Excavator and Backhoe Swing Radius

Talking points

1. The counterweight of an excavator swings in a wide arc during rotation. Workers standing within the swing radius can be struck by the counterweight and crushed against structures, vehicles, or trench walls.
2. The swing radius extends beyond the tracks. A large excavator's counterweight can extend 8-12 feet behind the cab. Workers often underestimate this distance.
3. Barricade the swing radius with cones, tape, or physical barriers. No workers should be within the swing path unless the operator has confirmed all-clear and rotation has stopped.
4. Operators have significant blind spots behind and to the sides of the machine. Make eye contact with the operator before entering the area around the machine — if you cannot see the operator, the operator cannot see you.
5. When working in a trench adjacent to an excavator, be aware that the counterweight can swing over the trench edge. Position yourself where the operator can see you and the counterweight cannot reach you.

Ask the crew

Is the swing radius of our excavator barricaded — and does everyone know to stay outside it?

Standards this talk is built on

• 29 CFR 1926.602

A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.

Sign-in sheet

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