subject: Skid Steer Loader Drivers Need Safety Education [print this page] A skid steer loader may not seem dangerous because it is smaller than the large earth movers, backhoes, and scrapers we have all seen, but it is still considered heavy equipment, which means there are a lot of safety issues surrounding the skid steer loader.
Because of the potential danger of a skid steer loader there have been reports of drivers being killed by operating it improperly or trying to make adjustments without properly stopping and securing the machine first a driver needs to have a basic understanding of these safety requirements and practices. There are even heavy equipment education certificates that operators can receive.
While a skid steer loader sometimes has a fully enclosed cab and other safety features, there are still times where a driver might operate it from another seat, which can keep him outside the cab, and more prone to accidents.
Even entering and exiting the cab can be dangerous. That is because the operator's seat and controls are situated so that when the operator enters and exits the skid steer loader through the front of the cab, they could accidentally move a hand or foot control, which could cause the lift arms, bucket, or even the entire machine to move.
Heavy equipment safety education will actually train students in several different levels and type of machines. Whether it is bulldozers, forklifts, or a skid steer loader, the education training for career heavy machinery operators is thorough and up to date.
Over the past several years, the heavy equipment industry has seen their workload change and lighten and the competition increase as new construction and new housing starts decline, as new technology reduces the number of operators needed on a single site, and as more operators are learning how to use the equipment. Gone are the days of just learning how to drive a skid steer loader or bulldozer on the job. Now, operators need to keep up to date on all sorts of equipment.
Whether you work for a construction company, a public works department, or own a landscaping company with a single skid steer loader, operators should get the extra training for the different types of equipment they may encounter graders, dozers, backhoes, etc.
While a good number of Skid Steer Solutions' customers are one-man operations, whether they are landscapers, heavy equipment contractors, or hobbyists, many of them learn their skid steer loader training on the job, which can put them at greater risk than if they had just had the safety training.
Many people mistakenly believe that heavy equipment operation is not a dangerous job. But a quick Google search can show any number of tractor, bulldozer, and skid steer loader operators who have died while operating their machines. While any death is unfortunate, these accidents could have been prevented if the operator had just practiced proper safety procedures and made sure the machines were secure or stopped before making any adjustments, or before using the machine in a less than optimal manner.
Additionally, many skid steer loader drivers assume they are safer because their machines are smaller, and have the rollbar cage. While the cage can save your life, this is like assuming your truck can drive safely on ice just because you turned on your 4-wheel drive.
Many skid steer loader manufacturers provide safety training for their machines, whether it is Bobcat, Case, or Caterpillar. Each manufacturer offers their own safety courses and are willing to teach their customers about proper safety. If you operate one of these machines, or have the plans to do so, you owe it to yourself to learn and follow the safety rules that come with your machine.
