In March, the Ministry of Labour conducted a province-wide inspection blitz on heavy equipment safety. Inspectors were looking for requirements such as signallers and operators wearing seatbelts. They were also checking the safety of workers around backing vehicles.

On this page, we identify some of the dangers of working with heavy vehicles or equipment, and provide links to resources that can help protect you and your co-workers.

• electrocuted if the equipment contacts an overhead powerline
• crushed if your equipment overturns
• struck by or crushed by material being moved by heavy equipment
• crushed if caught between the equipment and a wall or other object
• run over by a heavy vehicle.

• Whenever possible, plan a drive-through site to eliminate the need for vehicles to back up.
• Train your drivers/operators to know their blind spots.
• Use a signaller where necessary, and make sure the signaller has been trained on standard hand signals.
• Make sure your drivers/operators wear their seatbelts.
• Have your workers wear high-visibility clothing as required.

Health and Safety Manual

• Backing Up
• Traffic Control

Safety Talks

• Backing vehicles
• Traffic control – Public roads 1
• Traffic control – Public roads 2

Policies and Procedures

• Excavate Right of Ways
• Mobile Equipment
• Moving Vehicles and Equipment
• Traffic Control (Temporary Signage)
• Traffic Control Procedures

Health and Safety Manual

• Mounting and Dismounting

Safety Talks

• Dump truck tipovers – Drivers
• Dump trucks – Workers in vicinity
• Excavator handsignals
• Hoisting signals – Basic rules
• Hoisting signals – Demonstration
• Powerline contact
• 3-point contact – Vehicles and equipment
• Underground utilities
• Whole-body vibration

Policies and Procedures

• Forklifts
• Lifting Practices (Hoisting)
• Mounting/Dismounting Heavy Equipment
• Vehicles