Equipment World Staff (EQW)Safety WatchCrushing blow: Demolition work presents unforeseen risksThe accident: A subcontractor was performing demolition work inside a vacant school when a slab of concrete fell on him. A demolition robot then fell onto the concrete, pinning the worker underneath the slab from the neck down.April 14, 2014Safety WatchDanger zone: Stand clear of an excavator’s swing pivot areaThe accident: A contractor was removing tree stumps on a road project and processing the stumps and other wood debris in a tub grinder. An excavator loaded the grinder, operated remotely by a worker on the ground.April 14, 2014Safety WatchKnow your limits: Don’t work on equipment unless you have the proper trainingThe accident: An employee was repairing a 60-foot telescopic boom lift that had a malfunctioning counterbalance valve. He loosened the valve from underneath the rear of the lift and then climbed onto the lift’s base to access the valve from the front of the lift, positioning him directly under the boom.April 14, 2014Safety WatchBackhoe woes: Make sure your machine is blocked or chocked before leaving it on a slopeThe accident: A backhoe operator was working on covering a pipe in a drainage ditch next to a retaining wall. He parked the machine on a slope and exited the backhoe while leaving the bucket, which was full of rocks and gravel, elevated.April 14, 2014Safety WatchDon’t get pinned: Safe operation starts with the basicsThe accident: The contractor instructed an excavator operator to move dirt, clear debris and fill a trench, and then left the jobsite. Upon his return, he saw the excavator – which was an older model that had been purchased used – positioned over the trench, with the operator pinned to a tree and crushed by the […]April 14, 2014Safety WatchOff, not idling: If you leave a backhoe for any reason, make sure the machine is completely turned offThe accident: A two-man crew was using a backhoe loader and hand shovel to clear earth from a home’s foundation footing. The backhoe operator dug a 2-foot-wide by 2-foot-deep excavation around the footing while the second worker removed extra dirt with the shovel after the backhoe passed through…April 14, 2014Safety WatchIn a tight spot: A backhoe’s swing radius is a dangerous spot to be inThe accident: A contractor was operating a backhoe close to a concrete wall. Another worker approached the backhoe on the operator’s blind side and walked between the wall and the swinging structure of the backhoe….April 14, 2014RoadbuildingSeal or no Seal? That is the QuestionThe debate continues, but here are some tips to determine the most effective strategy for your agency, whether it’s seal or no seal, for pavement performance and life-cycle cost.April 12, 2014Safety WatchQuick disconnect: Stay clear of an excavator’s attachments and swing areaThe accident: A utility contractor was using an excavator with a lifting eye connected to the bucket to load concrete manhole sections. A coworker on the ground connected the sections to the excavator and then disconnected them once the sections were placed on a truck….April 11, 2014Safety WatchCompaction cautions: Never bypass a machine’s safety featuresThe accident: Using a borrowed compactor, an operator was compacting soil for a new road. The machine had a faulty starter system – when used on rough terrain, the engine would die, requiring a manual jump start…April 11, 2014Previous PagePage 39 of 590Next PageTop StoriesCompact Utility Loaders“A Handy, Light Machine” – Test Run of Kubota’s SCL1000 Stand-On Mini LoaderThe company's sole stand-on loader delivers smooth controls, low ground pressure and versatile attachment use. Watch our full review.Wheel Loaders70 Years Later, Wheel Loaders Keep Getting Better: Buyer’s Guide 2025Graders/ScrapersCat Launches 140 Lever Motor Grader with New Cab, Loads of Added TechCompact Track LoadersA Closer Look: ASV’s VT-100 Goes Where Other Compact Track Loaders Can’tFeatured SponsorThink like a thief to protect your fleet. Watch our on-demand webinar.
