A hydraulic excavator is one of the most common pieces of heavy machinery in the earthmoving industry particularly in the construction, mining and landscaping arenas. It helps in dredging , demolition, digging, lifting and so on. A mean machine at first glance, it offers a more efficient way of doing heavy loaded works usually done painstakingly via manual labor. Whilst it offers vast advantages, it doesn’t come without risk. This is why excavator operator income protection insurance comes in handy as a safety net. Having an insurance policy helps a lot but mitigating risks via safe operating practices must also be prioritized.
Prepare Extensively
Digging trenches is no biggie for skilled ones. For the unskilled operator, however, maneuvering a hydraulic excavator requires proper training and preparation to ensure maximization of efficiency and productivity while guaranteeing safety for both operator and machine. Firstly, the proper set-up must be carefully done. Akin to lifting weights, manipulating one’s capacity to lift equipment two or three times his body weight requires proper form and technique. The same can also be said to operating hydraulic excavators. An operator needs to have a reference point before digging commences. It may be impossible to perfectly dig out a straight path, but plotting a reference point will give one a clearer perspective on where to go next.
Another part of extensive planning is to properly visualize a safe position as the job progresses. The machine must be positioned in such a way that it doesn’t become “boxed” or trapped in a compromising situation. You wouldn’t want to be rooted in a place, only to realize that you can no longer reach the excavated area with the pile of rocks and sand in front or at the back of you. Of course, these machines as well as any other heavy machinery out there must be carefully leveled to ensure safe maneuvering. Often, a well-calibrated grade control system is put in place for this.
Risk Mitigation
Exercising precautions during operation is an essential aspect when using excavators for trenching. One major risk is the idea of cave-ins, and this poses a huge impact to both operator and excavator. This is why soil type and surrounding limitations must be carefully noted during ocular inspection prior to starting operation. As much as possible, machine must be positioned farther from the opening even when at rest.
From your operating direction to keeping yourself aware of the people, objects and other machines in the area, lessening the blind spot can highly prevent untoward incidents. Be reminded that excavators have a counterweight longer than its track. That does not only mean a wide observation radius but also higher risks of life-threatening incidents.
Bottom line is: Risk mitigating measures and excavator operator income protection insurance must always go hand in hand. Practicing preventive measures will help curb instances of unfortunate incidents leading to diminished productivity and loss of life or limbs. However, being prepared doesn’t have to stop there. It is also a wise investment to have a dependable safety net to fall back on should the situation demand for it.
Need help obtaining an excavator operator income protection insurance policy tailored to your needs? Call the hotline above or request for a free quote now.