October 25, 2021 Safety Tip of the Week delivered to your inbox each Monday by GrainnetSafety.com
Skid-Steer Loaders - Rollover Prevention
Skid-steer loaders have caused numerous injuries and fatalities across the agriculture industry. One of the common causes of skid-steer-related incidents is equipment rollover. Skid-steer loaders can roll over when the loader becomes unstable.
Rollover occurs when attachments are overloaded, the load is carried too high, driving too fast and operating on rough or uneven surfaces.
To prevent rollover incidents:
Know the equipment’s rated load capacity. This is found in the operator’s manual, the data plate or the capacity label located on the equipment.
Lift the load slowly and evenly to keep the load stable.
Carry the load close to the ground, but high enough to clear any obstructions in the work area.
Drive forward with the load unless it obstructs forward view.
If the loader is designed so that you can see behind it, travel in reverse or have a spotter guide the loader’s movement from a safe position.
Keep the attachment level when engaging lift arms or traveling up and down slopes.
Maintain control of the loader by operating at safe speeds, especially when on slopes, uneven grades, or when negotiating sharp turns.
Operate the controls smoothly to avoid sudden jerking movements.
When maneuvering on ramps or inclines:
Ensure that the heavy end of the loader is pointed uphill.
Keep in mind that the rear of the loader is heavier when unloaded, so it requires the back of the loader to be pointed uphill.
Avoid sharp turns on hills or inclines, which may cause the loader to become unstable, resulting in a tip-over.
Avoid slopes, grades, obstructions, and holes.
Cross railroad tracks and other rough surfaces at an angle, while driving slowly.
Stay away from the edges of loading docks, ramps, ditches, retaining walls, and trenches. The loader can easily travel over the edge, resulting in injury, death, or equipment damage.
Reference Material: “Skid Steer Loader Safety”, For the Landscaping and Horticultural Services Industry. Kansas State Research and Extension.
