Safety & Regulations – Construction Publications Inc

Speak up and stay safe — your question could save a life

Alissa B — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:37:50 +0000

Guest Opinion

Speak up and stay safe — your question could save a life

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “There is no such thing as a stupid question, except the one that didn’t get asked.”

Some people have trouble raising their hand and asking the question that’s important to them. Perhaps it’s the possible embarrassment of being the only one who doesn’t know the answer, or it could be that you missed an important point during a discussion and are afraid of looking like you weren’t paying attention. Sometimes other employees may show some frustrations when you ask questions and that can also discourage you from asking. Whatever the reason, we can sometimes talk ourselves out of asking a very important question that could very well be important to our safety.

In our industry many employees face different kinds of hazards on a daily basis — risks such as entering a confined space, operating heavy equipment, digging and working in trenches, handling chemicals, and fall hazards. Part of mitigating those hazards is preplanning and implementing safeguards to protect us from those hazards. Sometimes though, things change, conditions around us change, a new piece of equipment is brought on-site. If employees are afraid to ask questions, they could be putting themselves at risk of injury or even death. When it comes to safety, it’s critical that you ask questions like what could go wrong, how can you prevent it from happening, how do you protect yourself, and what do you do if something does go wrong. By being willing to ask these and other important questions you might be helping your coworkers who may have similar questions.

Also, asking the right questions begins with the willingness to admit you aren’t trained in working certain types of equipment or projects. Sometimes our ego can get in the way of asking questions as we don’t want to be considered the weak link on a work crew. So, we just begin working, putting ourselves at risk. Don’t let this be you. Ask the questions you need to ask.

Don’t let complacency creep in

Complacency can creep in when we do the same work tasks over and over again. Workers with experience can easily become complacent and not even recognize the hazards, or they feel like there is less risk because they’ve seen it before. These employees are less likely to ask the questions that can get hazards addressed. If the work environment discourages questions, that just adds to the hazard.

Also, an employee’s lack of knowledge can be a danger too as they might not recognize the hazards that are present. This can come from a lack of training or the employee being too new to the task at hand. They probably will not ask the necessary questions because they simply don’t know what to ask.

Don’t let the responsibility of knowing all the answers fall to them. Encouraging questions can help employees stay safe on the job. The willingness to ask the necessary questions about tasks, risks, hazards and worst-case scenarios helps maintain a good safety culture while on the job.

If you are a supervisor, encourage questions. This is just one simple step, but it can make a difference in improving the overall safety culture at your workplace.

About the Author: Ronnie Freeman is the safety director for Mount Pleasant (South Carolina) Waterworks and Safety Committee chair for the Water Environmental Association of South Carolina.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared as an online exclusive on DigDifferent.com (https://www.digdifferent.com/online_exclusives/2024/01/speak-up-and-stay-safe-your-question-could-save-a-life) and has been reused with its and the author’s permission.

Do you know the drill? The importance of preparation and timeliness for reporting construction site injuries

Construction Publications Inc. — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 21:28:34 +0000

Guest Opinion

Do you know the drill? The importance of preparation and timeliness for reporting construction site injuries

With nearly 6.5 million people on construction sites across the U.S. each day, accidents are likely to occur. In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 1,008 fatal and 174,000 non-fatal construction injuries. The injuries included falls, structural collapses, electric shocks, failure to use proper protective equipment, and many others.

While safety guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are put in place, accidents still happen. Are you and your crew prepared for the aftermath? When an injury inevitably occurs, employers must understand their roles as business owners, especially when it comes to the claims process.

Before an injury occurs, employers should educate all team members on workers’ compensation injury and illness reporting requirements, outline who an employee should report an incident to, and how that report should be handled.

How does the workers’ compensation claim process work?

When an injury occurs, the injured employee must notify their employer and file a formal workers’ compensation claim. The employer is then responsible for giving the employee the appropriate paperwork and guidance, as well as filing the claim with the insurance provider in compliance with state law for reporting workplace injuries. However, it’s important to remember that every situation is different. State workers’ compensation laws and deadlines vary considerably, so employers should do their research and speak with a trusted advisor when an employee injury occurs at the workplace.

