Hiring and using any equipment or heavy machinery comes with a risk and sometimes as regular users of particular machinery, mini digger/dingo or excavator drivers may become a little complacent when it comes to performing safety checks and using the machinery as safely as possible.
At Minidigger WA, we want to see everyone who hires one of our mini diggers or mini excavators come back safely, so we’ve put together our top tips for staying safe while you work.
Mini Digger Safety
Hiring and using a mini digger or mini excavator may be easy, but it is still important to remember that you are controlling a piece of machinery that can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
It’s no surprise that accidents can occur on any site; with accidents often occurring happen when those controlling the machine are distracted or fatigued.
When it comes to using any machinery, we suggest that everyone reads the machinery manual, undertakes thorough safety checks and most importantly, stays alert.
Mini excavators and mini diggers both come with their own risks.
Mini Excavators
As a piece of machinery, mini excavators are very safe to use, however they are more likely to topple than mini diggers if they become unbalanced.
Mini excavator operators should also be aware of any dangers around them, including power lines above you and wires & pipes below the ground that could be severed or punctured.
A seemingly unlikely injury also comes from the improper use of safety belts! We encourage everyone to use mini excavators as they are intended to avoid accidents and injury.
Operating your Mini Digger Safely
To operate your mini digger/dingo safely, we encourage users to make a clear plan for how they need to use the mini digger for each project.
Before you turn on your mini digger, check the undercarriage for debris, rust or anything out of the ordinary, then check your planned path and project area for any obstructions.
Equip yourself
Wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital to protecting yourself on the worksite.
There’s nothing macho or impressive about ignoring your safety, so make sure you pick up these items before you take on your next project:
Steel capped boots: These boots stop you from more than just stubbing your toe, they are your line of defence if you step on something unsafe, such as a rusted nail or broken glass, or if something heavy falls onto your feet.
Hearing protection: Your hearing is something you may not notice deteriorating overnight, it may take weeks, months or even years for you to notice you have hearing loss. Working around machinery all day can put strain on your ears, so investing in industrial-strength hearing protection is a must.
Glasses: Your eyesight is integral to almost everything you do day to day, so it is certainly worth protecting. While you’re out on a project or worksite, especially where there are miniscule fragments of sand and dirt flying around, slide on your safety glasses to protect your eyes from unexpected damage.
Helmet: Protecting your head is a no-brainer; wear a helmet when you’re out on a worksite, especially if you are working with people at heights.
First aid kit: a well-stocked first aid kit will be the first place you turn to after an accident. Make sure your kit includes everything from Betadine to bandages and nominate someone to keep an eye on the first aid kit stock levels regularly.
Mini Digger Hire
At Minidigger WA, safety is paramount. Our team are happy to give any of our customers advice on staying safe while operating these great pieces of equipment.
Contact our friendly, knowledgeable team at Minidigger WA today on 1300 46 46 43 for all of your mini digger hire and mini excavator needs.
