Tips to help prevent a fatal equipment accident

Heavy equipment is used in a variety of industries, all with the idea of increasing productivity, reducing the need for physical labor and speeding up the task at hand.

For the safety of the operator, as well as others on the job site, here are several tips that can help prevent serious and fatal injuries:

• Inspect heavy equipment before use. It's critical to keep an eye out for any defects or damage that could cause the equipment to malfunction, thus resulting injury or death.
• Practice proper communication. Communication with others (for example, through the use of a two-way radio) who are working nearby is a must.
• Always wear a seatbelt. It's easy to overlook this safety tip, but it's every bit as important as when driving a motor vehicle. A seatbelt can save your life or prevent more serious injury as the result of a rollover.
• Follow protocol when loading or unloading equipment. For example, never attempt to unload when you're on an incline or decline.
• Adhere to all load limits. When using equipment that lifts heavy loads, keep the maximum weight in mind at all times.

Even if you're not the person operating heavy equipment, there's a chance you could be part of an accident if you're on the same job site.

If this happens, your health is at risk. You should stop what you're doing, call for immediate help and follow the treatment plan outlined by your medical team.

If your injuries keep you from returning to work in the near future, learn more about the steps for filing a workers' compensation claim. Just the same, if a loved one was killed in an accident in the workplace, you should learn more about your legal rights.