Two ways to prevent injuries when using lifting equipment in an industrial setting

Most, if not all, industrial manufacturers use lifting equipment, such as cranes and forklifts, to move their inventory around their facilities. Whilst this type of equipment can be incredibly useful, it can also cause serious injuries if it is not handled correctly. Here are two ways to prevent injuries when using lifting equipment in an industrial setting.

Hire individuals with the appropriate qualifications to perform dogging activities

The term 'dogging' is used to describe several activities related to the lifting and transportation of loads; it refers to the process of choosing and inspecting the condition of lifting equipment, as well as to the process of supervising and directing the movements of the operator who is driving the lifting equipment.

Allowing employees who do not have the appropriate qualifications to carry out dogging-related activities is a recipe for disaster which is likely to result in someone being severely injured during a lifting operation.

For example, if an unqualified individual inspects the lifting equipment, their lack of training and experience could lead to them failing to notice a serious defect within the machine (such as corrosion in the hoist, for instance).

If this piece of equipment is then used to carry a heavy load, the corroded hoist could snap midway through the lifting process and the attached load could fall to the ground. This, in turn, could result in anyone standing close to the machinery getting struck on the head by the fallen load.

Given this, it is important to only allow those who have a dogging license to carry out the above-mentioned activities. This licence is only awarded to those who have undergone rigorous training and passed a competency test; it serves as a reliable indicator of a person's ability to perform this type of activity in a safe and responsible manner.

Evaluate the area in which the equipment will be used

Before initiating a lifting operation, the area in which the equipment will be used should be thoroughly evaluated, so as to ensure that there are no hazards that could potentially interfere with the operator's ability to use the equipment safely.

In outdoor areas, the operator should check for things like overhead power lines which could electrocute them if they strike the lines with their equipment, as well as potholes, which could affect the equipment's balance and cause it to topple to one side.

In indoor areas, operators should check for exposed beams, as these could damage the equipment and cause an accident if the operator drives into one of them.



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Making Sure You Have the Right Industrial Equipment When I decided to open a new industrial plant, I thought the process would be pretty straightforward. I hired some staff and bought a unit on an industrial site. However, I then realised that I would need some new industrial equipment to allow my staff to work. I didn't know where to start so I called my friend Jimmy who works in the industrial sector. He put me in touch with this guy who could offer me the best equipment and supplies at a low price. My business is doing really well so I thought I would share some top tips here.

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