Cranes and heavy equipment are amazing tools. They can be used under the most trying conditions, working in all types of environments, and operated by many different operators. However, with so much wear and tear, repairs are inevitable.

Regular inspections are more than worthy of your time. Not just because you're making sure that your fleet is compliant, but it can also save you money and time in the long run. Why? Because it costs less to have equipment repaired than replaced. Frequent inspections help prevent major repairs, or even worse, equipment failure. And it also ensures the safety of your workers.

How to Take Care of Your Heavy Equipment and Workers?

As a property owner/contractor, you are obliged to follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines when it comes to the safety of your workers. This includes regular inspection and maintenance of your cranes and any other heavy machinery that you have.

If any of the safety features are broken, you shouldn't use the equipment. Equipment that is damaged or in disrepair must be immediately repaired to prevent any problems. According to OSHA, all equipment must have:

  • Working brakes, including emergency and parking brake;
  • Working headlights, brake lights, and taillights;
  • An audible warning device (a horn); and
  • The windshield and its wipers in good condition.

Ensuring the safety of your workers as well as the functionality of your fleet can help you:

1. Reduce the Risk of Workplace Injuries

Frequent inspections lower the chances of one of your workers getting injured. According to OSHA, the leading causes of construction workers' deaths are the so-called 'fatal four' - falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, or being caught between two pieces of machinery. By eliminating the 'fatal four' we can save 100s of employees lives!

2. Reduce Worker Downtime

Injured workers are unable to do their jobs, either on a short-term or long-term basis. The most common injuries relating to cranes and other heavy equipment are often serious such as amputations, spinal injuries, fractures, sprains, and cuts. According to a 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics news release, workers who sustained sprains or strains resulting from a workplace injury required ten days off work, on average.

Workers with fractures can be off work for 31 days, and those who suffered amputations require 22 days or more. Additionally, if a worker is severely injured, you need to replace the worker with someone new, which almost always comes with a price.

3. Higher Workers’ Compensation Premiums

Workers’ compensation means employers are required by law to pay for workers’ compensation benefits. Therefore, the more workers get hurt on the job, the more claims are filed, and the workers’ compensation premium increases.

Takeaway

Regular inspection allows you to take care of your cranes and other heavy equipment, and even more important; it helps you take care of the health and safety of your workers. With The Checker, you can ensure nothing is overlooked. All of our checklists are available as software or Checklist Books. Feel free to browse our checklist library to find the inspections you want. 

Tags: equipment maintenance

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