Health Hazards Associated with the Use of Excavators and Loading Machines - Term Paper Example

Health Hazards Associated with the Use of Excavators and Loading Machines of affiliation Table of contentsIntroduction……………………………………………………………………………………….3 Aspects of Health and Safety………………………………………………………………….......4 Main Causes of the Excavator Accidents..………………………………………………………..7 Recommended Safety Procedures in Operating Excavators……………………………………..9 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………….12 References ………………………………………………………………………………………………..14 Health Hazards Associated with the Use of Excavators and Loading Machines Introduction People working in engineering and construction sites are exposed to a large variety of health risks and hazards. Every year cases of employees getting accidents during job or being affected by the gradual effects of the job are rampant (Choudhry, Dongping & Ahmed 2008). The nature of exposure to these hazards varies from one job to the other depending on the equipment and the working environment that the individual is placed in (Caban et al 2011). Typically, exposure to any of these hazards is often intermittent and always occurs within a short duration, however they have high chances of recurring repeatedly. An employee may not necessarily encounter the primary hazard in his or her own job, but may gain exposure as a bystander to work hazards produced by people who work close to him/ her. Exposure of this pattern is always a consequence of many employees with jobs of short duration working together, or alongside some other group of workers who may be generating the particular hazards (Edwards 2010). The severity of any of these hazards is often dependent on the duration of exposure, as well as the levels of concentration, or rather the extent to which an employee gets affected at any given time of exposure. This research will mainly dwell on the risks and health hazards faced by employees working on construction sites using excavators and loading machines. Operation of such heavy machinery is not only physically risky, but also exposes the worker to biological and mental distress (Lee et al 2012). The main aim of this research therefore is to investigate the various risks associated with the operation of excavators and loading machines. In addition, this research will suggest various interventions that may help in solving this problem. Aspects of Health and Safety In many engineering and construction sites, excavators and backhoes are common equipments that people use. These are used in lifting and loading at the construction sites. The versatility of these equipments makes them to be widely used in construction sites for a number of reasons. Originally, excavators and backhoes were used for clean up and ditching purposes. However, this has changed over time. Currently, they are used for a number of purposes, which include the removal of soil from construction sites and loading of building materials (Frimpong, Yafei & Inyang 2008). The hydraulic excavators are the most common types of excavators used in construction sites. These excavators use the hydraulic system in lifting and loading substances. The use of these equipments exposes the operator to various risks. The hazards brought about by the operation of this machinery are often common and occur in many cases to these mobile equipments (Kim et al 2013). Some of the most frequent hazards related to excavator and the backhoe operation include overturning or slipping of the machine, slipping or falling of the machine during operation, touching of live power lines with the machine during its operation among others. Slipping and falling of the machine often occur when the machine is used for mounting and dismounting, or during refueling. Overturning and tipping of the machine can occur in cases where the machine is being used in places that are not well leveled. In addition, this can occur in cases where the machine is used in lifting improperly (Perttula et al 2009). Overturning may also occur when the machine is operated without proper care and observance of roadway conditions, clearance, visibility, grades, and traffic among others. Contacting of live power lines often occurs as a result of working in places close to power lines. Apart from the above-mentioned risks, the operation of this machinery exposes the user to far much more accidents and hazards that can greatly compromise their health situations. Some of these may include things such as experiencing hypothermia, heat stroke, frostbite, and heat exhaustion among others due to the high temperatures produced by the machine. Exposure to this heat can lead to dizziness, fainting, or even cramps in course of duty and result to serious accident (Smolnicki, Derlukiewicz & Stańco 2008). The impacts of such can extend to other people who were close to the machine during operation. To some workers, the high temperatures place very perilous burdens onto their hearts and lungs. Other most common health conditions associated to this include rhinitis, throat infections, and asthma. In other cases, the workers face a danger of being struck by the falling