Construction equipment cannot be reliable 100 percent of the time because it will experience damage or wear and tear the longer you use it. However, safety is the number one priority on a work site, and broken equipment can threaten this aspect. Minimize the risk of injury or accidents occurring on your work site by knowing how to prevent construction equipment damage.
Properly Train All Employees
Only operators with experience and training should work with heavy equipment. It’s easy for someone without the proper knowledge to misuse construction machinery, which will cause more wear and tear and unnecessary damage. Anyone who plans on using or driving the equipment must have adequate training and knowledge to handle it appropriately.
Replace Damaged Parts As Soon as Possible
Not every piece of your construction equipment will wear at the same time, and some parts might get damaged quicker than others. For example, the more you use your auger, the more likely the flighting or teeth will become worn or damaged. You must know the signs that it’s time for new auger flighting or other new components to ensure you’re never working with broken equipment that could threaten your safety. Know what to look for and replace damaged parts as soon as possible.
Never Abuse Your Machinery
Each type of machinery you use on a construction site is not suitable for every application. Therefore, you should only utilize the equipment when appropriate – and you should never abuse or push the equipment past its limitations. Because of this, choosing the right heavy equipment for your job is essential for preventing failure and damage.
Do Not Rush Tasks
Typically, your construction crew works within a project timeline to get things done promptly. If you’re running behind on a specific aspect of your project, such as pouring the foundation or installing utility lines underground, never rush to complete these tasks. If you do, you risk damaging your equipment or, worse, accidentally hurting yourself. Regardless of whether you’re running behind, take your time and do not rush to prevent construction equipment damage. Just because construction machinery is heavy and large does not mean it isn’t prone to damage. The more you use your equipment, the more likely you could damage a component. Remember to properly train employees and replace damaged parts. Never abuse the machinery, and do not rush tasks. This equipment is an investment for your construction business, so be mindful of how you and your employees treat it.