Once reported by the employee, the employer has limited time to submit the paperwork for the employee to receive workers’ compensation benefits. The timeline for filing a workers’ compensation claim for benefits varies significantly depending on the state and can range from one to three years or more. It’s always best to report an incident as soon as possible, as this often reduces the time it takes to close a claim. Both parties should act quickly when workplace injuries occur as the claim can be denied if a state’s workers’ compensation claim deadline is missed.

Important steps construction business owners should take when filing a workers’ compensation claim

Educating employees on proper reporting processes can help streamline claims if and when injuries occur. When an injury occurs, employers must:

• Ensure the injured employee receives immediate medical care

• Complete an injury/illness report and file it with the organization’s workers’ compensation carrier — within 24 hours of the injury if possible

• Keep communication open with the workers’ compensation carrier and the injured employee

• When appropriate, establish a timeline for returning to work

• Support the injured employee as they transition back into their role within the organization

While not all accidents can be prevented, having a clear plan in place when they occur is essential. Employers must understand their responsibility to employees and their businesses’ bottom line when correctly and efficiently filing workers’ compensation claims.

Editor’s Note: This article is for informational purpose only and not an endorsement of any particular insurance carrier.

About the Author: As Pie’s first chief claims officer, Dimitrius is responsible for leading and implementing the company’s claims strategy. Over the past 15 years, Dimitrius has held various strategic and claims leadership roles in both personal lines and commercial lines. His background includes leading in workers’ compensation, group benefits, auto, property, and catastrophe claims organizations. To learn more about Dimitrius, construction safety and workers’ compensation claims, visit Pie Insurance.

OSHA reports large rise in trenching fatalities, announces enhanced enforcement and oversight

Alissa B — Mon, 15 May 2023 19:02:19 +0000

Industry Insight

OSHA reports large rise in trench-related fatalities, announces enhanced enforcement and oversight

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that nearly 40 deaths occurred in trenching and excavation work during 2022, making it one of the deadliest years on record. The total more than doubled the 15 fatalities reported in 2021.

OSHA reported 22 deaths in the first half of 2022, prompting it to launch enforcement initiatives to protect workers from known industry hazards. Compliance officers from OSHA were sent to perform more than 1,000 trench inspections nationwide.

“The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is calling on all employers engaged in trenching and excavation activities to act immediately to ensure that required protections are fully in place every single time their employees step down into or work near a trench,” said OSHA Assistant Secretary Doug Parker. “In a matter of seconds, workers can be crushed and buried under thousands of pounds of soil and rocks in an unsafe trench. The alarming increase in the number of workers needlessly dying and suffering serious injuries in trenching accidents must be stopped.”

OSHA reminded companies and workers that trenching and excavation operations require protective systems and inspections before workers can enter. Those requirements apply to trenches 5 feet or deeper unless they are made entirely in stable rock. Safe access and egress, including ladders, steps, ramps or other safe means, are required for employees working in trench excavations 4 feet or deeper, and they must be located within 25 feet of all workers.

When designing a protective system, you must consider factors such as soil classification, depth of cut, water content of the soil, changes caused by weather or climate, surcharge loads, and other operations in the vicinity.

Protective systems include:

- Benching: Protecting workers from cave-ins by excavating the sides of an excavation to form one or a series of horizontal levels or steps, usually with vertical or near-vertical surfaces between levels; this method cannot be done in Type C soil
- Sloping: Cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined away from the excavation
- Shoring: Installing aluminum hydraulic or other types of supports to prevent soil movement and cave-ins
- Shielding: Protecting workers by using trench boxes or other types of supports to prevent soil cave-ins

“OSHA stands ready to assist any employer who needs help to comply with our trenching and excavation requirements,” Parker said. “We will conduct outreach programs — including safety summits — in all of our 10 regions to help ensure any employer who wants assistance gets it. The stakes are too important.”

Click here for more information on preventing trench-related fatalities.

Heat increases rates of traumatic injuries for construction workers, according to Oregon State University study

Alissa B — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:21:52 +0000

Heat increases rates of traumatic injuries for construction workers, according to Oregon State University study

Rates of traumatic injury among workers in construction and agriculture are significantly higher during periods of high heat versus more moderate weather, according to an Oregon State University (OSU) study. Researchers said the results highlight the importance of providing robust safety protections for outdoor workers, especially in extreme heat events.

