What Can Financial Advisors Do For You?

Herbert Mayer

With all the ups and downs of the stock market, changing interest rates, Social Security claiming strategies and other complex financial issues, many people seek out help. But not all financial advisors are created equal.

Financial Advisors

A good one will provide holistic planning and guidance that reflects your goals, needs and tolerance for investing risk. To find them, start by identifying their credentials. Get professional help from Best Financial Advisors In Oregon today.

While it’s possible to manage your own investments, many people prefer to have a financial advisor guide them through the process. A financial advisor’s responsibilities can include picking investment funds, creating a portfolio plan and coordinating with other financial professionals, such as tax specialists and estate planners. They can also assist with a variety of financial planning topics, including insurance coverage and retirement planning.

When choosing a financial advisor, it’s important to consider their background and how they get paid. Some financial advisors work on commission and receive a portion of the profits that result from their product sales. They are usually held to a suitability standard, meaning that the investments they recommend are appropriate for their clients’ goals and risk tolerance.

However, this type of financial advisor isn’t always acting in their client’s best interests, as they are incentivized to steer clients towards products and services that will generate the highest commission for them. You can check any financial advisor’s background by using FINRA BrokerCheck, which provides information about their employment history, licenses and certifications. You can also look for an advisor who is a fiduciary, as they have a legal obligation to act in their clients’ best interests.

A good financial advisor should be able to explain complex topics in an understandable way, and they should also be knowledgeable about the latest changes in the tax code and investment regulations. They can also help you determine your financial priorities and develop a strategy for reaching them. They can also help you navigate a major life event, such as the death of a spouse, divorce or new baby.

Many high-net-worth investors choose to work with a financial professional, and according to Morgan Stanley’s latest survey, the most popular reasons include guidance on asset allocation (87%), market analysis (78%), sticking with a financial plan (73%), planning for long-term care risks (68%), and estate planning (67%).

A financial advisor can make a difference in your financial future by helping you establish and reach your goals. They can also provide emotional support when markets become choppy and offer perspective that you may not be able to find on your own. If you’re looking for an advisor, consider the reputation of their firm, testimonials from existing clients and your gut reaction to them.

Taxes

Taxes are among the most complex, confusing financial issues for many people. From counting deductions to filing returns, the process can be overwhelming for anyone without expertise in the field. A financial advisor can help clients with their taxes by preparing returns and recommending tax-minimization strategies. They can also assist with estate planning and crafting investment strategies. They can also help clients resolve tax problems and mitigate the impact of a large tax bill on their balance sheets.

Some financial advisors specialize in tax matters, focusing on how the amount of money someone pays in taxes influences their ability to meet financial goals. Others may specialize in investment management, and still others will focus on the complexities of retirement planning. While it is true that some people only need a simple tax return filed, most people require the services of a professional to understand how their financial situation and investments affect the amount they pay in taxes.

Although there is no blanket rule that prevents financial advisors from giving tax advice, the IRS does state that only designated tax professionals like CPAs and EAs can recommend certain strategies (e.g., those that shelter income from taxation altogether). However, the vast majority of tax-planning strategies favored by financial advisors are designed not to avoid taxes entirely but to ensure that income is taxed more efficiently, either by optimizing the timing of income or the nature of its characterization.

In addition, some financial advisors are certified as tax specialists, which demonstrates their knowledge of complex tax laws and regulations. They can work with their clients to minimize the amount of money they pay in taxes by implementing strategies such as investing in municipal bonds, deferring retirement account distributions, and timing expenses (e.g., property taxes and charitable donations) to stay within lower tax brackets.

A good financial advisor will also keep up to date on the latest tax changes and regulations, allowing them to advise their clients on new strategies. They can also help their clients navigate the sometimes complex rules and regulations that govern investments. They will make sure that the client is aware of the potential effects of these new rules on their investment portfolio. They will also review the client’s current investment strategy and determine if it can be improved to reduce the amount of taxes they owe.

Insurance

A financial advisor can help clients manage their finances and achieve short- and long-term goals while mitigating risk, often through insurance products. Depending on their expertise, they may also advise on retirement planning, education funding, debt management and other financial matters. In addition to advising on investment strategies, many financial advisors have the additional license to sell insurance products. This gives them the opportunity to earn a larger commission, increasing their overall revenue.

Whether you’re a financial advisor or an insurance agent, it’s important to know what you’re doing. Many people confuse the terms “financial planner” and “insurance agent.” In reality, these professionals are quite different, though they can overlap. An RIA or IAR can act as both a planner and an agent, but a financial planner must be licensed to do so and follow a fiduciary standard.

