A Safe Operation

Safety Tips for Heavy Construction

 device to alert people in the trenches
1. Cranes or excavations that they are
Cranes are a common piece of approaching. If a warning device is

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equipment on heavy construction not available on the equipment, use
jobsites. Always perform a walk barricades or other signs to warn
around inspection before and equipment drivers to stay away.
after each shift to ensure the Train all the employees on these
crane is in safe operating processes. A ladder, or other
condition. As you are operating authorized means of access and
the crane, be aware of your egress, from the trench or excavation
surroundings at all times because must be provided. Be sure you are
the conditions and the location of wearing the appropriate personal
people and objects may change. protective equipment for the job as
It is also important to be aware required by the company guidelines.

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of power lines and ensure there
is adequate distance between
the crane and the line to prevent
3. Hazardous Chemicals
contact. To fully understand the Working around hazardous chemicals requires special personal protective
task you will be performing, equipment. Associated hazards vary greatly from minor to significant
familiarize yourself with the burns, possible respiratory problems and skin irritations. Material Safety
jobsite. Inspect the wire rope for Data Sheets (MSDS) provide information about the chemicals, including
kinking, crushing, bird caging or types of hazards and treatment. Always read and understand the
any other damage resulting in Material Safety Data Sheet before using any chemicals. When working
distortion or structural damage. around chemicals make certain that everyone on the jobsite who is
Additionally, inspect the hook and latch, or other attachments, for exposed to the chemicals is trained and
understands the hazards, and how to
any structural damage. Wire rope or other rigging equipment Tips - Hazardous Chemicals
mitigate the risk of these hazards. Never
should be removed for service if damaged. Attachments used
use any chemical for an unintended use. • Chemicals can cause harmful health
with cranes cannot exceed the capacity recommended by the issues so always read and understand the
Know the chemical hazards, proper use,
manufacturer. Rated load capacities for the crane and attachments the required PPE for use and proper manufacturer’s MSDS.
need to be posted in a visible location where the operator can see disposal procedure.

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them while seated at the control station. Review and comply with

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Tips - Signs
the manufacturer’s specifications and limitations applicable to the
operation of any crane. 4. Signs • Signs help communicate possible safety
hazards.
“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
• Using signs will enhance the safety of your
2. Trenching and Excavations Warning signs alert people to unexpected
conditions that may not be apparent. jobsite.
Safety is extremely important when working in or around a trench Signs also alert people to changing • Be aware that the use of too many signs can
or excavation area. Before any digging or trenching takes place, you conditions, such as reducing speed or diminish their effectiveness.
must call the proper utility companies so they can mark any uneven surfaces ahead. Using signs
underground lines or pipes. Protective structures should be allows you to better communicate any
properly placed before entering an excavation area. When using a possible danger zones to people. Clearly mark areas of work and allow
trench box, be sure to utilize all spacers provided with the trench enough time for the people to exercise caution before entering a work zone.
box. If the spacers or braces are bent request new ones to be Using warning signs, stop signs or general signs helps to communicate that
installed before entering the excavation. Machines working around work is being done. Effectively communicating with your employees and
the excavation area must also be properly equipped with a warning anyone who enters your work zone about the work being done makes your
work area a safer place for everyone.
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5. Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
PPE is designed to protect
employees from workplace
hazards that could cause serious
injuries or illnesses. Consult your
jobsite safety coordinator or supervisor
for the required PPE needed for your job. Common PPE for a
construction site includes hard hats, eye protection, high-visibility
vests, steel toed safety boots, gloves and hearing protection.

Tips - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Perform a jobsite assessment and determine the proper PPE required before you begin
working.
Tips - Seat Belts
• Perform inspections of the seat belt
and mounting hardware before you
operate the machine.
• Any damaged or worn parts should be
replaced.
• Check “Install By Date” when replacing
a seat belt and do not install a seat
belt with an expired date.
• A seat belt should be worn at all times
while operating the machine.

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• Be sure to inspect all of your safety equipment before each shift. Look for cracks on hard hats
or scratches on safety glasses and always replace damaged PPE before the job begins.