“The big take-home message I want people to get from this is that, if the temperature is high and you have workers out there, they’re more likely to be injured, whether it’s due to dehydration, reduction in mental capacity or exhaustion,” said Richie Evoy, lead author on the paper and a recent doctoral graduate from OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences.

The study looked at Oregon workers’ compensation data from 2009-2018, with researchers studying nearly 92,000 claims involving temporary or permanent disability or death. They focused on injuries that occurred in the months of April through October because the average heat index was above 55 degrees during that period.

Researchers found that construction and agriculture workers were significantly more likely to suffer a traumatic injury on days when the heat index was above 75 degrees, compared to a 65-degree or less baseline. The effect worsened when the heat index was above 90 degrees, with an increased risk of 19% to 29% over baseline as the index ranged from 90 to 119 degrees.

“These results support the need for occupational safety practitioners to include protections for workers during extreme heat,” said Laurel Kincl, co-author of the study and an associate professor in OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences. “While our study is based in Oregon, this is true of other states and regions since these conditions will likely become more frequent with climate change.”

The other co-authors of the OSU study were Perry Hystad and Harold Bae, who are both in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences. The researchers also studied the impact of wildfire smoke on injury rates.

To learn more about the study, read the article by Molly Rosbach on OSU’s website at https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/osu-study-finds-higher-rates-traumatic-injuries-outdoor-workers-during-hotter-weather.

How to prepare for extreme weather events to help keep workers, property safe

Alissa B — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 12:00:41 +0000

How to prepare for extreme weather events to help keep workers, property safe

Severe weather and natural disasters can strike anytime. Whether from climate change, natural weather patterns or other causes, their frequency has increased during the past two decades. Now more than ever, it’s essential to be prepared and have plans in place that protect staff members and your valuable business assets in the event of extreme weather and/or natural disasters. Here are some tips for putting a good plan together.

Create an emergency response plan

Preplanning is a main factor in successful project completion, and it’s also essential for responding to emergency situations, according to Troy Tepp, director of safety services with Sentry Insurance.

“Predicting when those events will occur is nearly impossible, and that’s why it’s essential to be prepared with response plans,” said Tepp during a webinar for the Associated Equipment Distributors titled “Developing Your Emergency Response & Recovery Plans – Before They’re Needed.” “Thoughtful preplanning that addresses potential scenarios is vital.”

As a starting point, Tepp suggested establishing goals and priorities.

“The top priority within any emergency response plan must be developing procedures that prioritize the protection of lives and the safety of your staff, customers and any other visitors to your facilities. Keep in mind, your procedures also need to account for employees outside of your fixed-base operations, such as field personnel, drivers and equipment operators.”

In Jacksonville, Texas, WHM Construction Inc. uses technology to help protect personnel from severe weather.

“Watching the weather is essential because it can affect everything we do, but keeping our staff safe is of utmost importance,” said Justin Holman, vice president. “We prepare by having apps on our smartphones that alert us if severe weather is imminent. If that’s the case, everyone is instructed to get out of harm’s way as safely and quickly as possible. After it’s passed, we assess the situation and determine our next course of action.”

Prioritize for your area(s)

Natural events such as tornadoes, fires, severe storms, hurricanes, ice and snow, and earthquakes are all considerations for weather plans. Prioritize those that are most prevalent and likely to occur in your area.

Tepp used a tornado as an example of how to align risk assessment with planning and awareness and stated, “If that is one of your foreseeable emergencies, begin to create a plan by identifying the alarms and alerts that identify those events. Then, you develop action that mitigates the risk, such as designating a shelter or shelters.”

“You will also want to clearly identify them as such with signage, and train staff to know where shelters are located and that they should immediately proceed to the shelters if they hear the alarms. You also need to designate and train staff members to assist those with special needs. If personnel are off-site, have a communication plan to check on their safety and well-being.”

When designing your response procedures, make sure they are specific. They should define roles and responsibilities as well as activate an assigned response team.

Kort Wittich, owner of Kort’s Construction Services Inc. in Covington, La., knows that preparation for multiple scenarios is essential.

“We have a couple of major considerations in this region,” said Wittich, who provides a diversified list of site construction offerings, mainly in the New Orleans metro area. “One is thunderstorms. We keep our eyes and ears open to the television and radio stations for forecasts and updates and base decisions from those, as well as looking at radar on our phones and watching the sky. If we determine that severe weather is coming, we pull personnel off-site, so they can get to safety.