objects. This occurs at instances where objects accidentally falls back during lifting (Rezazadeh & Ehsan 2012). This is often dangerous since the operators and the falling objects can easily hit the people within the site. In most cases, accidents of this nature leave employees extremely paralyzed and incapable of performing other tasks Consequently, the operators face the risk of being hit by flying objects like dirt, dusts or even splashed fluids. Such can easily result into blinding of the person during work and result into an accident. During such instances, the machine can easily run over a building or knock other equipment within the site, resulting into many damages that may take the company time to fully compensate. In cases where the splashing fluids are dangerous chemicals, the operators face the danger of losing their sights or even their lives in other instances (Cidell 2012). The sizes of these machines also pose a great risk to the operators. For instance, they are often too high and the operators can easily slip and fall when climbing up or down the machine. In other instances, the operators can get their clothing caught on the machine or other projections. The result of these can either be a fatal fall, or in cases where the operators clothing get stuck on the machine projections, the pulling can trigger hydraulic movement of the levers hence resulting to a fall (Rezazadeh & Ehsan 2012). Such accidents normally live the victims maimed for life or incapacitated. In other instances, the operators are thrown out of the machines. This happens in places where the ground is not leveled and the excavator not stable. The operator can be easily thrown out through the window or the windshield (Smolnicki, Derlukiewicz & Stańco 2008). Such an accident can result into death or maiming of the person. Loss of control is another common accident that is often faced by the excavator operators. In most cases, the machines lose control and the entire system fails to respond to command directives from the operators (Sokas et al 2012). In such moments, the excavator can ram on buildings and other equipments within the vicinity. In cases where other workers or civilians are operating within the site, the results can be more magnified leading to severe injuries and deaths. Sudden breaking always causes tipping over and overturning or fast swings of the machine. During tipping over, the operator can be easily thrown out of their seats, or in other cases they can get stuck inside the equipment (Smolnicki, Derlukiewicz & Stańco 2008). The end is that one either gets maimed or killed. People working around the excavator may also not be spared by this, the heavy load can fall on them or the machine itself can fall and hit them. The vibrating and noise made by the machine is equally very dangerous for the operator’s health. Such shaking and noise can lead to fever or even ear deafening (Cidell 2012). Also, working in such a condition can easily lead to the operator developing fever during work. Such can cause collapse or fainting during work hence resulting to fatal accidents. Finally, the operators of these machines may face fire risks. The engines of these excavators can easily catch fire due to the overheating that occurs inside. This may result to explosions and huge fire due to the nature of fuels that they use (Sokas et al 2012). During such, the operators face likelihood of getting maimed as well as losing their lives in the fire process. The above-mentioned are just some of the few accidents and hazards that the operators of these excavators are exposed to during work. Main causes of the excavator accidents Employees hold the responsibility of ensuring his or her personal safety as well as that of the people working around them. The excavators often come with an operation manual that is meant to give the user instructions on what to do before operating the machine. Unfortunately, most operators often ignore the instructions and just proceed to work without taking the recommended safety precautions. Other organizations also do not offer sufficient supervisory measures to ensure that employees work in accordance to the drafted procedures in the operation manuals of the excavators (Sokas et al 2012). Dome of the most common reasons why these accidents occur so frequently include the following: Operation of the machinery by unlicensed persons Many contactors often hire the operators without sufficiently looking into their qualifications. In most cases, they are picked on the notion that they can operate the excavators. Such persons may lack valid licenses for operating such heavy machineries and may not know the correct measures to take in cases of accidents (Jula et al 2010). This is by far one of the greatest causes of excavator accidents. At the same time, the persons selected for the operation may hold licenses, but lack sufficient experience in the job. Such people often lack the necessary skills that are needed to effectively bring the machine under total control. Poor maintenance of the excavator Most companies in the process of saving funds often make very little allocation for excavator maintenance. These