Operator Safety Tips
Follow these guidelines to help reduce injuries due to operator error. Contact the GT Mid Atlantic location nearest you for all your safety equipment needs.
Check pins and bushings
Pins and bushings can loosen over time, causing a safety hazard. Establish a maintenance routine which includes checking, tightening, and replacing pins and bushings.
Maintain 3 points of contact
Getting in and out of machines is the number one cause of injury. Ensure you always have 3 points of contact with the machine while climbing into or out of the machine.
Know your surroundings
Check your mirrors and use a spotter, if necessary, to stay centered on ramps.
Rope off your swing radius
Use a spotter to help rope off the swing radius of your machine and keep bystanders out of harm’s way.
Know the limits of your machine
Machines can tip over, even on level ground. Know your machine’s capabilities. Just because you made it up a slope, doesn’t mean you can make it back down.
Mark overhead or underground hazards
When digging, be sure to mark all hazards and proceed with caution. When working above ground, identify all potential hazards overhead.
Travel in reverse with caution
Use wide-angle mirrors, and adjust them whenever you begin operation to minimize blind spots. Always be aware of the machine’s perimeter, stepping out of the cab to view surroundings if necessary.
Always strap in
Always use a seat belt or harness, even when the cab is closed. Use the proper machine. Avoid using machines for functions they weren’t designed to do, especially lifting functions.
Lockout/Tagout
Any elevated load or object is subject to lockout/tagout procedures, as defined by OSHA. Be sure the controls are locked when leaving a load suspended.