator of the motor grader or working near it, understanding the safety measurement is important to prevent accidents.
Understanding Common Grader-Related Hazards
Motor graders are one of the most powerful machines used in construction projects. But handling the machine is challenging and even a little mistake can lead to major operational hindrances or accidents. Carefully following the safety protocols can be beneficial and lead to the smooth end of the project. But if the safety protocols are ignored the consequences are not favorable for the operator and contractor, it also delays the project. Some common hazards include:
Pre-Operation Safety Measurement
To make sure that everything is functional a thorough inspection and preparation procedure must be completed before using a motor grader. The very first step to starting an inspection princess to make sure that every part works and in good working condition. It includes brakes, lights, controls, moldboard, and other important parts of the machine. The operator must inspect for any obvious damage or worn-out parts. The machine should not be used until repairs are finished, and any problems should be noted right once.
Carefully checking the motor grader and its essential components and also looking for risks such as overhead electricity lines or underground utilities, as well as uneven surfaces, and other limitations. Clean the windows to preserve unhindered vision and remove any clutter from the operator’s cabin to make it a secure and comfortable place to work.
Before taking it to the ground, you must check the brake of the motor grader steering, and blade movements. Pay special attention to any strange noises or vibrations that might indicate flaws. Lastly, to optimize protection when operating, make sure the operator is wearing the appropriate safety equipment, such as a seatbelt, high-visibility clothes, and a hard hat.
Damage through Crushing and Overhead Electric lines
Workers on the ground can be hit by the moldboard or blade or crushed between the grader and other objects. Workers must keep an eye on the blade and similar parts that have the potential to cause injuries. Similar to other components, keeping safe from overhead electric lines is also a critical point. These accidents mostly occurred due to the wires and cables due to their contact with the ground becoming dangerous.
Accident With Other Equipment
Motor graders often work alongside other heavy equipment on the construction site, for instance, dump trucks, excavators, and other machinery increasing the risk of collisions in tight or congested areas. It is, although not a common phenomenon, the construction site where the accident happened due to the collision of the equipment.
Safe Operational Practices
Motor grader operation requires continuous attention to detail and continuous compliance with safety best practices. Because even small errors can result in catastrophic mishaps. Keep the hazard lights on for improved visibility and always operate the grader at slow, controlled speeds to maintain safety, especially in areas with high traffic or uneven terrain.
However, if they must be, slow down and continue to operate the grader in gear to keep control. Verify blind areas carefully before reversing to make sure there are no workers, equipment, or obstructions behind or near the grader. Keep a safe distance from overhead power lines and follow site-specific electrical safety regulations to be alert.
Flashing lights on the moldboard will improve visibility for other people on the property. In order to avoid distractions and prevent accidents, safety ultimately needs a mix of concentration, appropriate technique, and efficient communication with other team members.
Safety Tips for Workers
Every construction worker plays an important part in the whole construction process. It is also their primary responsibility to maintain a working environment. When working near graders, the first and most important thing for the operator of the worker is to wear the advanced gadget for instance high-visibility gears to increase and clear the visibility in the operator’s blind spots.
When working with other heavy equipment, maintaining a safe distance from other machines is also an essential part. Maintain at least 1o feet for clearance from the grader unless required to be closer.
Last but not least, the most critical thing is effective communication, it is important not only for a certain period or for certain workers. To make the process smooth and end without any big mishaps, effective communication plays an important role. Using digital channels, hands sign and radios to ensure seamless communication between workers is important and must focused.
Conclusion
For roadwork and building projects, motor graders are essential, but they require observance of safety regulations and care.
In addition to saving lives, a safe workplace also ensures efficient operations and protects expensive equipment. At every stage, put safety first, and promote a culture of alertness and communication among all team members.
