Home » Excavators Can Be Risky

Excavators Can Be Risky

A construction site can pose a danger to laborers that work closely with heavy machinery. Excavators, backhoes and loaders have heavy attachments that sometimes need chainging. Safety should be the number one priority when it comes to working in this industry.

How Serious is It?

According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) there’s an average of 38 fatalities per year. The most common being when an excavator boom swings or an attachment detaches and drops.

Safety and Prevention

It’s important for construction supervisors to focus on the safety of their workers. Local utilities should be called to find and mark underground utility lines. And operators should be aware of overhead lines before they start excavating. If it can’t be avoided, or the utility lines are still close, a detailed safety plan will help. It’s also a good idea to review the machine’s specifications when working on steep grades or hills.

Workers Using Excavator Buckets

• Operators should be trained and licensed in the proper use of the machines they operate.
• They should know of recommendations by manufacturers when attaching excavator buckets.
• Machine operators should know about safety programs to keep laborers from harm.
• Wearing protective gear, like hard hats and bright colored vests, is imperative.
• Installing excavator buckets should be done according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Quick hitch buckets should also have their latches secured before any work begins.
• An inspection of all the machinery and controls should be completed before any excavation begins.
• Anyone near the boom should also be aware of any quick-hitch excavator buckets or couplers.
• It’s very important to not go over load capacities of the backhoe or excavator buckets.
• Operators should lower the boom to a safe and locked position with the excavator bucket on the ground.

Laborers and Others On Site

• Excavation areas should have bright colored signs, tape or barrels that can be easily seen.
• Safety training will help avoid any conditions that are unsafe.
• Workers should be aware of an excavator booms’ swing area.
• Be sure the operator knows where all the laborers are located at all times.
• Excavator operators should keep the attachment close to the ground during a change.
• Prevent workers from standing under a boom, backhoe loader bucket or excavator bucket.
• Communication is key! Laborers shouldn’t go near machinery and use signals to get the attention of the operator.
• Protective attire should be provided and used by all laborers and anyone on the ground.