Dotting every “I” and crossing every “T” is an essential part of construction work. Not only does staying compliant help minimise any hazards, but it can also help reduce delays and other headaches. Although all construction professionals can recognise the importance of staying compliant when it comes to using equipment on the job site, it can be a challenge to remember what’s involved.
That’s why it’s always wise to have a quick review of good compliance practices, particularly when hiring a site dumper, which are commonly seen across Aussie job sites. Here’s what you need to know when hiring a site dumper, as well as some general principles of compliance that are important to keep in mind from one job to the next.
Know Your Local Rules and Regulations
Although Australia has strong rules and regulations in construction generally, there can be some variability from one state or territory to the next. For example, while a checklist from Victoria’s WorkSafe can certainly be useful to Victorians — and perhaps provide a good general reference point for any Aussies from outside Victoria — it’s nonetheless important to check in with local authorities regarding the particulars of safety and compliance in your locality.
Confirm Your Compliance Requirements
Oftentimes, construction equipment can be very versatile. While it’s critical to never operate a piece of equipment in a way that isn’t in conformance with existing law and safety principles, machines such as site dumpers can be used for a variety of tasks. Yet when a job has certain needs surrounding compliance — and such needs can be very specific — it’s always prudent to double check these requirements before officially commencing with a hire.
Cast an Eye Ahead
The construction site is always a fluid environment. With many people, tasks, and pieces of equipment typically on site at any one time, thinking proactively not only about today’s needs but those of tomorrow is important.
Checking in with a site supervisor or another leader can be a great way of getting a better picture about what a site dumper may be required for on the job site immediately, and what else it could potentially be used for once its main task is done. Getting a greater understanding in this way can boost efficiency, save money, and help tick all the boxes when it comes to compliance.
Constructing a Career
As well as the importance of compliance when it comes to a site dumper, it’s also good to know the value of being able to operate one. It’s no secret that working in construction can be a tough business at times. There’s certainly a lot of opportunity, but there can also be a lot of hoops to jump through when looking to make the next move in a career. Sometimes it’s just a matter of waiting for the right opportunity to come along and being ready for it, but there’s also something to be said for proactively building skills and experience while waiting.
It’s here that getting a site dumper license can be so useful for any construction pro who doesn’t yet have one. In addition to construction, site dumper operators also find demand for their services in the agricultural and mining sectors.
While in 2021, the outlook is optimistic and the local construction industry is expected to grow by 2.6% this year, it’s also a reality that there’s been a period of significant downturn in the field. For anyone currently looking to restart their construction career in 2021 — or build out their skills more widely — getting a site dumper license can be a fantastic move.
The Core of Compliance
Good compliance practices are about being forward-thinking when it comes to equipment hire. Knowing local rules and regulations is a key component of this, as is consultation with leadership of a construction project to understand the particular task a site dumper is needed for. It’s also important to understand what other tasks the site dumper may be required for beyond its initial use to ensure that no regulations are being overlooked. By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re well prepared when looking to hire a site dumper, and have peace of mind that you’re staying compliant.
What other tips do you have for staying compliant when hiring a site dumper? Let us know in the comments below.
Image: Solution Plant Hire