Mini-Dozers, chain saws, trimming equipment, and grinders are all examples of small equipment used while doing trail projects. This equipment can cause injuries if it is not used properly. Common injuries include the following:
- Cuts, lacerations, or amputations from fast-moving mower blades
- Bruises or broken bones from flying objects
- Burns from hot equipment parts
- Electrical shock from faulty grounding or defective electrical cords
- Back strain from improper equipment usage
- Slips, trips, and falls
To avoid injuries when using small equipment while working on trail projects, follow these guidelines from OSHA and Conservation United.
- Read and understand the operator’s manual for the equipment you’re using.
- If you have not been trained on a piece of equipment, do not use it! This is critical to your safety.
- Make sure all safety guards are in place and the equipment is in good working order. Do not alter or remove safety guards.
- Always wear the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Eye and ear protection are especially important.
- Clothing should fit well and be free of dangling or ragged edges that can become tangled in controls or fast-moving parts.
- Don’t use equipment when someone walks by. Aim blowers away from cars, people and houses. Flying debris can cause injuries.
- Don’t operate small equipment when it’s dark and you have limited visibility.
- Turn off equipment when it’s not in use.
- Allow equipment to cool off before refueling.
- Never smoke when fueling a piece of equipment.
- Disconnect spark plug wires before performing maintenance.
- Keep your hands on the handles of all hedge trimmers and do not reach up into plants to clear debris until trimmers are shut off.
- Keep hands and feet away from mower chutes and blades.
- When using chain saws, make sure the chain brake works and the chain tension is correct.
Conservation United | 1-855-570-2797 | www.conservationinsurance.com