“Unfortunately, hurricanes come with the territory, but unlike thunderstorms, which can pop up anytime, you generally have a few to several days’ notice before a hurricane,” said Wittich. “That gives us time to move assets out of areas where they may potentially be damaged and get them to a more secure location. Our goal is to do that in a safe manner as quickly as possible, so our staff also has time to prepare their homes and families.”

Blue Mountain Minerals also faces multiple scenarios at its limestone quarry in Columbia, Calif., including fires.

“Like anyplace that’s surrounded by timber and mountains, wildfires are more prevalent,” added Richard Stringham, plant manager. “We had one across the lake adjacent to our property last year, and we had to evacuate. Our plans definitely include that situation. We have roads besides our main road that lead out of the site for us to exit. Being in Northern California, there is less of a chance of an earthquake than in the southern part of the state, but the possibility is always there, so we are prepared for that too.”

Communication remains key

To prepare effectively, create a business-recovery plan. According to Tepp, the plan should designate a pre-assigned business-recovery team. Other elements of the plan should include determining essential staff versus support staff, creating recovering operations, outlining IT needs, looking at communication considerations, preparing daily progress updates and phased recovery, testing, and training.

“Reporting the incident to your insurance carrier in a timely manner should be your first step [after an incident has occurred],” said Tepp. “The faster it’s reported, the quicker an investigation can occur, and reimbursements can be made. Your team will oversee successful recovery by putting the plans in place that you developed to deal with emergency events.”

Click here to learn more about emergency response plans.

Editor’s Note: This article is excerpted from a longer blog. To read it in its entirety visit https://www.komatsu.com/en/blog/2022/extreme-weather-is-predicted-are-you-prepared/.

Survey shows work-zone crashes are on the rise

Alissa B — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 12:00:19 +0000

Survey shows work-zone crashes are on the rise

An annual survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and HCSS (Heavy Construction Systems Specialists) showed that accidents in highway construction work zones worsened in the past year, with 64% of respondents reporting a crash on a project — up from 60% in 2021.

One or more construction workers were injured in 18% of the incidents, nearly the same as the previous survey, with 7% of those resulting in a death — up from 4%. In addition, 41% of companies said the drivers or passengers in the vehicles were injured, up from 35% last year, with 15% resulting in a fatality, which is a 3% rise.

Respondents indicated that the use of drivers’ mobile phones, high speeds and heavy traffic were key causes of the crashes.

Ken Simonson, AGC chief economist, said the pandemic played a role as drivers got used to going faster when there was less traffic, and “they haven’t slowed down.” He added that “if anything, phones have gotten even more distracting, and the results are even more tragedies.”

AGC asked respondents for suggestions to reduce crashes; 81% said a greater police presence in work zones would help, and 67% indicated that stricter enforcement of laws would be beneficial.

Click here to learn more.

OSHA citing more general contractors for subcontractors’ safety violations

Alissa B — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 12:00:28 +0000

OSHA citing more general contractors for subcontractors’ safety violations

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the top cause of employee deaths in construction. OSHA is focused on protecting workers on multi-employer work sites with more citations for general contractors, according to Jonathan Crotty, a partner with the law firm Parker Poe.

“OSHA has been more aggressive about citing general contractors it believes have not taken adequate steps to monitor and police safety practices on their work sites, especially when it comes to fall protection,” wrote Crotty in the article “OSHA Continues to Cite General Contractors for Subcontractors’ Safety Violations” on Parker Poe’s website. “If the investigator sees the subcontractor’s employees working without adequate fall protection, there is a good chance that both the subcontractor and the general contractor will receive citations.”

Crotty added that in recent years OSHA has frequently cited general contractors that do not have a well-documented safety inspection program in place. In addition, if the general contractor discovers compliance issues by subcontractors, it must demonstrate that it actually enforces its rules, typically through a progressive system of fines and the removal of the subcontractor.

“If the general contractor can demonstrate a rigorous safety and enforcement program, the fact that a subcontractor or its employees ignored these rules should not serve as an adequate legal basis for an OSHA citation against it,” said Crotty. “Construction contractors cannot continuously monitor subcontractors’ safety practices, and if cited, the general contractor can challenge the legal basis for a citation claiming it is responsible for the violation.”

