FROM THE FIELD: ALEXANDER BETNAR
As we approach early summer and warmer weather, it is an excellent opportunity to review and refresh safe work practices and procedures, especially for excavation tasks that are frequently performed on worksites.
Excavators are often used on construction or demolition sites for tasks like digging, trenching, lifting, and handling materials. As weather conditions improve and temperatures rise, the usage of excavators tends to increase, which can lead to greater exposure to hazards. Due to their size, swing radius, blind spots, different attachments, and varying ground and weather conditions, excavators can pose significant risks.
Workers can often be injured by the excavator’s boom, bucket, or counterweight during its rotation. They may also be caught between the machine and fixed objects, injured by falling loads, or exposed to hazards from contact with overhead power lines.
Here are some essential safety measures to manage the hazards associated with excavators:
- Always wear CSA-approved high-visibility clothing when working near operating equipment, especially during busy early summer periods.
- When you are near an excavator, make eye contact with the operator to ensure they are aware of your presence. If you cannot make immediate eye contact, wave your hand and wait for the operator to acknowledge you before approaching the machine.
- Establish and respect an exclusion zone around the excavator, especially within the swing radius and underneath elevated loads.
- Never stand or work under a raised bucket or attachment.
- Use a signal person when visibility is limited, ground conditions change, or when workers must operate near the excavator. The signal person should remain visible to the operator while staying outside the danger zone.
- Before beginning work, the signal person and operator should confirm and agree on the hand signals to be used.
- Be aware of overhead power lines and underground utilities, which can pose significant hazards during excavation work. Use a signaler if any part of the machine or attachment approaches minimum safe distances from these hazards.
When considering summer conditions, it’s important to factor in elements such as heat, dust, uneven ground, and changes in ground conditions due to rising temperatures. These factors can impact operator awareness, footing, and equipment stability. During the summer months, work activity often increases, which can lead to a tendency to overlook ongoing hazards that are present every day. Therefore, it is crucial to consistently highlight these common risks to prevent complacency and ensure the safety of all workers.
