The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, commonly referred to as OSHA, wants you to be safe while operating heavy equipment. While most people are familiar with OSHA and strive to create a safe working environment, here are a few helpful reminders to keep your team safe and on good terms with your local OSHA compliance officer. 

Know How to Use the Equipment

When you rent heavy equipment, make sure you or a member of your team is knowledgeable on how to operate it. While previous experience is essential, it is also important that you talk to the rental agent for any specifics on the make and model that you will be using. Furthermore, familiarizing yourself with the machine by reading the manual is helpful. Accidents happen when inexperienced people operate heavy machinery above their skill level. 

Visually Inspect

It is crucial to visually inspect the machine before using it each day. This includes walking around the piece of rental equipment to look for obstacles and to inspect the surrounding terrain. The machine itself should also be inspected for loose wires or cables, sturdy guardrails, secure safety pins, and fuel levels. Taking just a few minutes to inspect a piece of heavy equipment like an aerial lift or a backhoe before using it can go a long way towards improving team safety and avoiding accidents.

Solid Foundation 

A key factor to successfully renting and using a boom lift or a personnel lift is making sure the unit is on solid ground. The ground must be firm, level, and able to support the weight of the lift. If the area is uneven or the ground is soft, you will encounter stability issues that could result in the lift tipping or completely overturning. Sadly, sometimes there are a few situations where serious injury or death occurs when aerial lifts are overturned. Most lifts have leveling components that are discussed in depth in the manual that comes with the machine you are looking at renting. Read through the manual and follow all of its safety guidelines to make sure you are following all protocols. 

While not a safety issue, soft ground is also a problem from an aesthetics standpoint. Soft ground is easily torn up by both the machine's weight and by the treads as it moves across the area. This can often result in damaged sod and landscaping plants.

A Harness Is Your Best Friend

OSHA requires wearing a harness for anyone using a lift. It is simply the best choice for you and your team and the only way you can ensure them that everyone will go home safely. Harnesses save lives. It is important to remind every member of your team to wear a safety harness when operating any elevated equipment on the job site. It is also important to observe them and ensure that they are following the worksite safety rules. 

Power lines

You should always visually assess the area in which you will be working before starting any project. Make sure that the heavy equipment you are using will not come into contact with electrical power lines or any other electrical components. In fact, one of the leading causes of death while using aerial lifts is electrocution from overhead power lines. Be aware of your surroundings and work with a spotter to assist in areas where you cannot see your surroundings clearly. 

Renting heavy equipment gets the job done, but it is important to be safe. When you need to rent heavy equipment in the metro area, Ever-Joy Rent-All can help. Call today and tell us about your project.