Skid Steer Safety Training – Tips and Considerations

Skid Steer Safety

The construction industry routinely ranks as one of the most hazardous job industries in the nation. Therefore, construction owners and contractors must be sure to stress safety and skid steer training prior to operating such machinery. Skid steer loaders are quite affordable compared to other heavy equipment and machinery utilized in construction. Because of their affordability and versatility,  they are often one of the first pieces of machinery many owners and contractors add to their arsenal tools. As a result, skid steers operators are often under-trained or inexperienced and accidents and injuries frequently result as a consequence. As an owner, it should be noted that most manufacturers have safety manuals and material available online. For instance, Caterpillar has online safety documentation located at Safety.Cat.com.

Regardless of your experience or operating level, be sure to read through the included safety manual as skid steer safety guidelines may vary depending on model, manufacturer, and packages/options included. As Jim Hughes, product manager at Case Construction Equipment states “You don’t want safety to be something you worry about after an accident has happened…You have to stress safety all the time. You have to make it a living, breathing part of your everyday business.”

Safety Tips and Considerations

1. Attachments – Skid steers have excellent versatility and countless attachments that can be utilized. However, with this comes increased risk and liability as well. Ensure that the operator understands how to properly engage and disengage all attachments in question. Improper engagement can impose a serious risk to the operator. Hughes notes that “Before you pick up a load, [the operator should] raise the loader arms up and look at the pins on the back side of the coupler to make sure they’re engaged with the attachment,” he advises. “If they aren’t, and you get under load, the attachment can fall off.”

2. Watch Your Overhead Surroundings - When working on a task or job its vital to not become overly engaged at the expense of operating safely or ignoring your surroundings. Power lines, trees, buildings, and other obstructions can impose a risk when lifting loads or operating with “blinders” on. In addition, swampy conditions and low areas should be avoided as the loader can sink into the ground and become entrapped.

3. Drive Responsibly and Watch Steep Grades/Irregular Ground - No were not talking about driving under the influence here (although that is important to avoid as well). Driving responsibly means operating the skid steer with your surroundings in mind, at appropriate speeds, and maintaining machine stability. Driving too fast on steep inclines or irregular ground conditions could be hazardous or result in tipping of the machine. Remain cognizant of the grade and levels of the ground. Keep in mind it is better to travel up and down steep upgrades–not across them.

4. Load Carrying/Using the Bucket Properly - When carrying a heavy load in the bucket the operator should always keep the bucket is low as possible. Carrying the load at a lower height can minimize tipping and reduce the risk of materials falling off or out of the bucket. Whenever the load is raised the center of gravity is dramatically changed, and this can pose a risk especially at high speeds or steep grades.

5. Watch for Other Equipment/Operators – Always look in the direction you plan on traveling before moving. Be aware of other equipment and operators moving around in the area and understand that your work environment can be constantly changing. Operators must be aware of traffic flow, potential obstacles, and those who are around them to maintain a safe working environment for everyone.

6. Maintain Your Equipment Properly – A well maintained machine is a safer one. Ensure that all equipment is maintained in a proactive manner and on a continual basis to avoid problems during operation. Poor maintenance can be hazardous and result in increased liability for contractors.

7. Consider Adding Additional Safety Features – Many skid steers offer special features and packages designed to increase the safety of performing a particular function or job. For instance, machines will need to be equipped differently for jobs such as land clearing. One example is polycarbonate instead of glass windows; this material wont shatter like glass as a result of flying debris or rocks.

Skid Steer Safety Videos

I’ve gathered a collection of skid steer safety video links below for anyone who is interested in learning safe operation techniques:

• Bobcat.com Training Video (scroll down to safety videos and click first link)- 10 Minutes long and covers the basics of safe skid steer loader operation.
• Caterpillar Training Video - 19 Minutes, 27 Seconds in length. Topics covered include basic safety, inspection, station and controls, shutdown, transport, and safe operation tips and techniques.
• Mini Skid Steer Safety Video (Part 1) - Approximately 14 minutes long in total length (part one and two). A youtube video describing safe operation of a mini skid steer. Part one is approximately 6 minutes, 45 seconds and part two is 6 minutes, 53 seconds. Part two is available here.