Excavator safety tips

If you've been contracted for work that requires the use of excavators, it might be time to brush up on your health and safety knowledge.

Even if you've used the machines many times before, double check to ensure you are following the correct procedure.

Plan

Plan and prepare for the excavation by consulting with everyone involved in the work. Discuss potential hazards, undergo a risk assessment and consider seeking the advice of a geotechnical engineer before beginning work.

Understand procedure

Make sure everyone on site is aware of the correct safety and emergency procedures. The job site may have warning systems and trained health and safety personnel, along with firefighting and rescue equipment in certain places.

Secure the area

Isolate hazardous areas in and around the excavation zone and remove as many hazards, such as other machinery and equipment, as you can. Set up hazard lights and barriers to alert others that an excavation is underway.

De-energise any cables and other electrical outlets before beginning excavation and double check to ensure the machine will not interfere with any power lines.