If you’re looking to grow your insurance business by offering financial advising services, you should first understand your client base. This will help you identify and communicate a unique value proposition, which is crucial for growing your business. This process can be time-consuming, but it will help you attract and retain more clients.

To get started, research the financial planning services that are available in your area. Then, find out what insurance products are offered by your competitors and how they differ from your own. You can also talk to your clients to understand their needs and wants. Then, you can tailor your services to meet their expectations.

When starting a financial planning practice, it’s best to work with an experienced broker/dealer. They will be able to provide the training and support you need to get started. In addition, they can help you create a business plan and provide ongoing mentoring to ensure success.

As you start to grow your business, it’s essential to invest in a robust set of risk management tools. This includes professional liability insurance, which protects you from claims arising out of your work as an advisor or planner. It also covers the costs of legal defense, settlements and judgments. Other policies that you’ll need to consider include commercial general liability insurance, employment practices liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

Estate planning

The estate planning process includes creating a legal document that lists all of your assets, including physical items and sentimental items. It also outlines how you want to divide these assets among family members and friends. The estate planning process can be complex and confusing, but a financial advisor can help you create an estate plan that meets your specific needs. They can also make sure that you’ve included all the necessary documents, like a living will, which designates someone to handle your health care decisions in case of incapacitation or death, and a power of attorney, which allows a surrogate to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf.

A good financial planner will take the time to listen to their client’s goals and values and then use their expertise to guide them through the process. They will also review the client’s current investment portfolio and address any issues or changes that need to be made. In addition, they can help clients set up a trust to protect their assets from unnecessary taxes or potential conflicts of interest.

Without a proper estate plan in place, the state will decide how to distribute your assets, which could cause problems for your loved ones. This is known as dying intestate, and it can be costly for your beneficiaries. An experienced financial advisor can help you create a strategy that will provide security for your family and your heirs, while avoiding expensive court proceedings.

In addition to preserving and managing your wealth, an estate plan will also help you define your legacy goals. These can include funding a child or grandchild’s education, donating to a favorite charity, or supporting a particular community project. An advisor will work with you to find creative ways to pass on your wealth while minimizing estate taxes.

Why Hire a Mice Removal Service?

Willard Todd

Mice are a common pest that can cause severe damage to homes and businesses. They also pose serious health risks and can spread disease through their droppings.

Having mice control professionals remove rodents is essential. Exterminators can also prevent future infestations by identifying and sealing entry points. This typically includes repairing gaps around doors, windows, and vents. Contact Rodent Retreat now!

Mice are attracted to homes for warmth, shelter and food, especially during the autumn and winter. Because mice are nocturnal, it can be hard to spot signs of their presence until the problem has become full-scale.

The first indication of a mouse infestation is the appearance of droppings. They can be found in a variety of places, including cupboards, bins, cabinets and refrigerators. In addition, they can be scattered around the outside of buildings and in gardens. Mice droppings have a putty-like texture, while old droppings will be harder and crumbly. Scratching sounds are another clear sign of a mice infestation. They create scratching noises when they run along walls, floorboards, foundations and ledges.

Mice gnaw on wood and other materials to keep their teeth sharp, which can lead to damage in the house or outbuildings. If the infestation is heavy enough, gnawing could cause pipes to leak or electrical wires to spark and burn. The best way to prevent damage is to seal any holes that mice may enter through, such as gaps under doors and around windows.

Other signs of a mouse infestation are the discovery of rodent nests made from easily shred materials such as paper, fabric and insulation. Look in lofts, basements and airing cupboards for these nests. Mouse urine is a key indicator of a problem, particularly in established or heavy infestations. It is typically mixed with dirt, dust and body grease to form urine pillars that can be seen under a black light.

Outdoors, check for signs of a mouse infestation in sheds, outbuildings and compost bins. Sheds and outbuildings are particularly likely to be invaded by field mice searching for stored fruits and vegetables. Look for gaps and gnaw marks at the base of wooden door frames, as well as in the garage.

Also look for areas of overgrown vegetation that are close to a property. This can be used as a bridge by mice to reach the roof or eaves of a home. In addition, check for gaps under doors and along the bottom of floorboards. These entry points should be sealed, preferably with caulk, to stop mice from entering the property.

