Heavy Equipment Operation

This hazardous situation involves fulfilling work duties such as building demolition, utility restoration, moving large loads and more. A heavy equipment operator drives or controls construction equipment, including bulldozers, forklifts, backhoes, dump trucks, cargo trucks and hydraulic truck cranes. They operate this equipment to assist in the construction of structures, including bridges, roads and buildings.**

Survey Says: The NSC 2020 Safety Technology in the Workplace Survey shows: 48% of workers surveyed report being exposed to heavy equipment operation, and 30% said operating heavy equipment has caused or contributed to a serious workplace injury.

The information in each section below is listed in the order of relevance to the hazardous situation.

Situational risks – inherent to the situation or proximate cause of injury
Crushing risk Struck by vehicle Equipment tippage/overturn	Electrical shock/arc flash Struck by equipment part Struck by debris

Systemic risks – contribute to injury but are not direct causes
Lack of workplace awareness Lack of training Hazardous terrain Poorly secured loads	Machine guard failure Faulty equipment Unknown hazardous materials and debris

Relevant Technology Solutions for heavy equipment operation
Proximity sensors Enclosed heavy equipment cabs Worker location tracking	Fatigue monitoring and wearables Location geofencing

*Safety Technology White Paper: Work to Zero Safety Technology 2020: Mapping Technology Solutions for Reducing Serious Injuries and Fatalities in the Workplace

** U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Construction Equipment Operators

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