Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/506694
Date of safety talk: Leader: _____________________ Attending: Safe trailering tactics Information for this Safety Watch is from an accident report, the Center for Disease Control's NIOSH Fatality Assess- ment and Control Evaluation program and the state of Alaska's FACE program. It is meant for general information only. The accident: A paving company em- ployee was transport- ing a compactor and paver to a construc- tion site. The driver parked the tilt bed trailer on level ground and unloaded the paver, then started to unload the compac- tor by backing the machine down the ramp. After traveling approximately one foot, the compac- tor became unstable, started to slide off the edge of the ramp and then tipped over. The driver jumped from the compactor, but was struck by the ROPS and pinned to the ground. He later died from his injuries. The bottom line: A post-accident investigation deter- mined that, although the trailer had adjustable ramps to accommodate various axle lengths, the maxi- mum adjustment on that particular model did not provide adequate support to safely load and unload the compactor. Trouble-free trailering When transporting equipment to and from the jobsite, using the cor- rect procedure, as well as the right equipment, is important to main- tain your safety and that of others. Here are some tips to follow: Know the limits. Before trans- porting any equipment, check to see that the combined weight of the machines will not exceed the trailer's carrying capacity. Also, the chains, hooks and D-rings will all have an established working load limit you must not exceed, as well. Inspect tiedown assemblies prior to loading the equipment onto the trailer. Secure the seatbelt. When load- ing or unloading equipment, keep your seatbelt fastened at all times. Resist the urge to unfasten the belt and jump from the machine, as you are likely to be injured or killed if struck by or pinned under the equipment. Stay within the op- erator restraints until the machine comes to a stop. Use a second set of eyes. Since you're likely to be backing a ma- chine off the trailer, never unload equipment alone. Ask for an as- signed spotter to aid you by pro- viding agreed-upon verbal direc- tions or hand signals regarding the safe positioning on the ramp. safety watch | by Amy Materson | AMaterson@randallreilly.com EquipmentWorld.com | May 2015 59 Illustration by Don Lomax Proper planning and the right equipment can help you transport equipment safely Sponsored by