Damage to Your Property

The gnawing and chewing of belongings by mice is one of the most distressing signs that you have a mouse infestation. They will chew wood, furniture, paper, plastic containers, clothing, and even books. In some cases, they will tear upholstered items into shreds to make nests. This can cause costly damage and leave behind a foul, unpleasant smell.

Mice can also chew through electrical wires, causing potentially dangerous fire hazards. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may be necessary to replace the affected wiring and insulation.

It’s important to hire pest control services right away if you suspect that you have a mouse infestation, since mice breed rapidly. Left untreated, the problem will only get worse and can be much harder to resolve. A professional will perform a thorough inspection of your home or business to find the source of the infestation and any existing damage. They will then create a plan for removing the mice and preventing them from returning.

In addition to trapping and poisoning mice, there are several preventive measures that can be taken to keep them from entering your property. Checking the perimeter of your house regularly and sealing any cracks or holes is a good start. Eliminating outdoor standing water, clearing brush, and reducing clutter around your house can further deter rodents. It’s also important to store food in sealed, hard-sided plastic containers rather than paper or cardboard ones.

You should also take steps to limit the amount of crumbs that are left on counters and tables, as these will attract mice. It’s recommended to store cereals, flours, sugar, and other foods that come in paper or thin plastic bags in glass jars or plastic containers instead.

A thorough pest control inspection by a professional from Critter Control will help you to determine how the mice got into your home and identify any areas that need improvement. They will inspect the inside and outside of your property for rodent entry points, nesting sites, and signs of damage. After the inspection, they will create a custom pest control plan that includes trap placement, bait usage, and mouse extermination.

Health Risks

Mouse infestations are not only damaging to your home and property; they can also cause health risks for you and your family. Mice can spread bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing microorganisms through their feces, saliva and urine. They can also carry ticks, fleas and mites that can transmit these organisms to humans.

Rodents are notoriously unsanitary creatures, and they frequently leave behind contaminated food and droppings in kitchen cabinets, pantries, drawers and other storage areas. They also gnaw holes in walls and other structures to make nests and access food and electrical wires. These holes can compromise the structural integrity of your home and lead to costly repairs.

Droppings and contaminated food can trigger allergic reactions in humans. Young children and people with breathing disorders such as asthma can be especially sensitive to rodent dander and droppings. Mice can even infest your home’s ductwork, where their dander and excrement is then blown throughout your house each time the heating or cooling system turns on.

Most mouse infestations require professional treatment to eliminate mice and the harmful diseases they carry. Your pest control technician will seal entry points, set traps, and perform other services to eliminate the mice in your house. The cost of these services will depend on how many mice you have, how large the infestation is, and what your technician finds during inspections.

Other factors that can influence the cost of mouse extermination are how often your pest control company has to return to treat your home and what kind of preventative measures you have in place. A pest control contract with regularly scheduled treatments is usually more cost-effective than a one-time visit.

The most effective way to prevent future mice infestations is through a combination of exclusion and prevention. Your pest control specialist can help you identify and implement the best preventative methods for your home, such as repairing gaps in drywall, repairing leaky pipes, covering vents and chimneys, trimming vegetation that could act as bridges to your house, and more. You can also play a role in preventing future mice infestations by being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity to your pest control service provider.

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Mice are a dangerous pest for homeowners because they contaminate food, damage insulation and cause house fires. Rodents also spread several diseases through contact with their droppings, urine and saliva. They can also chew through wires, which can result in short circuiting and electrical shocks.

If you think you have a mice infestation, it is important to contact an exterminator right away. Mice can reproduce quickly, and you need a professional to prevent the population from growing.

You can tell that there is a problem if you see rodents scurrying across the floor or hear rustling and scratching noises in your walls. Other signs of a mouse infestation include the smell of rodent droppings, contaminated food, and gnawed holes in storage areas like closets and basements. You may also notice a foul odor in the air and stains on your carpeting from their urine.

Mice can squeeze through openings the size of a dime, so it is important to caulk or seal any entry points they are using to get into your home. It is also a good idea to regularly inspect your windows, doors and baseboards for signs of mice entry points.

The best way to prevent a mice infestation is by keeping the home clean and making sure there are no open food sources in the house. This includes sealing up all foods in airtight containers, cleaning up crumbs frequently and keeping the trash cans sealed. Another good deterrent is to keep a cat in the home, as mice dislike cats and will stay away from homes with them.

Mice can return even after an extermination, and there are many reasons why. This can be because of a nearby untreated infestation or because you live near an open field, forest, or other place that is prone to mouse migration.

