Top 5 Safety Tips For Padfoot And Smooth Rollers Operators
Safety should always be the number one priority for your team on the job site. Construction ranks number one amongst industries in fatal accidents and on average experiences 150,000 injuries on job sites every year (U.S. statistics only). Operating equipment safely is an important part of reducing the risk of injury on construction sites and that is especially true for rollers and soil compactors.
A construction roller is a heavy, relatively slow-moving piece of heavy machinery that may not seem dangerous unless you're standing in its way. Though rollers may not rank near the top of heavy equipment types involved in workplace injuries, it is still vitally important that they are operated safely.
Construction rollers, also known as road rollers or soil compactors, are used to level out and compact soil, asphalt, and other kinds of foundations. Smooth rollers are often used for prep work and ground leveling, while Padfoot rollers have protrusions on the roller, making them popular for compacting fine-grain soil or materials that require more penetration like dense clay or cohesive soil. For more information on rollers, their types, uses, and why compaction matters, visit our blog on these valuable pieces of equipment.
Rollers can be a very safe and useful piece of equipment, but if used incorrectly can lead to serious injury or even death. These accidents can be easily reduced by simply following these five safety tips for Padfoot and smooth soil compactors.
Tip #1: Pick The Right Roller for the Job
The first thing to do when thinking about roller safety is to ensure you have the right compactor. When choosing a roller, take a look at what foundations it's meant to be used on - which types of soil, if it can be used for asphalt, etc. - and stick to those foundations only. We also suggest taking a closer look at the specialties and advantages of each brand of roller to ensure you get the one that's right for you.
Another thing to keep in mind when making your decision is the safety features available on each model. Make sure your compactor is equipped with functional seat belts and ROPS (rollover protection system) which will reduce the risk of death or serious injury if a rollover does occur. The different models will vary in additional safety features they offer, so don't settle! If you feel like one brand doesn't provide a feature you want, keep looking, somebody else might.
Never assume that advanced safety features alone are enough to keep you and your team protected on the job site. Even as safety technology advanced, construction site accidents in the U.S. increased by 41% from 2011-2019. Seek out these built-in safety precautions in the rollers you rent or buy, but do not ignore the following tips to prevent disaster at your job site.
Tip #2: Prepare Yourself and Your Job Site
An easy way to reduce injuries with rollers is to wear proper clothing and protective gear. Types of protective gear will depend on the job but could include masks or goggles, ear protection, gloves, boots, and long-sleeved clothing.
If you'll be working with a diesel or fuel-powered machine in an environment that is not well-ventilated, a mask is a must-have piece of equipment to protect from fumes. Operators working with hot substances should wear long-sleeved clothing, gloves, and boots to prevent skin contact. Operators should also remove any loose clothing or jewelry to make sure nothing gets caught in the machinery.
Some of the above gear might seem obvious but one that might not be top-of-mind is wearing a hard hat even when inside the cab of the machine. Along with having a seatbelt and ROPS in place, a hard hat can help prevent injuries if a rollover does occur.
Along with preparing yourself appropriately, you should also prepare your job site. Assess the site for risks such as uneven ground, slopes, or overhead wiring, and clear the space of any cables or piping that could be damaged by or could damage the machine.
Tip #3: Properly Maintain and Clean Your Roller
Both before and after you operate your compactor, you should check it thoroughly for any defects or damages with an equipment walkaround. If you do find any issues, even if you consider them minor, you should never operate a damaged machine. Report the defects to the job site supervisor and make sure the machine is repaired before it's put back into use.
The roller should also be cleaned regularly (as often as is recommended by the manufacturer) and should only be cleaned in the way recommended by the manufacturer. As part of your daily maintenance check, you should: keep an eye on the fuel levels, check the water and hydraulic systems, and make sure the drum is kept clean and has no dents on its surface. See here for more tips on compactor maintenance.
Tip #4: Fully Train and Support Your Roller Operator
Everybody who operates a compactor on a construction site should be at least 18 years old and be trained in how to operate the machine. Drivers need to be certified in roller operation, should read the manufacturer's operating manual, and should be fully aware of the associated risks and how to best reduce them. As an operator - even if you are certified - do not start driving the machine if you feel uncomfortable. Ask your supervisor for further training, and make sure you prioritize your own safety.
If you run a construction business or are constantly training new operators, it might be helpful to develop step-by-step guides on how to operate a roller and how to reduce the risk of injuries to both themselves and other workers on site. Supervisors on site should also be aware of the guidelines for compactor operation and be diligent in enforcing safety policies. A supervisor spotting a minor problem before it spirals into a workplace accident could save a life.
Tip #5: Drive and Park Carefully
By far the most important safety tip we can give you with rollers is to drive and park carefully, particularly on uneven ground and around edges. When operating the compactor close to an edge, you should position the machine to drive parallel with it. If you feel as though you're getting too close, stop the machine, apply the parking brake, get out of the cab and assess the situation to decide if you should proceed or back the roller away from the edge.
It is always the best practice to use rollers on level ground when possible, but if you must operate on a slope, do so carefully. Operate at a consistent, low speed and never change gears. Never drive the machine along the side of the hill, always go straight up or down to reduce the risk of sliding or tipping.
Always park the machine on level ground if this is a viable option. If you have no choice but to park on a slope, ensure that the compactor is on firm ground and do not park at an angle. And do not leave the machine before applying the parking brake.
When operating a roller, make sure you are paying full attention to your surroundings. As mentioned above, a roller may not move quickly, but it is an extremely heavy machine. Monitor the positions of the other workers at your job site, making sure they are never standing in front of the compactor, and be observant of the terrain you're driving over; including any soil changes, slopes, or edges anywhere close to where you're operating your roller.
Final Thoughts
Padfoot and smooth rollers are extremely valuable pieces of equipment for many construction projects, especially in soil compaction, road creation, and land leveling. These machines can be operated safely, with very little risk to the drivers or other workers on site, but slip-ups can be deadly. Roller operators should be certified, fully trained, and always on alert while driving.
Following these tips, the manufacturer's operating manual, and industry best practices for heavy equipment operation, you'll be successful in minimizing the risk of injury on your work site.
To summarize, the top 5 safety tips for rollers are:
- Pick the Right Roller for the Job
- Prepare Yourself and Your Job Site
- Properly Maintain and Clean Your Roller
- Fully Train and Support Your Operator
- Drive and Park Carefully
Looking to rent a roller for your job site? Check out the DOZR Marketplace. We provide both Padfoot roller rentals and smooth drum soil compactors in a variety of sizes for any project your team is working on. Input your location and the dates you need it and we'll show you all the options in your area and work with you on delivery and pickup. With so many options, don't miss out. The perfect roller for your project is available for rent now at DOZR.
