RA-HS61 Heavy Plant Loading Shovels
| File Reference : | RA-HS61 Heavy Plant Loading Shovels |
This example risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS20 General Risk Assessment form template.
The file is supplied in fully editable MS Word format...
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Heavy Plant and Loading Shovels Risk Assessment
This fully completed heavy plant and loading shovels risk assessment example has been prepared by a qualified health and safety professional. It covers operation of wheeled loading shovels, crawler dozers, motor graders and similar large earth-moving equipment on construction sites, quarries and civil engineering projects, and can be used as a starting point when developing your own risk assessment documentation.
What Does This Heavy Plant and Loading Shovels Risk Assessment Cover?
This risk assessment identifies the key hazards associated with heavy plant and loading shovels including;
- Person struck by loading shovel or heavy plant — plant travelling with limited visibility striking pedestrians causing fatal crush and run-over injuries
- Loading shovel overturning — overturning during sharp turns with raised bucket, on uneven ground or near edges causing fatal operator injury
- Falling material from loading shovel bucket — material falling or ejected from a raised bucket striking persons below causing head injuries and fatalities
- Dozer and grader loss of control on steep slopes — crawler dozer or motor grader running away or losing traction on steep or slippery slopes
- Maintenance injuries from heavy plant — crush and trapping injuries during field maintenance from raised implements falling unexpectedly
- Overhead hazards — heavy plant boom or blade contacting overhead power lines or bridge structures
- Dust and exhaust emissions — diesel exhaust particulate and silica dust causing occupational lung disease
Each hazard includes an inherent risk rating ranging from Moderate to Substantial, and a comprehensive listing of applicable control measures covering areas such as;
- Segregated pedestrian and plant routes with banksmen, audible alarms and proximity warning systems
- ROPS/FOPS fitted machines, bucket travel position discipline and CPCS/NPORS certified operators
- Prohibition of persons beneath raised loaded buckets with exclusion zones enforced
- Gradient limits communicated to operators with emergency stopping drills and escape routes identified
- All raised implements lowered to ground or supported on stands before any maintenance work
- Goal posts and height bars installed on all routes approaching overhead hazards
- Tier 4/Stage V compliant plant, engine switch-off discipline and dust suppression on haul roads
A residual risk rating is then assigned to each hazard, demonstrating how effective risk management reduces overall risk to a tolerable level.
A Professional, Easy-to-Use Risk Assessment Template
This document uses colour-coded header styles matched to risk ratings, making it quick to read and easy to communicate during toolbox talks and worker training. A built-in risk rating matrix supports consistent evaluation of likelihood and consequence, and hazard pictograms using internationally recognised ISO warning symbols are included alongside relevant hazard entries.
The result is a completed risk assessment that looks professional, reads clearly, and demonstrates a structured and effective approach to risk management.
Who Is This Risk Assessment Template Suitable For?
This heavy plant and loading shovels risk assessment template is suitable for health and safety advisers, plant operators, quarry managers, site managers and any employer with a duty to assess risks associated with heavy plant operations under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. It can be implemented as a standalone document or as part of a broader occupational health and safety management system aligned with ISO 45001.
Note: This example risk assessment is supplied for use as guidance only and should be reviewed and completed by a competent person.