Avoid injuries with rollers

People who work on or around roller-compactors are at risk for rollover or struck-by injuries, according to NIOSH. Although rollover injuries and fatalities can be reduced by increased use of safety belts and rollover protective structures, the agency stresses that a safe work space and appropriate training are vital to preventing injuries related to rollers.

To ensure safe work with rollers, NIOSH recommends employers take the following actions:

Prepare the site:

• Have a qualified person determine the safest work methods at each worksite. 
• Take steps to minimize the number of workers on foot near rollers. Use barriers to separate workers, pedestrians and vehicles from the machinery.
• Ensure rollers are not operated on grades that are steeper than the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Ensure all operators wear safety belts and personal protective equipment, such as high-visibility vests and hard hats.
• Be certain machine operators look for workers on foot before moving machinery or changing the direction of travel. Spotters should be used when necessary.
• Provide workers with site-specific training on proper use of equipment and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Train operators not to jump from machinery in the event of a rollover. Rather, workers should keep knees and elbows close to the body, hold on firmly, and lean away from the impact.

• Conduct daily pre-shift visual and operational checks on all equipment and operating controls before using the machine. Verify all of the machine’s safety features are operational.
• Make sure equipment has rollover protection structures and safety belts. Replace any belts that are worn, damaged or too small.
• Clearly identify and label all machine controls. Be sure these labels are in a language all workers can understand.
• Consider equipping machinery with sensors to detect the presence of people or other objects in the path of the roller.