Mini Excavator Safety Checklist

Use this checklist on every job. It's general guidance — always follow your machine's operator manual and WA work health and safety requirements.

1. Plan the site

• Locate underground services (Before You Dig Australia) and overhead powerlines.
• Identify slopes, soft ground, retaining walls and excavation edges.
• Plan access, spoil locations and exclusion zones.
• Tell neighbours and people on site what's happening.

2. Pre-start checks

• Walk-around inspection: leaks, hoses, pins, tracks, cracks.
• Fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel.
• Seat belt, ROPS/canopy, mirrors, horn and lights.
• Quick hitch locking pin and attachment secure.

3. While operating

• Wear your seat belt.
• Keep people, pets and vehicles outside the swing radius.
• Use a spotter when visibility is limited.
• Work within the machine's stable lifting capacity.
• Never let anyone stand under a raised boom or bucket.
• Stay back from trench and excavation edges.

4. Slopes and ground

• Travel straight up and down slopes where possible.
• Keep loads low and avoid swinging downhill.
• Take care on wet clay and loose sand.

5. Loading and transport

• Load on level ground with ramps rated for the machine.
• Secure with rated chains or straps at tie-down points.
• See our towing guide.

6. Shutdown

• Park on level ground, lower the bucket and blade to the ground.
• Idle briefly after heavy work, then switch off and remove the key.
• Secure the site and fence open excavations.