Click here to learn more.

Hot weather safety: Here are 4 tips for the hot summer days ahead

Alissa B — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 15:17:24 +0000

Hot Weather Safety

The heat is on. Here are some tips to prepare for the hot summer days ahead

Hot weather is particularly challenging to the construction industry because workers are often exposed to the elements, including high temperatures and humidity. After enduring the hottest summer on record last year, protecting workers from the heat should be a top priority.

Ounces of prevention

Hydration plays a significant role in reducing heat illnesses and keeping your body properly conditioned for the job. Fluid intake is essential before, during and after work. Recommendations call for drinking water or electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty — at least 6 to 8 ounces every hour. In extreme heat, it’s even more important to replenish fluids lost to perspiration.

Choose the right clothes

Appropriate clothing makes a big difference in hot environments. Choose lightweight clothing made of synthetic fabrics that wick sweat from the skin. For outdoor work, light-colored clothing is often recommended because it reflects the sun’s rays. Looser-fitting clothes will also allow air to circulate and cool the body. However, job sites present hazards with equipment and machinery that can catch baggy clothing, so be mindful.

Sunscreen is very important

Clothing is a great help in warding off the sun’s rays, but it’s essential to put sunscreen on any exposed skin. Pay attention to the sun protection factor (SPF) in your sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. An important fact to remember: UV rays pass through glass, so even if you are operating a machine or sitting in a pickup, use sunscreen.

Working times

All job sites get hot during the summer months, especially those in urban areas where concrete and asphalt trap heat, and can send temperatures soaring. Since the sun is directly overhead at noon, the hottest part of the day is typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Try to avoid scheduling work during those times if you can. If that’s not possible, plan for more frequent breaks, and seek shade where the temperatures are cooler, such as under an awning, an umbrella or a tree.

Working with Komatsu means being part of a culture of zero harm where everyone is responsible for each other’s safety. Learn more about Komatsu’s drive to zero harm by visiting https://www.komatsu.com/en/our-commitment/driving-to-zero-harm/

Heavy equipment training simulators reduce safety risks

Alissa B — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 15:16:23 +0000

Heavy Equipment Training Simulators and Online Training Modules

Technology tools make training safer and can potentially have profitability benefits

Hands-on training can be a great way to learn a new skill. However, it can also pose a safety risk for workers learning new tasks when they have little or no experience.

To limit these risks — and still allow trainees to gain experience — more people are turning to technology. Online training, simulators, mixed and virtual reality, and other innovative methods allow new employees to get the training they need in a safe environment.

“Komatsu — and our partners — focus on zero-harm initiatives. Workplace injuries are costly, and putting unskilled people in situations they are unfamiliar with increases risk,” said Bill Chimley, Komatsu’s senior director of training and publications for North America and the company’s global mining solutions. “Using today’s technology to build a knowledge base and skills through e-learning and simulated job site environments makes a great deal of sense.”

Online, computer learning

Universities began developing online learning courses and degrees several years ago, allowing students to take classes at their own pace, from any geographical location or without the need for a professor to directly share the content. This decreased the costs associated with travel and being on campus, while reducing the overhead of the university. Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the number of people turning to technology-based education. From colleges to technical schools to businesses to high schools, millions of learners accepted this as part of their blended curriculum.

“A real advantage of online and computer-based modules is that they can be done practically anytime, from anywhere,” said Chimley. “The value of ‘in-the-flow-of-work’ has grown tremendously as manufacturers struggle to attract, upskill and retain employees. Candidates for many job roles in our industry are building and advancing their skills before they ever see a machine or job site. This can be beneficial for work areas that have inherent safety concerns such as working on electrical systems. Understanding how they work can help reduce or eliminate the risk of shock.”

Chimley added, “Our contractors want their workers to get similar training when it comes to their operations, whether it’s a mechanic, an operator, a fleet manager or anyone else in their organization who has a desire to learn.”

Wearable devices play an important role in training

Two-way headsets have been around for many years, and Komatsu trainers have used them in conjunction with on-the-job and in-the-cab training. The ability to connect a technician on the job site with an expert back at the main office — while sharing relevant information and first-person point of view — has grown in functionality and usage during the pandemic. Tools like these provide another way to upskill while on the job and can help bridge the gap to the next generation of workers.

