1. Pre-Operation Inspection & Daily Safety Walkthrough
Why It Matters
OSHA says a "competent person" must inspect excavations daily and after any event like rain or vehicle movement. Skipping checks means missing hidden hazards—like loose bolts, cracked hose lines, or worn seats—that lead to bigger problems.
What to Check
- Brake, seat belt, lights & alarms — Make sure everything works — seat belt clicks, mirror angles look right, backup alarm chirps—just like a checklist you'd run through in the cab.
- Tracks/wheels & ground — Look for uneven ground or slick spots that might tip the machine.
- Bucket & attachments — Inspect pins, hoses, and quick-couplers for damage or leaks.
2. Respect the Swing Radius & Never Stand Under a Load
OSHA Rule & Why
OSHA explicitly bans anyone from standing under a suspended load—“No employee shall be permitted underneath loads handled by “digging equipment”. It’s not just caution—it’s a requirement.
How to Stay Safe
- Use cones or tape to mark off danger zones.
- Always have a spotter when working near overhead lines or tight spaces. They guide the operator and watch blind spots.
- Keep operators and crew in constant communication, using radios or hand signals.
Maintaining that buffer zone keeps chunks of dirt, gear, and boom swings from turning into accidents.
3. Prioritize Trench & Excavation Safety
OSHA’s Excavation Rules
OSHA demands protective systems for trenches ≥ 5 ft deep (sloping, shoring, shielding), and deeper ones need an engineer-approved design. If your trench is over 4 ft deep, it also needs a safe exit point within 25 ft — ladder, ramp, or steps.
What This Means in Practice
- Locate utility lines first—call 811.
- Keep excavated soil & equipment ≥ 2 ft back from edges — or use barriers.
- Build safe exits in trenches ≥ 4 ft deep.
- Stay on top of inspections — before each shift, after rain, or any change on site.
- Test air quality in deep trenches (oxygen, gases) and provide ventilation or rescue gear if needed.
Together, these steps avoid cave-ins, suffocation, slips, and trench collapse.
4. Use Proper PPE & Keep Communication Clear
Protective Gear You Can’t Skip
According to OSHA, if workers are near traffic or heavy equipment, they need high-vis vests. At digger sites, hard hats, steel-toe boots, ear protection, and eye protection are standard.
Communication Is Key
- PPE essentials: hard hats, steel-toe boots, hi-vis vests, and hearing protection around a digger are musts.
- Hand signals + eye contact + radios make sure the crew stays synchronized—especially around blind spots or noise.
- Start each day with a quick huddle to highlight hazards and who’s doing what. It builds team awareness without slowing things down.
5. Post-Operation Shutdown & Smart Maintenance
OSHA Says
OSHA and good safety programs stress shutting down machines properly—lower the bucket, set the brakes, turn off the engine .
A Checklist That Works
- Secure attachments: lower the bucket or boom.
- Check hoses, pins, hydraulic systems for leaks or wear.
- Clean the machine, removing dirt and debris that hide problems.
Blending Safety With Smart Tech
FJDynamics has built the G31 PRO 3D Excavator Guidance System and Easydig G31 Lite 3D Excavator Guidance System with features that naturally support safety checks:
- Tilt Monitoring Feature: when the machine's body inclination exceeds safe limits, this system will alert operators by audible and visual warnings, to ensure operator safety and prevent potential tipping hazards.
- Electronic Fence: The operator can set up a virtual fence, and when the excavator bucket touches the fence or when the excavator exceeds the fence, the system will alert the operator to the risk.
With FJD G31 PRO and Easydig G31 Lite, workers can now perform their tasks with more accuracy, reducing the risk of accidents and enjoying a smoother construction timeline.
Conclusion: Dig Smart, Stay Safe
By digging into these five practices—inspection, swing-zone awareness, trench protection, PPE with clear communication, and smart shutdown—your site runs safer and smoother. Stick to OSHA’s rules, follow routines, and use tech like
G31 PRO and Easydig G31 Lite
to build a safety habit instead of a chore.