Backhoe Safety
Backhoe safety begins with the operators. It is their responsibility to read the operators 
manual, avoid accidents, follow the rules, and be alert at all times.Backhoe safety is a must no matter what size, watching out for over head power lines and under ground. Never ever walk, crawl, lay or reach under the loader bucket or backhoe, although they work for many years and may not have any problems, it only takes a second for a hydraulic line to fail. A finger, arm or leg could but cut off at the pivot points. Or if under the raised bucket could be crushed resulting in a serious injury, even deadly. Not trying to make anyone afraid, but treated with respect can save a person many hours of work.
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For backhoe safety wear protective equipment. Safety glasses or sunglasses should be worn to protect from dirt and dust that can be blown up from a windy day or spilling out of the bucket. Even a ruptured hydraulic line will spry oil all over. Hearing protection. Although the engine has a muffler it is still loud and prolonged noise can damage an ear drum. Backhoe safety includes clothing and jewelry. Loose fitting pants and shirts can be caught on the wrong lever or prevent your foot from reaching the brakes in time.
Before getting on the machine one should walk around and check for, missing or broken parts and repair or replace if necessary. Always face the machine when mounting or dismounting. The steps and handles are designed that way, if dismounting facing away, you could slip, fall, sprain an ankle or hurt your back.
Big backhoe safety tip is there is only one seat, that means only one person should be on the backhoe. If a second rider was on the fender, the tire could pull them off and be run over or pull their foot and leg under the fender.
Before digging you must call the number, typically in the phone book, “call before you dig”. This is another backhoe safety issue. Never can tell what is under the ground. It could be the cable, phone, gas, water, or electric line. The gas and electric will cause serious safety issues for the backhoe and operator. Now that we’ve looked down, look up for overhead lines as well. Be sure tree limbs are not in the way, or the over hang of buildings.
Backhoe safety should be on the mind all the time. Control levers should only be operated that the seat is facing, backhoe lever or loader levers. Backhoe safety is not just for the operator, it’s for the machine too. The backhoe end is very heavy unit which makes the front end lighter. Only go down an incline forward. If you must go up an incline be sure the loader bucket is full to help counter balance. Never drive along side an incline, as the center of gravity is high on these machines. Possibility of roll over to the side is greater. Keep in mind a diesel engine will continue to run if on its side.
Backhoe safety on the newer machines has improved with R.O.P.S.
(roll over protection structure) which is an enclosed cab or roll bars. With R.O.P.S. a seat belt should always be worn, this keeps the operator in the seat. Trying to jump away the operator may be crushed by the ROPS.Just remember that Backhoe Safety starts with YOU.
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