Dress Appropriately
- Never wear loose clothing. Loose jackets, shirts, and pants can catch in moving parts.
- Always wear work boots that have steel toes and nonskid soles. Make sure the soles stay free of tack.
- Always wear safety glasses when there is any possibility of damaging your eyes.
- Always wear gloves to protect hands when climbing on equipment.
- Always use Ear protection whenever jackhammers or other loud noises are present.
Follow Common Sense Safety Precautions
- Operators should perform daily safety checks that include a walk around to identify potential hazards.
- Never put yourself between a hauling truck backing into the hopper and the paver.
- Keep a safe distance away from dump trucks while the bed is in motion and when the paver hopper wings are in operation.
- Remember that fast moving traffic is only a step away when collecting weigh tickets from the driver’s side.
- Use steps and handholds, if they are available, anytime you are climbing onto a truck.
- Avoid climbing onto truck running boards unless you absolutely have to.
- Let the driver know you’re climbing onto the truck bed before doing it.
- Keep talking to a minimum so as not to distract the driver.
- Be aware of changes in conditions that can affect safety hazards. There are fewer safety risks with one way traffic, for example, than two-way traffic.
- Park vehicles not currently in use out of the way of the traffic.
- Always stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion can set in quickly, so drink water continuously when you are on a road or paving job.
Use Appropriate Safety Equipment
- Always wear fluorescent vests, t-shirts, and bright colored caps while engaged in operations on or near a highway open to traffic. Properly adjust vests to minimize snagging.
- Always wear hard hats when there is a chance of falling or flying objects. This includes working in the presence of overhead equipment like cranes, backhoes, loaders, or other large machines.
- Always wear the complete seat belt assembly inside any type of vehicle.
- Always wear ANSI approved safety glasses to avoid eye injuries. Approved glasses that have passed specific tests for durability and strength are marked on the frame, lens, or both.
Always consult your operators manual.
