Back to Topics

Heavy Equipment (Two Significant Hazards)

Construction | 10-15 min

Summary

Two hazards account for the vast majority of heavy equipment fatalities on construction sites: struck-by incidents and caught-between/caught-in hazards. Together, these two categories claim hundreds of lives annually and cause thousands of serious injuries. Understanding these hazards in depth is essential for everyone who works on or around heavy equipment, not just operators.

Members get the full script, discussion questions, English + Spanish printable PDFs, and email delivery.

Start your 7-day free trial

Key Points to Cover

  • Struck-by and caught-between are the two leading heavy equipment hazards
  • Stay out of equipment swing radius and blind spots
  • Wear high-visibility clothing around equipment
  • Never position yourself between equipment and fixed objects
  • Maintain eye contact with operators before approaching

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should this safety talk take?

Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.

Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?

Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.

Related Topics