Using plant machinery can really speed things up on-site, but it also brings serious risks if you’re not careful.

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a forklift or excavator, you need to treat safety as a top priority.

That’s why understanding the safety steps is so important if you want things to run smoothly. In this article, you will learn the six safety tips that you need to know when using plant machinery.

1. Give the Equipment a Check Before Starting

Before firing up any machine, have a good look at things like fluid levels or anything that looks off. Make sure things like the brakes, warning lights, horn, and emergency stop all work properly. Doing these checks every day helps you catch small problems before they turn into big ones. Skipping this step might save a bit of time at first, but it could lead to breakdowns or risks you didn’t see coming.

2. Only Let Trained Operators Use the Machinery

Only those who’ve had the proper training and hold a current licence should operate plant equipment. Even if machines look the same, each one can behave differently and may have unique controls. A trained operator knows how to handle different ground conditions and react fast when things don’t go to plan. Training is a way to make sure the work gets done safely and without unnecessary downtime.

3. Don’t Forget Your PPE

Depending on the job, you might need to wear steel-capped boots, gloves, a hard hat, and, in some cases, hearing and eye protection. Using PPE demonstrates you are serious about your safety, which tells other personnel on-site to do so as well. One of the reasons we have a good safety culture in Katacoda is that if everyone’s properly geared up, it sets the tone for the entire team.

4. Pay Attention to Everything Around You

It’s not enough to just watch what your machine is doing; you need to stay alert to everything nearby. Keep an eye out for people walking around, other machines, tricky surfaces, and overhead hazards. Use the cameras your machine comes with, and ensure you leave plenty of space between you and others. Let your team know where you’ll be working, so no one ends up in the wrong spot at the wrong time.

5. Don’t Rush or Cut Corners

You may need to wear steel-capped boots, gloves, a hard hat, and, in some cases, ear and eye protection. Every bottle does what one of the bottles needs to do, so as soon as you skip a bottle, you have introduced an injury exposure point that never existed before. Hurrying or rushing through steps or skipping them could lead to injuries, damaged tools, or even delays that cost more in the long run.

6. Switch Off Properly When You’re Done

Lower anything you were lifting to the ground, apply the handbrake, turn off the engine, and take the key with you. If the equipment needs repairs or maintenance, follow the site’s lockout or tag-out process. Leaving a machine running or unsecured might cause it to roll or be accidentally restarted by someone else. A proper shutdown keeps people safe and helps protect the machine from wear and tear.

Keeping Everyone Safe Starts With You

Using plant machinery makes hard work easier, but only when everyone on site follows good safety habits. Checking your machine, using the right PPE, staying alert, and shutting down the right way. If you’re using this kind of equipment regularly, commit to doing things the right way every time. Furthermore, safety isn’t just someone else’s job; it’s something we all need to take seriously.