7. Seat Belts
6. Fall Protection When operating, always be sure you wear your seat belt. Seat belts,
Heavy Construction work does not always take place at ground when used properly, hold the operator in the seat and help contain
level. Slips, trips and falls are common causes of injuries in the him or her inside the rollover protection structure (ROPS) in the event
industry. There are different ways to prevent falls. One way of a collision or tip-over. The seat assembly, which includes the seat
includes using guardrails and handrails. To ensure the safety of belt and mounting hardware, should be inspected regularly. Inspection
workers below you, utilize toe boards to prevent materials from is recommended during the pre-shift walk around and as instructed in
falling off the platform. If guardrails and handrails are not feasible, the manufacturer’s operation & maintenance manual. Include the

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use fall restraints which include fixed lanyards and a harness to following items when inspecting the seat belt:
keep a person from reaching the fall hazard. If there are no other
options to protect workers from falling, use fall arrest systems. • Inspect the seat belt mounting hardware for wear or damage.
This means the worker must be tied-off to an approved tie-off Replace any mounting hardware that is worn or damaged.
point wearing a full body harness. Fully inspect your harness and Make sure the mounting bolts are tight.
lanyard before wearing it. Inspect the jobsite first and identify and • Inspect the buckle for wear or for damage. If the buckle is
remove any fall hazards before working from heights. worn or damaged, replace the seat belt.
• Inspect the seat belt for webbing that is worn or frayed.
Replace the seat belt if it is worn or frayed.
Tips - Fall Protection
• Inspect the label for date of installation and replace after
• Inspect your PPE before each shift.
three years service life.
• Make sure your lanyard is not going to allow you to fall to the • Consult your Cat dealer for the replacement of the seat belt
next level.
and the mounting hardware.
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Tip - Rigging Equipment
8. Training • Always inspect the rigging
equipment before use.
Practice makes perfect! New employees should be properly trained
• Make everyone on the jobsite
before starting work on a jobsite. An employee who is not properly aware of the work being
trained is a hazard to everyone on the site. Employees must review the performed.
manufacturer’s operation & maintenance manual to make sure they
understand the basics before operating heavy equipment. Always do a
job site analysis before beginning work and communicate the potential
hazards to everyone on or around the jobsite.

To create a safe work zone, it is important all employees understand the

common communication practices used on the jobsite. Train employees

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on jobsite communication including the following best practices:

• Keep track of others in the work zone and make sure they
wear their PPE.
• Know what operations are happening and the hazards around
you.
9. Rigging Equipment
Construction sites use many different types of rigging equipment
which could include chains, wire rope, chokers, chain slings, wire
or nylon slings, barge rope, etc. Each piece of rigging equipment
needs to be thoroughly inspected before each use. Use the right
piece of rigging equipment for the job and be sure to read and
understand the rated capacity for each piece. Never exceed the
rated capacity and always follow manufacturer’s specifications.
Make sure the hooks are not bent and the latches are working
properly. Be certain that the load is securely held and others on the
jobsite are aware of the job function you are performing. If you are

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lifting materials to high places, make sure you rope off the area or
use barricades so no one walks under the lifted load.

10. Ladders and Electrical Cords

Electrical cords, missing grounding plugs and ladders that are bent or
broken are potential safety hazards on jobsites. Those items are
dangerous and unsafe to use. Never use broken electrical cords or
ladders for any reason, and remove them from service so they cannot be
used by anyone else. Take care of the tools you use and keep them in
safe working condition for everyone on the jobsite. If you see a tool that
is unsafe for use or broken, take action by removing it from service and
notifying your foreman.
The equipment training and safety teams at Caterpillar have spent
decades working with customers around the world, across a wide
spectrum of equipment applications and jobsite conditions. The key
lesson learned is, when it comes to jobsite safety, no amount of
equipment technology or advanced machine design can replace caution
and good safety practices.

The primary contributors to safe jobsites are awareness, proper training

and attention to detail on the part of business owners and their
employees. Safety must be a priority and an ongoing part of your
company culture. We hope this booklet is helpful as you strive to
profitably grow your business.

We also invite you to view and utilize additional safety training resources
by visiting SAFETY.CAT.COM™.

This pamphlet is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of all hazards related to Cat®
products or to your specific application and does not supersede any state, federal or local
statutes or regulations. More complete information regarding Cat products is provided in the
Operation & Maintenance Manual (OMM) for specific models. Caterpillar recommends you and
your employees read and understand the OMM before operating or working on any machine.

CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow” and the

POWER EDGE trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used
herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

AEXQ6597 © 2010 Caterpillar All Rights Reserved. Printed in the USA.