Earthmoving equipment safety talk

Earthmoving equipment safety talk

Earthmoving equipment such as backhoes, excavators and loaders are some of the most prevalent types of equipment found on construction sites. Equipment operators are required to follow stringent safety procedures. Failure to follow these procedures can put both the operator and other workers at risk.

There are many risks that can occur while operating equipment and they can include:
• Striking pedestrians when maneuvering or excavating
• Being struck when quick-disconnect buckets unexpectedly detach
• Collisions with other vehicles or structures
• Cable strike when excavating or overhead powerline strike
• Overturn due to open excavations, ground failure, turning with an elevated load or at speed
• Hydraulic or mechanical failure
All these potential hazards can have life threatening results and great care must be exercised when using this type of equipment.
The following best practices should be used when operating equipment:
• Read and review the operator’s manual. Be familiar with the operator controls.
• Be familiar with the area where work will be performed. Locate ditches, stumps, debris, and undercut banks and avoid these hazards by keeping a safe distance away.
• Locate overhead and underground utility lines before beginning work. Avoid working near overhead power lines. If work must be done near them, develop a plan to avoid contact.
• Slow down when conditions are poor (ex. traveling on rough ground, going up or down a slope when towing or carrying heavy loads, when entering public roadways, and when turning with a load in the bucket).
• Only operate equipment on grades specified by the manufacturer.
• Position machinery at a safe distance from excavations and trenches.
• Operators should be trained in the proper use of the equipment they are assigned to operate.
• Identify and label all machine controls and ensure they are working properly.
• Securely latch attachments, such as quick disconnect buckets, before work begins.
• Conduct visual and operational checks on all machine systems and operating controls before use including the hydraulics.
• Make frequent visual inspections of quick disconnect systems, especially after changing attachments.
• Use the rollover protection system (ROPS) and seat belts supplied by the manufacturer.
• Do not exceed load capacities when lifting materials.
• Lower the boom to a safe position with the bucket on the ground and turn off the machine before stepping off for any reason.
• Make all workers on the site aware of the equipment’s presence and how to safely work around it.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided solely as a reference tool to be used for information purposes only. The information in this article shall not be construed or interpreted as providing legal or any other advice. The information material does not amend the provisions of any insurance policy issued by CompSource Mutual. It is not a representation that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policy. Coverage depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss, all applicable policy provisions, and any applicable law.

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