If you have a mice infestation, contacting the local pest control company is an excellent option. The extermination expert will come to your home and conduct a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the problem. After the inspection, the expert will create a custom pest control plan tailored to your particular situation. The specialist will give price quotations and explain the techniques that will be used to treat the infestation.

What Is Junk Removal?

Byron Baird

Junk removal helps individuals and businesses clean out unwanted items and reclaim their space. Some junk removal services may also sort and recycle items to benefit the community.

Junk Removal

For example, e-waste is a popular recycling item, and some junk removal services donate furniture to local shelters and charity groups. Other types of junk are taken to special processing centers to ensure they don’t end up in landfills.

Junk removal is a service that takes care of unwanted items for homeowners or businesses. These companies do more than simply take the trash bags off the curb; they will come into your property and take care of the sorting, hauling, and proper disposal of your junk. They also do things like recycling, donating, or otherwise repurposing items as necessary. This is much more environmentally friendly than just throwing everything into the dumpster, where it can end up in landfills and other places where it can cause harm to the environment.

Many people need junk removal services because they are moving, cleaning up after a disaster, or simply sick of looking at all of the clutter in their home. Junk removal can help them get back control of their space and make it a place they want to spend time in again. It can also be a very affordable option for people who don’t have the time or energy to deal with their junk on their own.

Some things that are considered junk can be very hazardous for the environment or even for humans to handle. For example, some people may have old paint cans that contain lead, which can be dangerous if crushed. Others may have chemicals or other substances in glass jars that can be unsafe to touch. Often, these items are stored in an attic or some other place out of the way and they can go unnoticed for a long time. But if you are concerned about the safety of your home or business, it is important to call a junk removal company to remove these hazards for you.

Most junk removal companies will work with you to find the best possible solution for your waste management needs. They will recycle as much as possible, and they will donate any usable items to charities that can use them. This helps to keep items out of landfills and gives back to the community in a positive way. Many of these companies are now focusing on eco-friendly practices, which is great for the environment and for the economy.

Why Do We Need Junk Removal?

Junk removal services help keep our living and working spaces clean, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing. They can help people declutter their homes, get rid of old furniture, and clear out unused items from commercial spaces such as offices. This can make it easier for people to find things they need, reduce the amount of dust and dirt in their space, and create a better overall environment for their families or employees.

One of the biggest reasons to use junk removal is that it can save people a lot of time and energy. It can be difficult to remove a lot of junk on your own, and even more time consuming when you’re trying to do it with a group of friends or family members. Using a junk removal service helps to save everyone’s time and ensure that the work gets done in a timely fashion.

In addition to saving time, junk removal services can also save money. When you haul your own junk, you have to spend money on gas and other vehicle costs to transport it to the landfill or recycling center. When you hire a junk removal company, one truck can pick up junk from multiple homes and take it to the same location, which cuts down on your expenses.

Another benefit of junk removal is that it can help reduce the amount of trash that ends up in our landfills. Many of the things that people throw away can be recycled or reused in some way, and junk removal companies often make efforts to donate or recycle as much as possible. This helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which can pollute our environment and cause diseases.

Junk removal is also an important part of keeping our communities clean and safe. Scattered debris can block sidewalks, make walking through a garden or yard dangerous, and look unattractive. It can also be a fire hazard, especially if it contains flammable or hazardous materials. Junk removal can help to keep our neighborhoods and cities clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone.

How Do Junk Removal Companies Work?

Junk removal companies help you get rid of unwanted items and clean up messes from renovations, fires, or just everyday life. The way junk removal companies work varies by the service provider, but they all operate with the same goal: to clear out your clutter and make your space more usable.

Most junk removal services require you to book an appointment, and a crew will arrive at your home with a large truck. The company representative will then take a look at the junk you want removed and give you a quote. Most junk removal companies charge based on the amount of space your items will take up in their trucks, so it’s important to be as precise as possible when booking an estimate. This way, the crew can ensure they have the right truck and equipment for the job.

A good junk removal company will also go the extra mile to recycle and donate as much of your items as possible. This helps keep unwanted waste out of landfills and gives back to local communities. Some examples of this are recycling electronics, donating furniture and household goods to charity thrift stores, or even using Styrofoam as insulation in homes.

Depending on your specific needs, you can also choose to rent a dumpster from a junk removal company. This is a great option for larger cleanup projects that will take place over the course of several days, or if you’re renovating your home and need to dispose of construction debris quickly.