machines always require regular checks and maintenances on the parts (Jula et al 2010). The engine, the wheels, the oil levels, and hydraulic system need regular checks for any imbalance that is likely to occur and cause engine failure. Most operators often just pick the machine and head to work without ensuring such maintenance practices are done. As a result, the machine may experience failures and cause severe accidents to both the operator and the people within their vicinity. Poor working conditions As well, poor working conditions can lead to these accidents. Persons given the responsibility of operating these machineries need to be given proper working conditions to ensure that they operate efficiently. Many employers ignore this factor. Employees are often subjected to working in places that are risky and the excavator is highly prone to accident, for instance using an excavator on a sloppy or steep surface, or in areas that are close to electricity lines (Gangolells et al 2010). There is high probability of tipping over or overturning. Lack of breaks and off from work The nature of this job requires employees to get regular breaks from work. Many employers and supervisors do not put into consideration this factor. Most of these often restrict employees to working throughout without any break. In the process, the employee develops fatigue and begins functioning in a depreciating manner. A combination of the noise, machine vibration and the heat is very dangerous and constant exposure to such demeans the performance of the operator (Alphin, Sankaranarayanasamy & Sivapirakasam 2010). Use of drugs during work Many excavator operators often opt to the use of drugs such as alcohol to combat the stress that is developed during operation of the machine. Such drugs cause poor interpretation in the brain as well as vision impairment (Seo & Choi 2008). Such can cause them to ram into buildings and knock trees and other equipments within the operation sites. Most accidents are also attributed to this since most supervisors are never keen on the state of their employees at work. Recommended safety procedures in operating excavators The cause of excavator accidents lie on both the hands of the organization management as well as the excavator operators. The severity of these accidents largely depends on the measures that an organization has put down to ensure that employees are guaranteed safety. An organization should therefore put strict measures concerning the operation of this heavy machinery. The employees should also play a major role in ensuring that they work in a safe environment (Seo & Choi 2008). They should be on the forefront in ensuring that all their acts are within the stipulated and recommended standards by the labor society. In this way, the cases of accidents will be greatly reduced. Most labor organizations in many countries have laid down rules regarding employee safety at work place; and such rules have been extended to construction and engineering firms (Carbonari, Giretti & Naticchia 2011). Below are some of the health and safety management recommendations for people using excavators: First, the persons entrusted with the job of operating the excavator needs to be a well trained and possessing skills for the job. Training ensures that the individual is equipped with sufficient knowledge regarding the operation of the excavator. These persons must have attended training from reputable licensing institutions and obtained license for the heavy commercial machinery (Naticchia, Vaccarini & Carbonari 2013). In addition, the prospective candidates for this task need to be people who have handled the excavators before. This is meant to earn them experience and skills that are relevant to the operation of the machinery. With such knowledge and skills, the operator may be able to control the machine even at critical and most challenging situations. Another means of reducing excavator accidents is ensuring that people around or within the job site fully understand the way different types of excavators work. Such include aspects like knowing the amount of space that the equipment requires, the manner in which the equipment moves, and the minimum distance that they need to keep when the machine is in operation (Labutin, Mattis & Zaitseva 2008). While many construction firm managers place their focus on training the excavator operators, it is paramount that they consider the people who will be performing their functions in areas near the machinery. These will sensitize people on the dangers of the machine and the correct protective procedures to take. Consequently, the operators should be given intensive training on excavator operation. Such training should include what to do in case the equipment begin to tip off, or the steps to take in cases of malfunction. Providing training to the operators on how to handle the unanticipated occurrences gives them a great ability to initiate certain procedures successfully before jumping out and abandoning the equipment (Giretti et al 2009). Such training also minimizes any chance of sudden movement by the excavator that may result to injury