Working in the construction injury typically means using a variety of equipment. Even if you are skilled and trained to use a particular tool or vehicle, it’s important to never overlook the steps you can take to improve your safety.
Skid steers can go a long way in improving the efficiency and productivity of a construction crew. Unfortunately, these vehicles can also cause serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
Skid steer loaders can be dangerous if you don’t follow safety precautions. While there are many types of accidents associated with this vehicle, here are a couple that are more common than the rest:
- Crushed by moving parts. With so many moving parts, the operator and those in close proximity need to exercise extreme caution at all times.
- Rollover accident. Driving a skid steer loader is easier said than done. For example, if you’re attempting to operate the vehicle on uneven ground, it increases the odds of a rollover accident.
The more experience you have with one of these vehicles the easier it is to assume that nothing bad will ever happen. Unfortunately, it’s this approach that can lead to trouble in the future.
If you are part of a skid steer accident, stay where you are and call for help. You’ll want to receive immediate medical attention.
Also, report the accident and injury to your employer. Not only does this keep others safe, but it also helps when filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied for any reason, learn why this happened and then take the necessary steps in protecting your legal rights.
Source: OSHA, “Skid Steer Loader Safety,” accessed Dec. 28, 2017