The skilled trades are called “skilled” trades for a reason. The work is difficult and attention to detail is important. When working with excavators, in particular, it’s crucial to ensure that operators are well-trained in terms of completing their work, and especially, completing it safely. Thus, excavator operators should undergo training to learn how to safely operate construction equipment.
The excavator is the descendent of the steam shovel, first invented in the early 19th century to aid in the construction of railroad lines. Excavators are used to move large amounts of material, such as soil or gravel, and are especially useful for “excavating” or digging. This might mean digging out a basement or excavating a trench to lay large pipes.
Excavators have evolved over the years and so too has construction equipment operator training. In the past, training wasn’t well-standardized. As a result, the quality of education could vary not just from company to company, but also from day to day and even from trainee to trainee. Education programs, fortunately, have improved by leaps and bounds.
These days, before legally operating an excavator on a jobsite, relevant authorities will require that operators be properly trained and possess the necessary knowledge and understanding of workplace safety. The right education programs will help ensure that operators are prepared. Let’s look at four great excavator safety programs and the benefits they provide.
Komplettkurs
Perhaps the leading construction safety training firm in Norway, Komplettkurs provides expert training for safely operating excavators. Besides excavators, the company offers training for passenger lifts, trucks, and other pieces of equipment. Safety is at the center of every class provided.
Komplettkurs’ training are provided by skilled experts who possess hands-on experience with both operating heavy equipment and onsite safety. Each training course has been designed from the ground up to increase engagement and the retention of information. Both organizations and individuals rely on Komplettkurs to learn vital workplace safety practices.
Further, the classes emphasize both theory and practice. By combining the best of both hands-on and in-classroom training, teachers aim to encourage knowledge retention, which will pay off when taking exams and on the job site. To find out More information click here.
SafetyPro Resources OSHA 30 Hour
Companies operating in the United States will need to mind the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which covers workplace safety. Any companies that run afoul of OSHA safety regulations could quickly find themselves facing fines and other penalties. Among other things, OSHA keeps a close eye on construction sites and the use of construction equipment.
The OSHA 30-hour course offered by SafetyPro Resources covers excavator use with a specific focus on guidelines and rules as stipulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Besides excavators, the course also covers safety management and health on worksites, dangerous materials (e.g. asbestos), electrical safety, fire hazards, and more.
Such a sweep safety course can be great for imparting not just issues surrounding excavation and excavators but working on construction job sites in general. This could prove especially helpful for employees new to the industry.
360 Excavator & Dumper
Construction companies and workers in the United Kingdom would do well to consider the 360 Excavator and Dumper course. This course offers a more general focus that teaches students not just about safety, but also the day-to-day operation of excavators. Students will also learn about dumpers, which are frequently used in conjunction with excavators.
Many important concepts will be covered, including how to use the operator’s handbook, pre-use checks, and preparing equipment for road travel. In some cases, students may think these topics are common sense. In practice, they are anything but. Teaching students to mind seemingly straightforward topics can go a long way toward imparting proper respect for safety.
The 360 Excavator & Dumper class also covers operations in unique situations, such as underground environments. The class takes five days to complete and can pave the way for obtaining the CPCS red card test.
Total Equipment Training On-Site
Excavators are often used to handle dangerous materials. Unfortunately, dangerous materials carry their own unique risks and if not properly mitigated, mishandling could expose workers and even communities to various hazards. Total Equipment Training’s Material Handler/Excavator Training Onsite course focuses specifically on safely handling hazardous materials with excavators.
This course is offered onsite, meaning it can be customized to a company’s equipment, worksite, materials handled, and more. Onsite training may increase engagement. Further relevant OSHA rules are also covered.
