So, you’ve landed a new construction job or quarrying job – congratulations! Whether you’re signed up to a labour hire agency or working directly for an employer, being adequately prepared for your first week on site is your top priority.
Construction sites and quarries have their share of safety risks, plus you have the challenge of familiarising yourself with a new environment, crew and tasks, which can feel a little overwhelming at times. There are a lot of new details you’ll need to memorise whilst you’re expected to perform your work tasks at a high standard.
Preparing for your first week on a new site helps you make the right impression and feel more confident on the job. Here are a few tips for ensuring your first week goes well, whether you’re working in construction jobs or quarrying jobs.
Confirm Your Contacts and Location
This one might sound a little basic, but you’d be surprised at how often new team members can get mixed up by not confirming their point of contact and where they need to be on their first day. If you’re working for a reputable mining and construction recruitment agency in the UK, they will provide you with all this information well before you’re due to start. However, it doesn’t hurt to write down the name and number of the supervisor or manager you’re reporting to and the location of the site. That way, you’ll start your first day knowing exactly where you need to be and who to talk to.
Get Your Uniform and PPE Sorted
Dressing the part is always essential for quarry safety. Aim to have a few items of what you’ll need to wear each day, including a hi-vis vest or jacket and safety boots. It’s important that your workwear is comfortable enough to wear all day and fits properly. Your kit should also include your hard hat, goggles and gloves.
If you’re a heavy equipment operator, such as a dump truck driver, telehandler operator or 360 excavator operator, it’s best to avoid any clothing that fits loosely, as this can be a safety risk when you’re sitting in a narrow cab. Also, don’t forget to dress for the weather – insulated clothing and socks really help!
Use a Daily Maintenance and Inspection Checklist
It’s important to have a list of the checks you need to make to ensure your gear is correct before starting each shift. This includes inspecting your excavator or any other equipment you work with, ensuring your cab is clean without loose items rolling about, and that any tools of your trade are in working order.
Having your gear malfunction can be a serious hazard. Inspecting and maintaining your equipment is critical for quarry safety and site safety in construction, so it pays to make it an automatic habit.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Monitoring your surroundings, being seen by other operators and recognising common hand signals is essential for everyone’s safety on site, including yours.
Quarries and construction sites can get very noisy, so you can expect to rely on hand signals to ensure clear and safe communication between operators and ground workers, especially when verbal instructions aren’t possible. Ensure you understand the hand signals for Stop, Move Forward, Move Backward, Turn Left/Right, Lower the Boom/Load, Raise the Boom/Load, Swing Left/Swing Right, Extend the Boom, Retract the Boom, and Emergency Stop.
Observe and Learn
Being observant and watching your more experienced colleagues at work can help you learn much quicker. You’ll learn a great deal from more experienced plant equipment operators and tradespeople by watching them carefully. Even if you already know how to do a task, there is always an opportunity to learn from others.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, either – many professionals on site are glad to share their knowledge and help a less experienced colleague learn the right way to do the work.
Build Relationships
During the first week on site, you can build strong relationships with colleagues by taking the initiative to introduce yourself and say hello. You will likely be working alongside a variety of technicians, engineers and project managers, so it helps to get familiar with everyone and understand their roles as well.
Make time for a chat during break times and be willing to engage in conversation – you never know who might become a friend! At the very least, building relationships helps you establish trust with your colleagues and generally makes work more enjoyable.
Summary
By familiarising yourself with safety essentials and actively engaging with your colleagues, you can create a solid foundation in your new job and impress your supervisors. With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll not only handle your new role confidently but also help your team work better. Here’s to a rewarding journey ahead in your career!
Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs with Mando Solutions
As well as connecting you with excellent quarrying jobs and construction jobs in the UK, Mando Solutions’ friendly and knowledgeable team offers ongoing support and training to operators and drivers in their new roles. Contact us today to find your next contract or permanent jobs in mining and construction.
