Conveyor Safety: Best Practices for Injury Prevention on the Job Site
Conveyors are essential tools across construction, roofing, landscaping, and demolition sites—but they must be used with care. At E-ZLIFT Conveyors, we build our systems to enhance jobsite productivity without compromising safety. Still, equipment alone can’t prevent accidents. The foundation of a safe worksite is a crew that follows proper conveyor safety practices.
Whether you’re moving dirt, roofing tiles, or tires, knowing how to operate and maintain conveyors safely is critical. This guide outlines key precautions crews should take—and highlights one of E-ZLIFT’s most safety-forward conveyors: the Chain & Flight Towable Elevating Carriage (CF-TEC).
Why Conveyor Safety Should Come First
According to OSHA, conveyors are among the top sources of injuries on job sites—often due to pinch points, sudden starts, overloading, or unstable ground setups. Fortunately, many of these risks can be avoided through proper training, good communication, and selecting the right equipment for the job.
E-ZLIFT’s lineup of portable conveyors is designed to help reduce these risks through features that promote safe use in rugged, dynamic environments.
Loading, Positioning & PPE: Fundamentals That Matter
Improper loading is one of the most common conveyor safety hazards. Uneven or excessive loads can cause belt wear, jams, or even tipping in unstable conditions. Each E-ZLIFT conveyor is engineered for specific material types and weight limits. For example, the Troughing-Slider Conveyor is designed for loose-fill materials like sand or gravel, while the Chain & Flight Conveyor is ideal for heavy bricks or shingles.
Key conveyor safety reminders:
- Confirm loads are evenly distributed and within spec
- Set up conveyors on solid, level ground
- Use caster brakes and adjustable stands for added stability
- Wear PPE like gloves, eye protection, and steel-toed boots
- Establish clear start/stop signals among crew members
Control Systems & Moving Parts
Many E-ZLIFT models include optional control upgrades such as toggle switches, forward/reverse settings, and variable-speed drives. These help crews fine-tune material flow—but also require proper handling. Changing speeds too quickly or reversing directions mid-load can lead to dropped materials or belt stress.
Conveyors also contain pinch points around belts and rollers. These areas should always be guarded and never accessed while the system is running.
Pro tip: Always power down and unplug before servicing, inspecting, or repositioning any conveyor.
Spotlight on the Chain & Flight Conveyor: Safety by Design
The Chain & Flight Towable Elevating Carriage (CF-TEC) stands out for its jobsite-ready safety features. Built for roofing professionals, it allows crews to lift tiles and mortar efficiently without the risks associated with manual hoisting or ladders.
Here’s how the CF-TEC supports conveyor safety:
- Controlled Lifting: Brake hand winch, pulley system, and safety chain help secure materials in transit
- Padded Flights: Secure shingles and tiles on steep inclines without slippage
- Towable Design: Pneumatic trailer wheels and swivel casters simplify transport and reduce strain
- Minimal Manpower Needed: Two-person setup in under four minutes
- Stable Operation: Ideal for uneven terrain where forklifts or boom trucks can’t operate
- Dual Direction: Can be used for both lifting and demolition tear-offs
By integrating these features, the CF-TEC reduces the need for unsafe lifting, minimizes strain, and keeps workflows efficient and injury-free.
Built-In Conveyor Safety That Works for You
Across E-ZLIFT’s lineup, safety is more than an afterthought—it’s built into every model. Our conveyors are lightweight, modular, and compatible with helpful accessories like hoppers and adjustable stands. They’re easy to set up, transport, and operate—whether you’re on a residential roof or a remote job site.
Pair that smart design with proper safety protocols, and your crew gains the tools to move faster without cutting corners.Looking to improve conveyor safety on your site?
Explore our full conveyor lineup or reach out to our team for equipment recommendations and setup guidance. Work smarter. Lift safer.