of people around. This type of training however largely depends on the type of excavator to be used, and the accidents that have previously occurred due to the given malfunction. At the same time, before the use of an excavator, it is important for the contractor to comply with all the legal requirements of the excavator operations. Such include inspection, through testing and examination of the excavator. The various parts like the chain, lifting gear, the rope etc. needs to be examined and thoroughly tested to be working compliant (Le & Plainer 2013). An individual who is certified to so by a reputable states body should do such testing. The excavator needs to work under safe working loads. This implies that the load lifted by the machine must not at any point be greater than that which the machine is designed to lift (Nan & Popescu 2009). This safe working load must also be maintained within the working radius of the excavator (Gogu et al 2010, pg 163). Doing this will prevent the dangers of tipping off or turning over of the machine during operation. The management or the supervisor must also ensure that employees get adequate rest after operation of the heavy machinery. These persons need rest to break the monotony of working in noisy and very hot conditions. Such breaks allow them to unwind and let their minds adjust to normal functioning (Ismail, Doostdar & Harun 2012). The operators need at least a day or two off work depending on the regulations of the institution. Proper compensation programs should also be put in place to cater for accidents at work place. Most organizations secure insurance cover for their employees in cases of such accidents. A proper compensation plans should also be instituted to ensure that incapacitated employees get rightful and fair compensation (Hu & Zhang 2011). These are greatly important since accidents in most cases cannot be predicted and having such insurance and compensation plans can help the affected employees recover their losses. The operators must also be well dressed for operation of the machine. These include wearing of protective garments to prevent occurrence of any accident. Such should include work apron, helmet, and gloves. This protective clothing is meant to shield them against direct heat and contact with fluids from the machine (Fung & Tung 2012). The clothing also to some extent can provide them with insulation against electrical shock in case of contact with live wires. Strict work policies should also be implemented. Employees must not be allowed to use drug substances while at work or duty. Drug use has been noted to be among the great contributors to excavator and other heavy machinery accidents (Fang, Huang & Hinze 2009). A system should be put in place that will detect employee usage of drug substances and relatively bring them to control. Finally, the site of operation should be secured against passersby; this means that the area needs to be marked clearly to prevent people and children from playing around (Ladányi & Sümegi 2010). This measure will ensure that stray or passing objects do not fall on passersby, as well; they will be protected from any accident that is likely to occur at the construction site e.g. the machine losing control or hitting energized electricity wires. Conclusion From the above discussion, it is clear that excavators are dangerous equipments and need to be handled with utmost care. The nature of risks that operators are exposed to are diverse, hence extra caution needs to be taken when handling the machines. It is both the responsibility of the management (employer) and the operator (employee) to come up with ideas and measures that will ensure employee protection against the health hazards of the heavy machinery (Hallowell & Gambatese 2009). Engineering and construction sites must also be well secured against people who might roam about the area. States are also encouraged to participate in this dilemma of employee working conditions. Various country states should come up with policies and measures that can easily lead to safe working conditions for employees at different sectors. Such policies should involve strict supervision of and evaluation of working conditions in various construction sites (Carbonari, Giretti & Naticchia 2011). This will help minimize the rampant cases of excavator accidents. Implementation of the above recommendations can significantly reduce the levels of excavator accidents in engineering and construction sites. Bibliography Alphin, M S, Sankaranarayanasamy, K, & Sivapirakasam, S P 2010, ‘Experimental Evaluation of Whole Body Vibration exposure from Tracked Excavators with Hydraulic Breaker Attachment in Rock Breaking operations.’ Journal of Low Frequency Noise, Vibration & Active Control, Vol. 29, no.2, p101-110. Caban-Martinez, A J, Clarke, T C, Davila, E P, Fleming, L E, & David, J 2011, ‘Application of handheld devices to field research among underserved construction worker populations: a workplace health assessment pilot study.’ Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source, Vol. 10, no.1, p27-31. Carbonari, A, Giretti, A, & Naticchia, B 2011, A proactive system for real-time safety management in construction sites. Journal of Automation in Construction, Vol. 20, no.6, p686-698 Choudhry, R M, Dongping, F, & Ahmed, S M 2008, ‘Safety Management in Construction: Best Practices in Hong Kong.’ Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education & Practice, Vol. 134, no. 1, p20-32. Cidell, J 2012, ‘Just passing through: the risky mobilities of hazardous materials transport.’ Social Geography, Vol. 7, no.1, p13-22. Edwards, D J, Holt, G D 2010, ‘Case study analysis of risk from using excavators as ‘cranes’’. Automation in Construction, Vol. 19, no. 2, p127-133. Fang, D P, Huang, X Y & Hinze, J 2009, Benchmarking Studies on Construction Safety Management in China. Journal of Construction Engineering & Management, Vol. 130, no.3, p424-432. Frimpong, S, Yafei, H, & Inyang, H 2008, ‘Dynamic Modeling of Hydraulic Shovel Excavators for Geomaterials.’ International Journal of Geomechanics, Vol. 8, no.1, p20-29. Fung, W H, Lo, T Y, & Tung, K F 2012, ‘Towards a better reliability of risk assessment: Development of a qualitative & quantitative risk evaluation model (Q 2 REM) for different trades of construction works in Hong Kong.’ Accident Analysis & Prevention. Vol. 48, p167-184. Gangolells, M, Casals, M, Forcada, N, Roca, X, & Fuertes, A 2010, ‘Mitigating construction safety risks using prevention through design.’ Journal of Safety Research, Vol. 41, no,2, p107-122. Giretti, A, Carbonari, A, Naticchia, B & De Grassi, M 2009, ‘Design And First Development Of An Automated Real-Time Safety Management System For Construction Sites.’ Journal of Civil Engineering & Management, Vol. 15, no. 4, p325-336. Gogu, D, Fulga, D, Tudosescu, V, Ţaga, V, & Rădulescu, C 2010, ‘Structural and Dimensional Rehabilitation of Earthmoving Machines (Loaders, Excavators, Backhoe Excavators etc.)’ Petroleum - Gas University of Ploiesti Bulletin, Technical Series. Vol. 62, no. 2, p163-176. Hallowell, M R, & Gambatese, J A 2009, ‘Construction Safety Risk Mitigation.’ Journal of Construction Engineering & Management. Vol. 135, no.12, p1316-1323. Hu, Z & Zhang, J 2011, BIM- and 4D-based integrated solution of analysis and management for conflicts and structural safety problems during construction: 2. Development and site trials. Journal of Automation in Construction, Vol. 20, no. 2, p167-180. Ismail, Z, Doostdar, S & Harun, Z 2012, Factors influencing the implementation of a safety management system for construction sites. Journal of Safety Science, Vol. 50, no. 3, p418-423. Jula, D, Dumitrescu, L, Lupulescu, M, Poiană, L, & Roşu, E 2010, ‘Safety Couplings Used In The Mechanical Transmission of The Rotating System On 1400 Esrc Bucket Wheel Excavators.’Annals of the University of Petrosani Mechanical Engineering, p133-140. Kim, Y B, Ha, J, Kang, H, Kim, P Y, Park, J, & Park, F C 2013, ‘Dynamically optimal trajectories for earthmoving excavators.’ Automation in Construction. Vol. 35, p568-578. Labutin, V, Mattis, A, & Zaitseva, A 2008, Blast-Free Mining of Coal Seams by Excavators Equipped with Rotary Dynamic Buckets. Journal of Mining Science, Vol. 41, no. 2, p143-150. Ladányi, G & Sümegi, I 2010, ‘Bucket and Cutting Tooth Developments for the Bucket Wheel Excavators Of Mátra Power Station Llc.’Annals of the University of Petrosani Mechanical Engineering, p151-162. Le, J C & Plainer, J 2013, ‘Get Your Construction Solutions from Construction Solutions.’ Occupational Health & Safety, Vol. 82, no. 7, p22-26. Lee, H, Kim, H, Park, M, Lin, T, & Evelyn, L 2012, ‘Construction Risk Assessment Using Site Influence Factors.’ Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering. Vol. 26 no.3, p319-330. Nan, M S, KKovacs, L, & Popescu, F D 2009, ‘Theoretic and Experimental Research for a Machinery Balance Control Mobile Laboratory within the Oltenia Brown-Coal Field.’ Revista Minelor / Mining Revue, Vol. 15, no.6, p19-26. Naticchia, B, Vaccarini, M, & Carbonari, A 2013, A monitoring system for real-time interference control on large construction sites. Automation in Construction, Vol. 29, p148-160. Perttula, P, Korhonen, P, Lehtelä, J, Rasa, P, Kitinoja, J, Mäkimattila, S, & Leskinen, T 2009, ‘Improving the Safety and Efficiency of Materials Transfer at a Construction Site by Using an Elevator.’ Journal of Construction Engineering & Management, Vol. 132, no.8, p836-843. Rezazadeh, A & Ehsan, M 2012, Part based model and spatial–temporal reasoning to recognize hydraulic excavators in construction images and videos. Automation in Construction, Vol. 24, p194-202. Seo, J W & Choi, H 2008, Risk-Based Safety Impact Assessment Methodology for Underground Construction Projects in Korea. Journal of Construction Engineering & Management, Vol. 134, no.1, p72-81. Smolnicki, T, Derlukiewicz, D, & Stańco, M 2008, ‘Evaluation of load distribution in the superstructure rotation joint of single-bucket caterpillar excavators.’ Automation in Construction, Vol. 17, no.3, p218-223. Sokas, R K, Jorgensen, E, Nickels, L, Gao, W, & Gittleman, J L 2009, ‘An Intervention Effectiveness Study of Hazard Awareness Training in the Construction Building Trades.’ Public Health Reports, Vol. 124, p161-168. Read More