Some items are off-limits for junk removal, like biohazards, blood, or feces. If you’re cleaning up after a traumatic event, it’s best to hire a specialized crime scene cleanup company.

Other items that can’t be taken care of by junk removal companies include propane tanks, gas cans, or paint cans. You’ll need to call a hazmat crew for these items, so be sure to check with your junk removal company before booking an appointment if you have any of these items. Alternatively, you can drop these off at a local hazardous waste facility to be properly disposed of.

Be Your Own Contractor With These Home Improvement Tips

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Today, home improvement is an incredibly popular hobby that is growing in popularity. The demand for products and techniques related to it are on the rise. Now is the time to start with it. Here are some tips that you can use to get you started with your home improvement plans.

Wires and cords can be a safety hazard and unsightly. When doing home improvements, consider adding your home surround sound and networking wires into your attic. If everything is ready to go and wired for these amenities, you will be able to use this as a selling point for your home later.

To save money on home maintenance, check all of your faucets and pipes for leaks and have them repaired quickly. Leaking faucets can waste quite a bit of water, costing you in higher bills. Also, pipes that are leaking within your walls or under your house can lead to serious water damage.

Patch the holes in your walls with toothpaste! Yes, this is definitely a temporary cover up but it works to hide an ugly hole until you can come up with the materials for a more permanent fix. Use white toothpaste and trowel it into the hole with a butter knife.

If you’re unsure of how to fix something in your home, hire a professional instead. Many people start in on home improvement projects thinking that they can do it easily, but that is not the case with many projects. It is easier and more cost effective to let a professional handle it instead of messing up and throwing your materials out.

You should now see why this hobby is very popular. There is so much you can do in it! There is also a ton of information on how to start enjoying the benefits of it. By following these tips, you are well on your way to successfully improving your home.

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Heavy Equipment

Heavy Equipment Best Practices Blog

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Thousands of construction job site injuries involve being struck by or caught-in/between heavy equipment. Safe practices decrease these risks.

Visually inspect equipment before using to ensure it’s in good working condition. This includes a check for fluid levels and ensuring cab windows, mirrors and doors are closed.

Properly securing equipment during transport is important to protect the machinery and adhere to cargo securement regulations.

Know Your Machine

Heavy equipment plays a key role in many construction projects, but it can also be dangerous for job site employees if not properly used. Whether it’s a bulldozer, backhoe loader or motor grader, even the safest crew can run into trouble if they don’t follow the right procedures. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when operating a piece of large machinery.

Before starting a shift, inspect your machine thoroughly to ensure it’s ready for use. This includes everything from ensuring the tires are in good condition to checking for obstructions that could interfere with operation. In addition, always make sure to lock the cab and release the parking brake when you’re done with your shift. Falling from heavy equipment is the number one cause of construction site deaths, so this step is especially crucial to follow.

All large equipment vehicles have blind spots that can lead to accidents if an operator fails to watch for stranded workers or other hazards. Before attempting to drive any piece of equipment, ensure the surrounding area is clear of overhead obstacles like power lines and metal rods. If you’re working on a job site that requires digging, ensure underground utilities are marked before starting any work.

If you’re transporting your equipment between jobsites, it’s just as important to follow proper securing guidelines to prevent accidents during the trip. Failure to do so can result in damage, a loss of productivity and costly fines. Learn more about these and other best practices for transporting heavy equipment.

Know Your Crew

As important as it is to know the equipment you’re working on, it’s equally important to understand the team around you. Every construction project requires a crew of workers, and many of those workers need to work on or around heavy equipment throughout the day. Each crew member should be trained on the specific equipment they’ll use and receive a thorough understanding of all the safety features associated with that machinery.

Each crew should also be made aware of common heavy equipment accidents like rollovers, struck by accidents and caught in/between accidents. This training can help prevent these types of accidents and save lives on the job site.

A safe job site is essential when you’re using heavy equipment, and this begins with the loading, transport and unloading processes. Whenever possible, store your equipment indoors with protective covers like cribbing and crane mats to prevent dust, dirt and moisture from damaging the machine.

Before each shift, each operator should perform a thorough inspection of the machine to ensure that it’s ready to go before beginning its work. Catching small issues during an inspection can save you time and money in the long run by preventing costly repairs later on. All equipment should be parked and secured with the parking brake engaged before being turned off or left in gear. When backing up, all equipment should be slowed to a safe speed and the operators should always have a spotter present to verify that they can safely complete any desired maneuver.

