Skid Steer and Track Loader Safety (Video by Bobcat Company)

Skid steer loaders are indispensible on most American jobsites today. They can do an incredible amount of work in the hands of a skilled and safe operator. But in the hands of an unskilled operator, they can also do a considerable amount of damage or injury. Their handling characteristics also introduce some unique safety concerns, which operators of all skill levels need to take heed of.

Skid steer loaders can work in extremely tight, confined and narrow spaces. As an operator of one of these machines, you may underestimate their clearance requirements, potentially causing property damage. In addition, skid steers can easily be overlooked by operators of larger machines, potentially leading to close calls and even collisions with them. Because the operator of a skid steer loader is so accessible, other workers on the jobsite and pedestrians may approach the machine to talk to you.

Many experienced operators jokingly tell new recruits that having a swivel head like a bobble-headed doll will land you a skid steer job anywhere, anytime. Shoulder checking can be a real pain in the neck, but a necessary and unavoidable part of performing your job safely. And that’s all just for starters. Check out this Bobcat safety video below. It continues where we left off. For more information, visit http://bobcat.com/trainings/home.