Operating a Bobcat construction vehicle for the first time may be intimidating for you and your team members. Because of its size, you might be hesitant to use it for fear of encountering safety issues and damaging the equipment.
To make you more confident in operating your new Bobcat machine, here are some safety tips you should follow:
Double-Check Your Surroundings
Before getting on your Bobcat machine, you should first check its surroundings. Make sure that there are no hazards near the vehicle and that there aren’t any obstacles blocking your way.
It’s also important that you inform anyone in the surrounding area that you’ll be operating the machine. You can’t always assume that people are aware of their environment and will know when to get out of the way.
Wear a Seatbelt and the Proper Safety Gear
Similar to cars, heavy machines also require their operator to wear a seatbelt. Even if the equipment will not run at high speeds, accidents that can throw you off from the machine can still happen. That’s why it’s important to wear a seatbelt even if you’re only using the equipment for a few minutes.
You should also wear the proper safety gear whenever you’re operating a Bobcat vehicle. Make sure that you wear a hard hat and boots once you walk into the worksite and before you even get near the equipment. Neglecting this safety measure even for just a few seconds and lead to a serious risk of injury.
Watch Your Step
Falls and missteps are two of the main reasons for injury in the workplace. This often happens when workers are not aware of their surroundings and casually step into or out of heavy equipment.
To avoid experiencing any injury when operating a Bobcat equipment, you should always watch your step when near the vehicle. Whether you’re only stepping out of the machine for a few minutes to take a break, you must never be careless.
Ensure the Equipment is Turned Off
A lot of accidents can happen when you stop paying attention to your Bobcat vehicle or your current task. So, to be sure that everyone on the worksite is safe at all times, turn off your equipment when not in use.
You should make sure that the vehicle is turned off and not idling or running even if you are only taking a quick break. Leaving the machine unattended even for just a few seconds or minutes can allow the equipment to roll away and cause injury and damage.
Beware of What’s Overhead
If your Bobcat equipment is tall, you should always be aware of what’s overhead. Make sure that there are no power lines, metal rods, and other items overhead before moving the machine. Running into these obstacles when operating your Bobcat equipment can lead to deadly accidents.
Operate Your Bobcat Machine Safely
Stay safe when operating your new Bobcat construction vehicle by following the tips listed above. If you need to learn more about your Bobcat equipment, you can talk to us at CMI Equipment. We also offer high-quality Bobcat machines to address all your needs.
