Toolbox Talk
BACKHOE LOADER (JCB)
THE LAW
PUWER 1998
Health And Safety At
Work Act 1974
GUIDANCE
NEVER drive a backhoe
loader without a licence and
permission
Always perform a pre use
inspection and record the
details of your checks.
Ensure the hydraulics and
breaks are fully functional
before using the backhoe
loader
Avoid turning the vehicle
with the loading shovel
raised, especially across a
slope.
Always have a load lowered
when travelling
Be aware of pedestrian
movements at all times
Be aware of structures and
other vehicles in the area
during the operation
Use a banksman when
excavating
Ensure ground surveys
completed for buried
services before excavating
Ensure attachments are
securely latched before
starting work
FOR FURTHER ADVICE CONTACT YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISOR
: M Crossman This information is purely for guidance and should not be taken as legally binding advice
WHAT IS A BACKHOE LOADER
A backhoe loader, also called a
digger in layman's terms, is a
heavy equipment vehicle that
consists of a tractor like unit fitted
with a loader-style shovel/bucket
on the front and a backhoe on the
back. Due to its (relatively) small
size and versatility, backhoe
loaders are very common in
urban engineering and small
construction projects (such as building a small house, fixing urban
roads, etc.). Backhoe loaders can be used for a wide variety of tasks:
construction, small demolitions, light transportation of building materials,
powering building equipment, digging holes/excavation, landscaping,
breaking asphalt, and paving roads.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
There are a number of risks that arise from using a backhoe loader and
they can include:
Striking pedestrians when manoeuvring or excavating
Being struck when quick-disconnect buckets unexpectedly detach
Collisions with other vehicles or structures
Cable strike when excavating
Toppling due to open excavations and ground failure
Toppling due to turning with an elevated load and/or at speed
Hydraulic failure
Mechanical failure
Striking overhead power lines
All of these potential hazards can have life threatening results and great
care must be exercised when using a backhoe loader
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
PUWER 1998 regulations place duties on people and companies who
own, operate or have control over work equipment. PUWER also places
responsibilities on businesses and organisations whose employees use
work equipment, whether owned by them or not
The Health And Safety At Work Act places a general duty on employers
'so far as is reasonably practicable' to protect the health, safety and
welfare at work of all employees
 The following recommendations can be used to create a safe working
environment when operating backhoes and excavator equipment.

Know the machine that your are operating. Read and review the operator's manual. Get familiar
with the controls before working with the backhoe or loader
Know the area where you are operating. Locate ditches, stumps, debris, and undercut banks
and avoid these hazards by keeping a safe distance away
Locate overhead and underground utility lines before beginning work. Avoid working near
overhead power lines. If you must work near them, develop a plan to avoid contact.
Slow down when conditions dictate to do so. Some examples are traveling on rough ground,
going up or down a slope when towing or carrying heavy loads, when entering public roadways,
and when turning with a load in the bucket
Operate hydraulic excavators or backhoes only on grades specified by the manufacturer.
Position machinery at a safe distance from excavations and trenches.
Operators should be trained in the proper use of the equipment they are assigned to operate.
Identify and label all machine controls and ensure they are working properly.
Securely latch attachments, such as quick disconnect buckets, before work begins.
Conduct visual and operational checks on all machine systems and operating controls before
use including the hydraulics.
Make frequent visual inspections of quick disconnect systems, especially after changing
attachments.
Use the rollover protection system (ROPS) and seat belts supplied by the manufacturer.
Do not exceed load capacities when lifting materials.
Lower the boom to a safe position with the bucket on the ground and turn off the machine
before stepping off for any reason.
Make all workers on the site aware of the machines established swing areas and blind spots
before the operator works the machine.
Before each work shift begins, review and confirm communication signals between machine
operators and workers on foot.
Keep workers outside the hydraulic excavator swing areas and clear of attachments when using
the machines for hoisting materials.
Do not allow workers to stand under suspended loads or suspended machine components such
as the boom, arm, or bucket.
Do not permit workers on foot to approach the hydraulic excavator or backhoe loader until they
signal the operator to shut down the machine and receive acknowledgment from the operator.
Use spotters or signal persons around operating equipment when necessary.
Never permit workers to ride in or work from excavator or backhoe loader buckets.
Provide workers on foot with high visibility vests
When excavating with a backhoe, never undercut the area beneath the backhoe stabilizers. If
you suspect the soil is unstable, use a platform under the rear wheels and stabilizers to prevent
cave-ins
When excavating with the backhoe on a hill, swing the backhoe uphill to dump the load in order
to maintain stability. Dumping downhill may cause the machine to tip
Use extreme caution when back filling. The weight of the fill material added to the weight of the
loader could cause the edge of a new excavation site to collapse. Before starting to back fill,
walk over the area and test the soil for stability.
Always shut off the engine, lower the bucket and backhoe, and apply the parking brake before
dismounting the machine
Keep steps and platforms clean and uncluttered of parts, tools and debris