Compactor and Roller Safety
Construction · Ver en español
Talking points
- Ride-on rollers and compactors have significant blind spots and cannot stop quickly due to their mass and momentum. Operators must do a full walk-around before starting.
- Walk-behind compactors can run away on slopes or if the operator loses control. Maintain a firm grip on the handle and avoid operating on grades steeper than the manufacturer's limits.
- Vibrating compactors transmit whole-body vibration (ride-on) and hand-arm vibration (walk-behind). Limit exposure time and use vibration-dampening seats and handles where available.
- Never stand on or place any body part under a compactor drum. The weight of a compactor drum can cause fatal crush injuries even when the machine is not running.
- When compacting near trench edges, maintain safe distance from the edge. The vibration from a compactor can destabilize trench walls and trigger a cave-in.
Ask the crew
Are we compacting near any trenches today — and are we maintaining safe distance from the edge?
Standards this talk is built on
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.
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Sign-in sheet
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