HSE Issues Excavator Safety Warning

A SAFETY NOTICE has been issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) aimed at excavator operators, slingers, and anyone working near the equipment.

The HSE warns, “There is a risk that people can be struck by the excavator or a load if the operator does not use the safety control lever or isolation device correctly.

“If there are people in the operational arc of an excavator or similar mobile plant, the safety control lever should be applied, or other methods used, to isolate the machine, while it is at rest (ticking over).

“Research shows unintended movements of plant occur, but use of a safety control lever or isolation device can prevent this.

“Dutyholders must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure the safety of people in the working arc of slewing plant and any load, with proper planning, management, and monitoring of work activities.”

Excavator Safety Warning

The warning follows an incident in which a slinger was fatally crushed between the quick hitch and a fixed structure during a lifting operation.

The excavator operator was leaning out of his cab to communicate with the slinger when he inadvertently made contact with the left-hand joystick, causing the excavator to slew. The safety control lever had not been applied to isolate the machine.

More detailed information can be found here: Excavators: Use of the safety control lever or isolation devices.

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