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Struck - By: Vehicles and Equipment
If vehicle safety practices are not observed at the work site, workers
risk being pinned between construction vehicles and walls, struck by swinging
backhoes, crushed beneath overturned vehicles, or other similar accidents.
If you work near public roadways you risk being struck by trucks or cars.
MIOSHA has investigated 17 fatalities at construction work sites related
to these types of accidents during the 3 year period of 2001 through 2003.
MIOSHA Part 13, Mobile Equipment, addresses safety requirements for a
variety of equipment used at construction work sites.
How to Avoid Hazards
· Wear seat belts that meet MIOSHA standards (see Part 13 subsection
(b)(9) under Motor Vehicles), except on equipment that is designed only
for standup operation, or that has no rollover protective structure.
· Check vehicles before each shift to assure that all parts and
accessories are in safe operating condition.
· Maintain safe operating speed of all vehicles at all times.
· Do not drive a vehicle in reverse gear with an obstructed view,
unless it has an audible reverse alarm, or another worker signals that
it is safe.
· Drive vehicles or equipment only on roadways or grades that are
safely constructed and maintained.
· Make sure that you and all other personnel are in the clear before
using dumping or lifting devices.
· Lower or block bulldozer and scraper blades, end-loader buckets,
dump bodies, etc., when not in use, and leave all controls in neutral
position.
· Set parking brakes when vehicles and equipment are parked, and
chock the wheels if they are on an incline.
· All vehicles must have adequate braking systems and other safety
devices.
· Haulage vehicles that are loaded by cranes, power shovels, loaders
etc., must have an over-head shield or canopy that protects the driver
from falling material.
· Do not exceed a vehicle's rated load or lift capacity.
· Do not carry personnel unless there is a safe place to ride.
· Use traffic signs, barricades or flaggers when construction takes
place near public roadways.
· Workers must be highly visible in all levels of light. Warning
clothing, such as red or orange vests, are required; and if worn for night
work must be made of reflective material.
· Equipment should also always maintain a minimum of 10 feet of
clearance from electrical lines.
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