top of page

Safety: Best Practices While Operating Machinery and Vehicles


Man operating heavy machinery.

At RJV Construction, the operation of heavy machinery and vehicles is integral to our day-to-day operations, and ensuring the safety of our employees is our utmost priority. Our fundamental commitment revolves around prioritizing the safety and well-being of our employees and communities.  

  

The Role of Machinery and Vehicles in Construction   

In light of the critical role that heavy equipment and vehicles play in enhancing productivity at job sites, making them essential to our work, it is important to be mindful of the potential safety hazards they present. Therefore, to ensure our team's safety, we provide comprehensive training to enable them to execute their work safely and effectively.

  

The Role of Teamwork and Training   

Additionally, teamwork and training play a key role in ensuring the safety of every individual at work so they can safely return home to their families at the end of each day. This collective focus on safety is ingrained in our culture, instilling a strong and lasting commitment to safety at RJV.  


Three RJV Construction team members working on a job site next to a vehicle.

Learn more about the people who make up the RJV team. https://www.rjvconstruction.com/about-us  

  

Putting People First 

Prior to each work shift, our team undergoes thorough preparation for a safe and productive day through pre-shift huddles and daily JHA (Job Hazard Analysis) sessions. In preparation for each huddle, our Foremen strategize the plan for the upcoming day, reviews tasks and potential hazards, and layout the necessary safety measures. During pre-shift huddles, the Foremen explain the day's agenda with their crews to set everyone up for success.  


Recognizing the power of a united crew working toward a common goal, we foster open communication and collaboration to promote a proactive safety culture at every job site. This approach ensures that teams operate more effectively and efficiently.  

  

Best Practices While Operating Machinery and Vehicles  

We strictly adhere to best practices when operating heavy machinery and heavy-duty vehicles. Here, we outline a few of these key practices.

  

Recognizing the potential risks associated with heavy equipment on job sites, our operators and drivers undergo rigorous training and possess extensive experience in handling various vehicles and equipment. This includes operating excavators, rollers, loaders, and dump trucks. To maintain safety standards, we also manage operator licenses and credentials to guarantee up-to-date certifications for our team.

  

In order to prioritize the safety of our crew members, they are mandated to wear high-visibility clothing to maximize their visibility while working alongside all equipment on job sites.


To ensure our fleet of vehicles are in tip-top shape, our dedicated maintenance team conducts routine and as-needed repairs. With the added feature of DVIR (Daily Vehicle Inspection Report), daily pre-shifts are digitally reported directly from drivers and operators in real-time.  

  

Regular job site safety inspections monitor the behaviors of our Operators. We also have third party live tracking devices overseeing the maintenance of on-the-road vehicles to fulfill safe operating expectations.  

  

Annual Safety Stand Down  

Every June, we host our Annual Safety Stand Down to promote safe machinery and vehicle operation. During this event, employees receive specialized training on safe digging (trenching) operations and fleet driver operations. 


RJV Construction team members at the Annual Safety Stand Down.

This annual event includes interactive trench construction and shoring exercises to illustrate safe digging procedures and highlight the hazards of working near excavators. Special emphasis is also placed on fleet drivers, with training sessions and demonstrations aimed at supporting them in navigating challenging driving scenarios securely.  


The Annual Safety Stand Down fosters a culture of safety and ensures all employees are equipped to perform their roles safely and responsibly.  


View photos from our last Safety Stand Down in June. https://www.instagram.com/p/C9dK_Y2N2dy/?img_index=1  


Safety Remains Our Top Priority  

Given the inherent risks in the construction industry, safety is paramount at RJV Construction, especially when operating heavy machinery and vehicles. By prioritizing safety through teamwork, adherence to standards, and continuous training, we are laying the groundwork for building a quality life for future generations.  


bottom of page