Don't Overlook These Dangers of Earthmoving

If you're a homeowner looking to dig any type of excavation or a contractor who is new to earthmoving, you want to ensure you avoid some potential dangers that are very easy to overlook. Even experienced workers who know how to operate earthmoving equipment can become complacent or otherwise ignore certain dangers and suffer property damage as well as severe injury. Note a few of those dangers here so you know you and everyone on your jobsite will always be safe.

1. Getting too close to the edge

Even if the edge of a pit or trench seems strong, remember that it's the dirt and soil under it that is holding up that edge. That soil often gets soft, as digging a trench or pit allows water to get redirected into that area, so that the soil becomes muddy. In turn, the edge can easily collapse even though it seems very solid underfoot.

Remember that the deeper you dig, the more likely it is that soil will get muddy and soft. Many trenchers are made with long arms so that you can avoid the edge of a dig; invest in earthmoving equipment that has a longer arm than you think you need for the dig itself, so you can keep the equipment a safe distance from the pit or trench.

2. Tilting and tipping

Wanting to fill a bucket or digger with as much soil as possible so you can get the dig done quickly can actually be dangerous. Most earthmoving equipment will have a maximum capacity of weight they can hold before they begin to tip; those on wheels instead of treads may be especially prone to tipping. Swinging the arm around quickly can also cause the equipment to tip and cause a spill. Slow down, never overfill the bucket, and move the arm slowly to keep yourself safe.

3. Not watching overhead

When using earthmoving equipment, you may be very aware of the pit or trench itself and may also look out for nearby buildings and other workers on the jobsite, but then forget to watch overhead. A bucket or arm of a digger can easily get caught in a low-hanging tree branch and bring down the entire tree or get caught on a power line. You may also avoid the side of a building but get caught on an eave or gutter. Unless your jobsite is an open area with absolutely no overhead obstacles, be sure you have these marked off and pulled back or that you're aware of them and are sure to avoid them during the dig.