Skid Steer and Compact Equipment Safety
Construction · Ver en español
Talking points
- ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) must be in place and undamaged. Never operate a skid steer with the cab door or restraint bar removed.
- Skid steers have extremely limited visibility — especially to the rear and sides. Operators must do a walk-around before starting, and workers must stay clear of the operating area.
- Attachments (buckets, forks, augers, breakers) change the machine's balance and operating characteristics. Use only attachments rated for your machine and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
- Always lower the bucket or attachment to the ground and set the parking brake before leaving the operator's seat — even for a moment.
- Skid steer pivot-turn capability means the machine can rotate in place, catching nearby workers by surprise. Maintain a safe distance from all sides of an operating skid steer.
Ask the crew
Is the cab door and restraint bar in place on our skid steer — and does everyone know to stay clear of the operating radius?
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.
Run this talk with your crew and keep the record
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Sign-in sheet
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| Name | Signature | Date |
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