“I’m not sure we will ever see the same amount of on-site training as before the pandemic, but there are certain situations where it’s necessary to have someone physically there,” said Chimley. “Fortunately, our trainers are very skilled at the systems, function and operation of our products. They know the capabilities of the machines and have years of experience in many applications.

“In real time, by using wearable devices, they can tell trainees what they need to do to be more effective, like spotting a truck differently for an operator, or troubleshooting a hydraulic system,” Chimley added. “Wearable devices will no doubt grow in functionality, but today they still have a great deal of value in situations where expert advice is needed in real time.”

Simulators with AR, VR

If wearable devices like headsets are at the beginning of the training technology spectrum, then augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) are at the end. AR uses a real-world setting, while VR is completely virtual. MR works by creating experiences that fuse the virtual world with the real one through enhanced holographic visuals. All three can be used to help employees learn skills within a safe environment.

“With relatively few components, today’s simulators are very portable and can be set up practically anywhere,” said Chimley. “Time on actual production machines is very difficult to obtain, so simulators offer a real advantage. When training is done on a machine, you can only have one person in the cab at a time, and the rest of the operators are likely standing around watching.”

The payoff is worth it

Safety is always the number one priority for workers and trainees, and there can be significant costs associated with workplace injuries. With direct and indirect costs, a single incident could cost thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“Incidents have financial impacts both in the short term with fines, and in the long term with higher EMRs (Experience Modification Rates) that lead to increased insurance premiums,” said Chimley. “Reducing the likelihood of injury is essential, and today’s training tools are a good way of doing that. While there is a cost to online training with simulators and other methods, the payoff is well worth it.”

Editor’s Note: This article is excerpted from a longer piece that includes information about Komatsu Academy. To read it in its entirety and learn more about Komatsu’s goal of building a learning community, please visit https://www.komatsu.com/en/blog/2022/technology-tools-make-training-safer/.

Hydraulic Breaker Maintenance | Expert advice on how to make sure your breaker performs its best

Alissa B — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 14:34:15 +0000

Hydraulic Breaker Maintenance

Expert advice on how to make sure your breaker performs its best

A breaker can be one of the most valuable tools in a construction or quarry company’s equipment fleet because it allows you to break up hard materials for excavation, perform demolition of buildings and roads, and break large rocks into manageable sizes for a crusher to handle.

If you are purchasing a new excavator and you think that you will use it with a breaker, consider having the machine set up at the factory with the necessary plumbing to run the attachment. If you are adding a breaker later, have a distributor/dealer technician perform the work because they have the skills to properly set the flows and pressures, and ensure lines are the right size to handle them.

Grease is the lifeblood

Operators or service personnel should be vigilant about grease. Using the proper amount of high-quality grease and putting it on correctly reduces friction wear on the tool and the bushings. Breaker tools become extremely hot, so the grease you use should be rated to work at temperatures of at least 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a good grease with, at minimum, a No. 2 lithium base containing 3% molybdenum. Molybdenum is crucial because it helps the grease stick to the tool and not run off.

An automatic lubrication system set to automatically grease during operation can help ensure the breaker remains greased. When purging the lube system a hand grease pump is best. Pump grease into the grease line until a steady stream of grease appears inside the hammer’s upper and lower bushing lube holes. Remove the handpump and reattach the grease hose to the breaker lube line.

Inspect consistently, replace worn components immediately

Inspections are an essential part of keeping your breaker in proper working order. A daily walkaround performed before operation, and periodically throughout the day, should be part of an operator’s routine as they check for leaks, cracks or loose hardware. A more comprehensive inspection should be done at least every 40 hours of operation and sometimes at shorter intervals, depending on the material you are working with. It’s also recommended that you take the breaker in annually for a rebuild to have wear components replaced and the unit resealed.

“If you take care of your breaker, it can take care of you,” emphasized Greg Clinton, attachment product support manager, Komatsu. “Once you and your distributor have determined which one is right for your operations, make sure it’s properly installed, then inspected and maintained regularly. If you do that, you can help increase profitability and your return
on investment.”

For more detailed information about breakers and how to properly use and maintain them for long life, visit komatsu.com.