Excavators are the cardinal part of the construction project on site because they can easily perform multiple tasks on site, including material handling, demolition, mining, river dredging, and many more. Due to their versatility sometimes it can be handy for the operator and there is a chance that they can put a life in danger if not operated safely and properly. The most common accidents while operating the excavator were improper use, carelessness, and poor positioning.  

Mishaps on a construction project, an increasing number of accidents, and damaged properties directly involving excavators each year. That’s why it is necessary to follow proper rules and regulations by involved parties. Moreover, there are safety precautions are essential to ensure no one gets hurt and avoid damage. 

Train the Operator 

An excavator operator should have all the necessary knowledge of rules and regulations and also know about all safety and security measures provided by the manufacturers. Before operating this heavy equipment on the construction site, the operator must have a firm grasp of his responsibility. Is the primary duty of the operator to clear the premises before starting any activity and make sure no one is endangered when construction work starts. 

Familiarity with the equipment and its components is also highly important, heavy construction equipment now comes with the most advanced technology, new features, and modified control systems. Quite a few accidents and damages occurred because the excavator operator was unfamiliar with all those characteristics of the machine. Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA full training of operators is mandatory before entering the cabin of the excavator. 

Inspect Construction Equipment 

While you may have had training in excavator operation. However, every machine has a different control system, make sure you know all parts of the control system and inspect and test before operating. The used construction equipment is important to check thoroughly from both the interior and exterior sides. In excavator’s cabin must go through all its control system parts, and make sure all buttons, handles, warning devices, and proper systems functioning correctly before use. 

After carefully checking the inside components of the excavator, this inspection must include parts of the digger, like the excavator tracks, buckets, and its arms. Look for hydraulic leaks and worn cracked teeth. Any problem in the machine should reported and fixed immediately. Quick inspection and testing of the excavator before use can prevent major damage.  

Wear proper safety gear while operating the excavator 

Excavator operator should prioritize their safety first while operating the machine. It should be obligatory for the operators to wear safety gear to protect themselves from any unforeseen circumstances on the construction field. More significant when you operate a used excavator machine. The operator also should wear hearing protection to prevent hearing loss from the extremely loud noise of the machine.

Check operating premise 

Before excavation machine operator should survey the site area of construction work and mark the zone as safe and unsafe using safety fencing to stay clear of dangerous areas and also necessary to check the track to make sure is level and the surface is out of danger to prevent any kind of hindrance. 

Making it necessary to go through uneven surfaces, trenches, and edgy tracks helps to stabilize the excavator and it’s more useful when you are operating traditional used construction equipment by stabilizing the machine allows you to perform your activity smoothly. 

Avoid rushing at work 

Slow progress is also considered progress, several safety features are best in heavy equipment when the machine is used cautiously. Avoid rushing on the field while using an excavator or any heavy construction equipment can also prevent or minimize the chance of accidents and damage. Things get out of control if you make a quick decision or move with urgent haste.

Shut down rightly 

The operator must make sure that the excavator shuts down correctly, and that machinery is parked on the surface or stable track without causing any inconvenience for other vehicles. And crawler is at the right place when you park the excavator, the crawler should be on the downhill side if it is pulled up at a sloppy surface. Moreover, before closing down the cabin of the excavator check the operating system and break should be applied before leaving the excavator unguarded.