Heavy machinery – from cranes and front-end loaders to skid loaders, bulldozers, and tractors – is a great asset. Without the proper earthmoving equipment and heavy-duty machinery, much of our modern infrastructure would be impossible to build.

But heavy equipment is also inherently dangerous. The sheer size and weight of a piece of heavy diesel machinery means even a tiny mistake can be deadly. About 404 people in America die each year in heavy equipment accidents, and heavy equipment failure or misuse is one of the top 10 causes of workplace fatalities, according to OSHA.

So, in this article, we’ll go over some common-sense tips that you can use when operating heavy machinery, and overseeing the use of machinery on your job site. Whether you’re building roads, excavating a new job site, or putting up a brand-new building, these tips will help keep your workers safe. Let’s get started now.