A spotter should be assigned to each piece of equipment that is going to be manned during a shift. Spotters can provide backup for the operator by identifying obstacles in the equipment’s path and helping to avoid accidents. They should be familiar with the machine and have access to its operating manual to be able to accurately assess its blind spots. Spotters should also be equipped with two-way radios to communicate with the equipment operator throughout the day and be capable of redirecting pedestrians or oncoming traffic.

Know Your Environment

Heavy equipment is a huge hazard on construction sites and poses numerous accidents – both to people and property. However, these are often avoidable with a few simple protocol steps like implementing a safety plan.

Make sure to keep your job site clear of debris and other material that could cause an accident, as well as any obstacles in the path of your machinery. This can help your operators see their surroundings, allowing them to operate safely and prevent damage to equipment.

Before you start up your machinery each shift, do a visual inspection to look for cracked or split hoses, loose or missing parts, undercarriage issues and stress points, and fluid leaks. Also, be sure to check that headlights, taillights, brake lights, windshield wipers and audible warning systems are working properly. If you aren’t able to do a thorough check, consult your operator’s manual to ensure that the machine is ready for use.

Maintaining your equipment will keep it in a better condition, and you’ll spend less money on repair costs in the long run. Investing in regular cooling system analysis can give you detailed information about contaminants and preventative measures that can keep your engine running smoothly for longer.

Finally, it’s a good idea to invest in ground protection like crane mats and cribbing to protect your equipment from moisture, dirt and other damaging elements. Ideally, you should store your machinery indoors as much as possible to keep it in optimal condition and prevent rust.

Transporting your equipment requires careful planning and adherence to strict regulations. Make sure you select an experienced hauler and that your equipment is secured with parking brakes, wheel chocks or cradles. Failure to properly secure your equipment during transport can lead to damage and expensive fines.

Know Your OSHA Requirements

Heavy equipment is extremely dangerous and requires proper training before a worker can operate it. Using this knowledge, it’s possible to avoid accidents and injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict guidelines for working with heavy machinery.

Heavy machinery must be inspected prior to each use and must pass inspection. Workers should also be trained to follow manufacturer’s operating guidelines and OSHA best practices. Training should include both classroom and hands-on instruction to ensure that employees understand the machinery.

Workers should always wear ear plugs or protective ear muffs when operating and working around heavy equipment. This will prevent them from hearing any sounds that could cause an injury. A clean job site is also important, as debris can block the equipment and create a hazard for other workers.

Before a machine is started, a visual inspection should be conducted. It’s critical to check tires, tracks and any other parts that may be damaged or worn. Any exposed electrical wires should be deenergized or, if that’s not possible, barriers must be placed to keep equipment away from them. Also, if digging is part of the work to be done, workers should make sure all underground utilities are marked and that any excavations are properly backfilled.

In addition, all equipment should have a rollover protective structure (ROPS) meeting OSHA requirements and a seat belt to prevent the operator from being thrown out of the seat during a tip over or upset. It’s also important that a guard rail and toe board be provided for every elevated open-sided platform, floor or wall hole into which a worker could fall. Finally, all workers should participate in inspections of their work areas and facilities to identify hazards.

Know Your Limits

Operating heavy equipment is a demanding job. Even if you are a seasoned veteran, working in hot environments or being exposed to certain hazards can wear on you and slow your reflexes. It’s important for all workers to know their physical limits. If you’re uncomfortable operating a piece of machinery, ask to get out. This can keep you safe and prevent injuries on the worksite.

Many accidents involving heavy equipment involve the individual being struck by it or caught in or between machines. Other common injuries include falls and climbing onto or off of equipment. Ensure you have three points of contact when getting on or off equipment, and never jump! Also, be sure to close all hydraulic controls when dismounting or reversing. Finally, if you’re not using a machine for several days or weeks, be sure to cover it with a tarp and shrink wrap it.

If you’re a fleet manager, it’s important to have a system in place for logging all maintenance and repairs on your equipment. Using a digital tracking solution like GoCodes can help your team stay organized and streamline the repair process.

Lastly, when managing equipment for transport, make sure your crew understands FMCSA tie down requirements. For example, you’ll need to know that each component of a cargo securement system has a maximum working load limit (WLL) and all tie downs combined must be rated to support at least 1/2 times the weight of the load.

While some accidents will always happen, you can prevent most incidents with open communication, up-to-date procedures and regular safety meetings. By following these tips, you’ll improve your team’s safety and productivity while on the job site.