As one of the most industrious nation’s on the planet, it is no surprise that construction is one of the top markets across the nation. With a market share of around 10%, the United States is the second largest construction market worldwide. In the United States alone there are approximately 7.8 million production workers in the industry. Many homeowners have turned to home improvement projects as a means of adding value to their homes; here are some things to consider when setting out on your own construction project.
Getting Work Done
There are a number of different types of construction equipment available for rental by local construction companies, however determining which tool is right for the job will take a degree of research from the individual. Studies show that outdoor projects tend to give homeowners the most bang for their buck, as these projects do not only add a functional element to one’s yard but also have the dual-benefit of increasing a home’s curb appeal when done correctly. Investing in a hydraulic dump mixer to pour concrete accurately is the most proactive step towards repaving one’s driveway or creating unique fire pits and pathways across a backyard. When operating mixers, always be sure to consult with the user manual as even the slightest oversight could turn the simplest mixer into a dangerous piece of machinery.
Heavy Duty Vehicles
For even bigger jobs, sometimes it is necessary to call in the heavy equipment. There are a number of tools suitable for all manner of jobs including construction, excavation, and moving. A loader for instance is typically used for loading materials onto trucks, laying pipe, clearing rubble, and excavation; despite its versatility however, a loader is not ideal for digging as it cannot dig very deep below the level of its wheels with the ease that a backhoe can enjoy. Due to the dangers associated with these tools and vehicles, it is urged that safety remains as the number one priority as machine accidents consistently claim lives and cause tremendous injuries each year when misused.
Safety is Number One
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has several safety precautions set in place to help keep employees and homeowners alike safe when operating dangerous equipment. It is estimated that 35% of on-the-job injuries are caused by machine accidents every year — as many as 14% of work-related deaths are caused by such accidents as well. Many do-it-yourselfers have taken the time to research these tools to determine what exactly they need to get the job done. In some cases, it may be necessary to take a OSHA safety training course before starting a home improvement project. No matter how you decide to get the job done, ensure that safety is always a priority!