Heavy equipment is machinery that’s designed to perform heavy-duty tasks in various industries, including the construction industry. Heavy equipment comes in various types, sizes, and capabilities. It’s used for different tasks, like digging trenches and hoisting steel building frames.
Safety standards and regulations in the heavy equipment industry are important because they:
- Prevent equipment damage
- Protect workers from injury and death
- Provide legal protection to construction companies and equipment manufacturers in the case of worker injury or fatality
Keep reading to learn more about the past, present, and future of heavy equipment safety standards and regulations.
Table of Contents
The History of Safety Standards and Regulations
| Year | History of workplace safety standards and regulations |
|---|---|
1970 | President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which was implemented starting in 1971. |
1980 | The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that construction workers can refuse to participate in unsafe tasks without facing repercussions. |
1990 | OSHA enacted Process Safety Management, which protected workers from various workplace hazards. Workers also began receiving more comprehensive safety training. |
2000 | After an increase in workplace-related injuries due to the 9/11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina, workers received further protection. |
2010 | Workers received greater protection in oil spill-related workplace incidents. |
Each of these developments helped to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities as well as equipment malfunctions and failures.
Modern Safety Standards and Regulations
Below is a list of the primary safety standards and regulations that heavy equipment companies and workers must comply with, as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
1. Stay Alert
Familiarize yourself with potential occupational hazards in the workplace. Risk assessment and hazard mitigation are essential to maintain worker safety.
2. Receive Proper Training
Any heavy equipment operator must go through a rigorous training program before stepping foot onto a work site.
3. Maintain Communication
Establish clear communication between the crane operator and other workers on site. Follow all communication protocols, which include using standardized hand signals.
4. Provide Proper Documentation
Before starting any heavy equipment project, you should create a written plan outlining every action that will take place.
5. Use the Right Equipment
Specific equipment is designed for specific applications. Before starting a project, make sure you’re using the correct type of heavy equipment for the intended application to maximize efficiency and ensure worker safety. Make sure routine equipment maintenance is performed.
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Read HereStart Your ApplicationFactors That Drive Changes in Safety Standards and Regulations
Below are the leading factors that initiate change in safety standards and regulations:
1. Changing Technology
Modern advancements in the industry have made equipment safer than ever before. Workers are required to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE):
- Hard hat
- Boots
- Vest
- Glasses
- Gloves (recommended but not required)
2. 3D Modeling
3D modeling enables workers to view work sites and projects up close before beginning any actual work.
3. Camera Systems
These give workers a 360-view of their surroundings.
4. Changing Workforce Demographics
Although the heavy equipment industry suffers from a skilled labor shortage, jobs in the industry are in high demand.
5. Changing Public Perception of Safety
The more workers realize the importance of workplace safety, the more accepting they will be of new safety standards and regulations.
Challenges in Implementing Safety Standards and Regulations
While today’s heavy equipment workers are becoming more accepting of workplace safety standards and regulations, some challenges still exist.
1. Resistance From the Industry
Implementing safety standards and regulations is costly in both time and money. It requires updating equipment and providing further training to employees. Some workplaces may not be open to new standards because of this.
2. Limited Resources for Enforcement
Many heavy equipment workplaces lack accountability and support when it comes to complying with and implementing changes in safety standards.
3. Difficulty in Updating Standards and Regulations
Some factors that impact the implementation of safety standards include the following:
- The rising cost of materials
- Inflation
- Rising interest rates
- Global supply chain issues
The Future of Safety Standards and Regulations in the Heavy Equipment Industry
The future of safety standards and regulations in the heavy equipment industry remains promising. High demand for jobs in the field will encourage OSHA and NIOSH to continue improving upon the safety standards and regulations that are already in place. Modern climate concerns will also encourage both parties to incentivize the use of clean energy alternatives, which will have a positive environmental impact.
Kickstart Your Heavy Equipment Career
Do you want to learn more about current safety standards and regulations in the heavy equipment industry? Enroll in one of our comprehensive training programs to set yourself up for success in the field. Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HEC) has locations across the U.S.—including Georgia, Oklahoma, California, and Washington. Find one near you to get started.
