No matter what your job, it is important to reduce your risks of injury and illness at work. These helpful tips will help keep you safe and productive on the worksite.
- Always ensure that you are wearing the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) for the job site you are working on. Guard against injury from flying pieces of metal or debris by wearing goggles or safety glasses. Wear close fitting clothing to avoid being caught in rotating equipment. Ensure to wear proper noise cancelling ear protection - radio or music headphones are not suitable to use for hearing protection.
- Always make sure you inspect the machine carefully by completing a safety walk around. Ensure items such as lights, back up alarm and horns are functioning properly. Keep all guards and shields in good condition and properly installed. Repair worn and broken parts immediately.
- Never exit a machine while the boom is suspended in the air. If a machine is equipped with a boom lock, ensure that it functions properly. Always ensure that attachments are properly secured to the skid steer.
- Avoid contact with high pressure oils. Skid steers use high pressure hydraulic systems. Escaping oil under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury. Never search for hydraulic leaks with your hands. Always stop the engine and relieve the hydraulic pressure before disconnecting lines or working on hydraulic systems. If hydraulic oil penetrates your skin, see a doctor immediately.
- Make sure that all fire extinguishers and first aid kits are readily accessible and up to date.
- Make sure that all safety interlocks are working properly such as seat belts, lap bars and park brake. Never operate a skidsteer that has any safety interlocks modified from what the original manufacturer has installed.
