Backhoe and Loader Safety Program

SCOPE

Your Company Name employee shall operate a backhoe unless specifically trained and authorized by Your Company Name. Backhoe operators are skilled professionals responsible for an expensive piece of equipment as well as the safety of those working on the project.

Backhoe loaders are complicated machines. Be sure to know your equipment’s capabilities and limitations such as its load capacity, stability speed, braking and steering before operating the equipment. Check to make sure you have an operator’s manual before you use the equipment.

Read the owner’s manual to learn the characteristics of the machine.

Your Company Name backhoe operators will use the proper personal protective equipment as stated in their training.

• Safety shoes
• Hardhat
• Safety glasses
• Heavy gloves
• Reflective clothing
• Hearing protection
• Respirator where necessary (dusty conditions)
• Sturdy pants and shirt

Check the loader/backhoe for the presence of the following safety devices in good working order:

• rollover protective structure (ROPS)
• seat belt (if ROPS equipped)
• guards
• shields
• back-up warning system
• lights