Skid Steer Toolbox Talk

Skid Steer Safety Talk

When working on a construction jobsite, you may have to use heavy equipment, including a skid steer. While these pieces of equipment may not look very large, the hazards they can create are significant.

It is important to recognize the dangers that come with operating a skid steer and follow the best safety precautions to keep yourself and your coworkers safe.

What is a skid steer?

A skid steer loader, also known as a skid steer, is a small construction vehicle that can be used for a variety of tasks. They typically come with a bucket as an attachment, but you can change them out depending on the task.

Why is it called a skid steer?

The skid steer gets its name from the way it turns. The angle of the wheels or tracks are fixed, so they only point straight ahead. The wheels on each side are locked in synchronization with each other and have their own engines. This means you have to steer each side independently from the other.

Since the wheels are fixed, you cannot steer by angling the wheels in a different direction. Instead, you steer by speeding up either the left or right side of the vehicle causing the wheels to drag (or skid) across the ground. This type of steering is also called differential steering. This makes it easier to fit into tight spaces and make zero-degree turns when needed. In order to operate a skid steer, you should be properly trained to reduce the danger to you and your coworkers.

Hazards associated with skid steers

There are several hazards that face workers when operating a skid steer, as well as those working around one. Some of the common and major hazards you should be aware of include:

Struck-by hazards

Struck-by hazards are a serious threat for those working around skid steers. These machines are often used in high-traffic areas, and reversing is a common task for the operator. These factors paired with blind spots create a huge risk for struck-by incidents.

Crushed-by hazards

Crushed-by hazards are also a major concern when you are operating a skid steer. There are workers on the ground who can easily be pinned by the skid steer and other objects if they find themselves in the way. Operators of skid steers can also hurt themselves by being crushed by their own machine. Some common ways workers have been pinned include getting pinned between the bucket and frame, or between a lift arm and frame.

Rollovers

Rollovers, or tip-overs, are another cause of injury or fatality for skid steer operators.

Pinch point hazards

Skid steers are full of pinch point hazards that can easily injure the operator or other workers.

Weather hazards

Weather hazards including ice, mud, and slick areas can increase the risk of incidents with a skid steer.

Skid steer safety best practices

Skid steers are often used on the construction jobsite because of how versatile they are. With the right safety precautions, injuries can be prevented. The following practices will help minimize hazards and injuries associated with operating a skid steer:

• Always understand the operator's manual before using the skid steer and follow the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications when operating it.

• Lower the bucket or the attachment so that it is flat on the ground. Do not try to use the skid steer's control panel unless you are in the skid steer.

• Do not leave the machine running if you are not in the operator's seat. You should also have your seat belt fastened and the seat bar lowered before you attempt to operate.

• While in the skid steer, keep all your body parts inside the cab.

• Never modify, bypass, disable, or override a safety system. If you see that the safety system has been tampered with, do not use the machine. Let your foreman know.

• Equipment that has been modified or has a malfunctioning safety system should be taken out of service by your foreman until it is repaired or replaced.

• Never let anyone, including coworkers, ride on the skid steer loader, in the bucket, the attachment, or in the operators' compartment unless it is designed for a second rider.

• Make sure bystanders are out of the way in the area you are driving and working in. Check your blind spots.

• Make sure the skid steer has routine maintenance and inspections done according to the manufacturer's recommendations. You may have to talk to your foreman about this.

• Before operating the skid steer, check to make sure safety systems are properly functioning.

• Do not work under the raised arms or bucket of a skid steer, even if it is off. Always make sure the bucket is on the ground before exiting.

• Wear proper personal protective equipment while operating a skid steer, including safety glasses, hard hat, high visibility vest, gloves, and safety boots.

Skid steer safety training

OSHA's Code of Federal Regulations Subpart C "General Safety and Health" provisions require that skid steer operators be trained under CFR 1926.21(b)(2) and CFR 1926.20(b)(4) requirements. Employers are required to train operators so they can recognize and avoid unsafe conditions. Training must be done so that the operator is fully capable of safely handling the equipment at their worksite. Only workers that are qualified through training can operate a skid steer on a jobsite. When you are being trained to operate a skid steer it should include classroom time with a written exam as well as on the job training. If this is something you are interested in being trained properly for, talk to your foreman.

A skid steer is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment. It can be used for agricultural, construction, and landscaping operations. However, skid steers are complex and they are dangerous if you do not know how to operate them. Should you get injured on a skid steer, or if you see a coworker who is injured, immediately seek medical attention and let your supervisor know.