Construction Space: Let’s Talk About Building And Contractors

Posted on: 2 July 2019

Lifting is one of the most demanding tasks in any construction site. For those who don't have a good plan, lifting and moving can increase their operational costs significantly. It is also a cause for major concern when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of your workers. Gladly, you can invest in winches and make life easier for the guys on your site. Winches rely on pulley mechanisms attached to drums with enough power to hoist loads from one point to another. The rotating action of the drums enables the pulley ropes to move loads in multiple directions as desired. The following tips will help you ensure the safe use of the winches in your construction site: 

Train Your Workers on the Safe Use of the Equipment

Safety starts with passing required knowledge on to the guys who will be handling the equipment every day. Misuse of lifting equipment is a leading cause of injuries in construction sites. You shouldn't be a victim of this menace! Insist on working with vendors and leasing agencies that can provide on-site training on the use of winches in the construction site. Winches leave little room for error, and it is important to have guys who are up to the task. 

Use the Winch for the Right Purpose 

The second step to reducing risks in the workplace is to make sure that you use the winch for the right purpose. Winches may look very similar to each other but their hoisting mechanism varies. For instance, both snubbing and wake-skate winches have spools but only the snubbing winch suits construction workplaces. Wake-skate winches are ideal for water sports. Bringing the wake-skate winch into a construction site compromises the safety of those who will be using it. 

Maintain Your Winch Properly 

Winches demand proper maintenance like any other mechanical equipment. Lifting and hoisting heavy loads takes a toll on all types of winches. The ropes weaken over time and the drums lose their oomph over time. Therefore, you must inspect the ropes regularly for any signs of weakness and replace them whenever you notice broken strands of cable. Additionally, you need to keep the drum in good shape with recommended lubricants and fuels. The maintenance schedule must be rigorous for you to rest assured that your winches are safe for use. 

Keep an Eye on the Surroundings

Surrounding obstacles such as trees and buildings can get in the way and hinder the safe movement of loads. Make sure that you operate the winch in a clear surrounding where you have visibility of everything as the loads hang on the ropes.