Risks and Precautions for Excavators Accidents

11 October, 2024

When undertaking a construction project, operators working with heavy machinery such as excavators and moving large amounts of earth must take a series of precautions to avoid risks and potential accidents.

Workers must be trained in the use of all the machine's components and follow the safety regulations set by the company and the law.

But what precautions should be taken into account?

We’ll tell you.

Risks and precautions of working with excavators

There are various risks when using heavy machinery like excavators on a construction site:

-Falling from different heights when ascending or descending the machinery, or from objects, such as transported or elevated loads, dirt, etc.

-Striking or coming into contact with moving parts of the machine.

-Being trapped due to load tipping, caused by an imbalance of the transported load.

-Thermal or electrical contacts, and fires.

-Runovers, as the machinery is continuously moving, and there are always other workers present on site.

-Collisions with other vehicles are very common risks on construction sites.

-Risks of health damage from exposure to chemical or physical agents: dust, noise, and vibrations.

Precautions When Operating Excavators

Before operating an excavator, various precautions must be taken, including:

• Before starting work, check that all the excavator's devices respond correctly and are in perfect condition: brakes, bucket, tires, steering, alarms, lights, windshield, mirrors, etc. Additionally, the interior of the vehicle should be clean, free of oil, grease, or mud.

• It is important to use a quality excavator, meaning it should have CE marking or comply with Royal Decree 1215/1997.

• Excavators may only be operated by individuals who have specific training and information on Occupational Risk Prevention (PRL) as outlined in RD 1215/1997 and have read the instruction manual.

• It is also important to ensure that the risk information labels are visible and in good condition before operating.

• There should be a fire extinguisher inside the cabin that must be checked periodically.

• The operator should have clean footwear before using the access ladder to the cabin and keep the access, ladders, and handholds clean.

• It is essential to adjust the seat and controls to the driver’s appropriate position. Using a mobile phone should be strictly prohibited.

Measures to Protect Operators

In addition to the various precautions that must be considered when operating an excavator, measures must also be implemented to protect all operators.

Properly Prepare the Job Site

-It is important to communicate with the company offices and other responsible parties to locate elements situated at the workplace or that must intervene before work begins.

-Do not allow the operation of excavators or backhoes loeaders on slopes greater than those specified by the manufacturer.

-Ensure coordination with other machines that will operate at the work site.

Prepare Equipment Operators

-Train operators for the proper use of equipment and ensure compliance with the specifications and recommendations of the manufacturers.

-Periodically evaluate safety programs to adapt to changing conditions at the job site.

-Identify and label all machine controls.

-Ensure that the manufacturer's safety devices are functioning.

-Use the machinery following the manufacturer's instructions, such as employing positive locking devices on quick-disconnect equipment.

-Utilize rollover protection structures and seat belts.

-Do not exceed the load capacity when lifting materials.

-Instruct operators to lower the boom to a safe position with the bucket on the ground and turn off the machine before dismounting.

Train Other Construction Workers

-Train workers to recognize and avoid hazardous conditions.

-All workers on the site should know the established swing areas of the machines and the blind spots before operating.

-It is recommended to mark these areas with rope, tape, or any other barrier.

-Provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment.

Undoubtedly, it is essential to consider the points outlined above to ensure the complete safety of workers on a construction site when using heavy machinery such as excavators.

If you are thinking of acquiring an excavator, at CYCLICA, we have a wide variety on our website. Check out our excavator catalog  here!