Excavators are a fantastic piece of machinery. They can do all kinds of things, from digging to grading and so much more. But there is always a risk involved in using any equipment, no matter how simple it may seem at first glance.

From crushing and striking incidents to overturning, excavator accidents can be a little more dangerous than many other types of accidents. This is why safety is paramount, and you should know the best practices for excavator safety.

Take a look at these guidelines for ensuring that you and your crew are as safe as possible while using an excavator:

Never Operate an Excavator Without Proper Training

Operator training goes a long way in reducing the risk of accidents in any industry.

Of course, with excavators, there is so much more at stake than just your safety. You must also consider the people around you and what could happen if they are injured or killed by one of these massive machines.

Make sure that only trained operators use the excavator and that they are trained to know what situations might arise when operating it and how to handle them.

Ensure Your Excavator is Well-Maintained

Like any other piece of equipment, you need to make sure that your machine is maintained properly so that it is always in working order. A minor malfunction in any of the auxiliary equipment can lead to disaster.

Do not attempt to operate an excavator if it has malfunctioning or missing safety features like guards or lights.

It's also a good idea to ensure that your excavator is inspected by a professional inspector regularly. Don't skip service or inspection dates if you want to avoid any possible downtime or, worse, death.

Maintain the Manufacturer's Specifications

Every excavator brand has its specifications when it comes to things like weight limits and other factors that could affect your safety and those around you.

Even if you are following these specifications, your operator may not be. You need to make sure they know about them and understand how strictly they must adhere to them at all times.

They must follow these specifications for every single job. This will also prolong your excavator's life significantly and ensure your machine doesn't behave in a way that might lead to an accident.

Be Aware of Hazards

There are many things to look out for before operating an excavator, from the weather to your surroundings.

Never operate an excavator in inclement weather, near power lines, debris, or a body of water. This can lead to serious damage and even injury if you are not careful with how it is operated.

Make sure that there aren't any obstacles around where you plan on operating. It helps to ensure the area is properly marked.

You should also make sure that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency when operating this equipment, such as how to shut it down quickly if needed.

Wear Proper Safety Equipment

Wearing personal protective equipment is non-negotiable when it comes to operating an excavator. This includes a hard hat, protective glasses, earplugs, reflective jackets, and proper footwear that is made specifically for the terrain you will be working on.

Safety wear can go a long way in protecting you from serious injuries. You should also make sure that your crew on foot is wearing the proper safety gear to ensure they remain safe from accidents that may occur while you are operating the excavator.

Never Operate an Excavator Under the Influence

Big machinery and alcohol should never mix. It is a recipe for disaster, and this includes operating an excavator when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If there isn't anyone else around to operate it, you need to ensure they know not to touch the controls until they have sobered up completely. This will help protect everyone involved in working with the equipment.

Don't allow anyone to operate an excavator if they are intoxicated, as it is dangerous for everyone involved and could lead to fatal consequences.

Never Overload the Bucket

An excavator is specifically designed to lift a certain weight, and when it exceeds this amount, the machine can break or become unstable. This puts you at risk of an accident, and your safety equipment may not be enough to protect you.

You should also make sure that the weight limit for your bucket is never exceeded when working with any materials or objects, no matter how small they are. This will prevent tipping and other accidents from occurring.

Sensitize Ground Workers on Blind Spots

Blind spots are a problem with all major heavy equipment, including excavators. Most accidents that involve heavy machinery like excavators happen because the operator can't see everyone or everything.

Make sure that your ground crew knows how to avoid these blind spots so they can remain safe while the machine is in use. This will help minimize the risks of accidents and make it easier for you to operate your excavator without worrying about injuring anyone on site.

Set Up Clear Communication Channels

Your crew needs to understand how important communication is when operating an excavator. Radio communication is one of the best options, but hand signals can work if it isn't an option.

You should also ensure that your crew knows what each signal means to avoid confusion and mistakes while using this heavy machinery. This will help you operate it safely without worrying about injuring anyone on-site or causing damage to your surroundings.

Keeping Your Excavator's Engine in Top Condition

If your excavator's diesel engine isn't working properly, it can be dangerous to operate. This is why engine maintenance is essential, including regular oil changes and clean filters.

Air Filter Blaster is your home for patented products to ensure your diesel engine is working properly. We offer engine cleaners to help clear out dirt and another build-up to operate at peak performance.

To learn more about our products or any of our other diesel engine care products, contact us today!