Backhoe Safety Training

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that anyone who will operate a backhoe be instructed in safety requirements. OSHA-approved courses are available at many online and physical sites. Any company that allows untrained workers to operate a backhoe can be fined.

Before Operation

• Checking the condition of your backhoe before operation is just as important as operating it safely. Always check fluid levels, lights and signals, tires, hydraulic cylinders and lines, loader bucket and excavator connections, guards and shields. Also check the machine for loose or worn parts.

Ensuring Employee Safety

• While operating a backhoe, watch out for other employees as well as yourself. If your backhoe is unfit for work, attach a red tag to it reading "Do Not Use." Make sure all employees in the area of the backhoe as well as the driver are wearing flagging garments (orange vests), hard hats, steel-toed boots and long pants.

Environment Dangers

• Make sure backhoe operators are aware of the area around them so they do not puncture gas lines or tear up phone lines. Also make sure operators know where ditches, large rocks and tree stumps are.