December 2018

by Jim Arabia, BigRentz

You’ve done all the hard work of providing estimates, securing the deal, and hiring the right crew. Now you need to rent the necessary construction equipment so the work can begin. You’ve hired what you consider to be knowledgeable equipment operators. They have CDL (commercial driver’s license) training and experience running different kinds of lifts. However, there are many additional safety precautions that should be considered. Do your equipment operators meet the specific requirements needed for the exact equipment they will be using? Do they understand the many safety precautions and standards that need to be follow?

Safety is always the first concern on any construction job site. Most accidents happen due to equipment operators not following safety precautions. It’s important to make sure that your operators have the proper training for all equipment types they will utilize.

Maintaining Compliance

Do you know what a proper safety checklist looks like for a scissor lift? What about a boom lift? A forklift? What about a steam roller? Not only can lack of training lead to accidents and delays, but also penalties and legal troubles. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 sets down a set of regulations and rules regarding employees engaging in dangerous activities on the job. Employers are required to provide training on all equipment which is up to OSHA standards.

Before renting equipment, make sure that that all personnel who will be operating such equipment received all necessary training or provide the opportunity for the operators to receive such training, whether on- or off-site.

Identifying Hazards

Working with heavy equipment comes with unique hazards. It’s vital to understand and identify all types of hazards that can cause potential risk on a construction site, including those due to nature, human error, or the equipment itself.

Ensuring Safety

Many accidents can be avoided by performing a thorough safety check before beginning any project. Every piece of equipment used on-site should have a corresponding safety checklist that is reviewed before and adhered to during any construction project.

While every piece of equipment is different and has its own sets of safety standards, there are a few universal safety precautions that can be taken, regardless of the type of equipment being used, to minimize risk and help prevent injury, accidents, and loss. A few of these fundamental standards include:

• Do not use ropes or straps to secure a load to a forklift, only use approved rigging.
• Ensure that all brakes are in place before starting the engine.
• Do not allow riders on the machine or any unapproved attachments.
• Never, under any circumstance, operate machinery under the influence. While alcohol and hard drugs are obvious choices to avoid when operating construction-grade equipment, precaution should also be taken when taking prescription medication and operating equipment. Certain prescription medication can cause excessive drowsiness and pose a serious safety risk. Be sure to read and follow all prescription warning labels before operating any type of heavy equipment.

Comprehensive safety standards and precautions can be found in the operating manual for each piece of equipment. Have these resources readily available on-site and ensure that all relevant personnel have properly familiarized themselves with its contents.

Implementing Training

Effective training can go a long way in preventing accidents. One option to consider for an accessible and flexible yet comprehensive training program is an online training program coupled with hands-on, on-the-job training. Online training makes it convenient for operators to learn new equipment protocols and for more experienced equipment operators to brush up on their knowledge. Online training is often most effective when paired with hands-on, real-world, onsite assignments and practice.

Most online training programs consist of two main parts. One is the Aerial Training course and the other a knowledge retention quiz. The Aerial Training is a Web-based platform that is designed to give users experience with the various controls and environments that they may encounter onsite. The program contains graphics, video lectures, and various quizzes to prepare trainees to comply with OSHA standards.

The second component of the program is a 57-question exam to test each operator’s knowledge retention. After the online portion, the trainee only needs to get hands-on familiarization from a qualified instructor to be ready to hit the ground running.

Safety is always the primary concern on any job site. Whether the job is big or small, accidents can lead to substantial downtime for the project, potential injury to onsite crew, and unforeseen costs to all parties involved. There are numerous training resources available to make ensure that all relevant personnel are up-to-date on current safety standards and best practices, which will help ensure regulatory compliance, decrease risk, and enhance safety during the construction process.

Jim Arabia is a marketing and branding executive with over 20 years of experience leading business with growth initiatives. In his current role as vice president of Marketing at BigRentz, the nation’s largest rental network for construction equipment, Arabia leads market positioning strategies and creates programs to support the company’s strategic vision. His previous experience includes award-winning brand marketing services for technology companies, real estate firms, and professional service firms. Arabia earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University—Fullerton and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.

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