Backhoe Safety When Operating Machinery

Without proper training, working with heavy machinery can be deadly for the operator or others in the vicinity

. Before using a backhoe for construction or excavation work, operators must be familiar with safe practices to avoid potentially harmful mishaps that could result in death, injury or damage to property.

Below, find some basic safety tips for operating a backhoe.

Look and Listen

Your eyes and ears could save you and others in the construction area. Before attempting to move the backhoe, inspect it for suspicious noises such as grinding or squealing. Be sure that the immediate vicinity is clear of people and obstacles such as deep pits.

As you begin operation, remove any visual obstructions, and lower the bucket for maximum visibility. Before you back the machine up or engage in swinging and pivoting, double-check the perimeter. When traveling beneath an underpass or a tunnel, double-check the clearance height, and keep an eye out for obstructions both above and below you.

Move Carefully

As you move the vehicle, be sure no pedestrians or other workers are within range of being injured. Move very slowly through congested areas, and always yield the right-of-way to loaded machines. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and pass others with caution. Be mindful of rotating parts and pinch points of the loader on your backhoe.

As you maneuver throughout a worksite, keep the backhoe's bucket low to ensure stability, and never move with speed that prevents you from stopping immediately. Always be mindful of slippery surfaces, gravel and steep inclines. If you are traveling downhill, keep your vehicle in a low gear.

Operate with Caution

Follow standard safety precautions when operating a backhoe or any other piece of heavy machinery. Never allow an untrained person into the backhoe cabin, and never stand or work on the backhoe bucket. Only operate the machine from the cab - never from the ground. Use caution when digging, and avoid excavating beneath the machine itself or below the stabilizers.

If you are operating the machine on an incline, dump your load on the uphill side if possible, and move soil away from ditches and holes so that the ground does not cave in.

Safely Idle

Even when your backhoe is not in use, it can pose a safety hazard. It is important to engage the safety brake whenever the machine is not in use. Lower any mounted equipment and vehicle stabilizers, and shift into neutral.

by:Dan Horvath

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