Working with plant and machinery can present various hazards and risks that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities if not managed properly.
This is why the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Hub has introduced the Plant & Machinery Life Saving Principles to keep everyone work Knowingly Safe.
We will be highlighting why it is so crucial to follow these non-negotiable principles to ensure we go home safely each night.
The complexity when working with Plant & Machinery requires that robust safety measures are in place, and that anyone operating the plant & machinery is competent and vigilant throughout the operation.
The principle, part of the 10 Life Saving Principles, launched by the Hub, to supplement our Golden Rules, highlights some of the key areas where we need to be vigilant.
Follow the rules
The rules state:
-
I will carry out a pre-start check before operating any plant or machinery.
-
I will confirm any proximity warning system are fully operational before work begins.
-
I must check that any dangerous moving parts are guarded and report any defects immediately.
-
I must confirm that all people and equipment are in a safe position before, during any movement of plant & machinery.
-
I must never bypass safety features and controls on plant or machinery.
-
Never remain on a vehicle, plant or machinery, when it is being loaded or unloaded unless control measures are in place.
Neil Walker, Health & Safety Advisor for PPP, said:
“The Life Saving Principles identify our high-risk activities, one of which is working with Plant & Machinery.
“We know across the construction industry, this is one of the areas where there can be major incidents or fatalities, so it’s critical to us that our Life Saving Principle introduces control measures to help in working safely when operating both plant and machinery.
“One of the non-negotiables is that plant and machinery must be fitted with a proximity and/or guarding safety devices to ensure the safety of our operators.”