RA-HS57 Demolition - Use of Excavators
| File Reference : | RA-HS57 Demolition - Use of Excavators |
This example risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS20 General Risk Assessment form template.
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Use of Excavators Risk Assessment
This fully completed use of excavators risk assessment example has been prepared by a qualified health and safety professional. It covers operation of all types of excavator (360-degree slew, long-reach, mini-excavator, backhoe loader) for excavation, demolition, loading and handling operations on construction sites and civil engineering projects, and can be used as a starting point when developing your own risk assessment documentation.
What Does This Use of Excavators Risk Assessment Cover?
This risk assessment identifies the key hazards associated with the use of excavators including;
- Person struck by excavator slew or bucket — excavator rotating and striking a person in the slew zone causing fatal crush injuries
- Excavator overturning — overturning near excavation edges, on unstable ground or with unbalanced load causing fatal injury
- Strike on underground services — bucket striking live gas mains, electrical cables or water mains causing explosion, electrocution or flooding
- Falling material from excavator bucket — material falling from a raised or slewing bucket striking persons below
- Noise and vibration — engine and hydraulic noise and whole-body vibration causing hearing loss and back injury
- Manual handling around excavator — lifting and adjusting attachments and ground mats causing musculoskeletal injury
- Hydraulic fluid release — hose or fitting failure releasing hot high-pressure fluid causing burns and skin injection injuries
Each hazard includes an inherent risk rating ranging from Moderate to Substantial, and a comprehensive listing of applicable control measures covering areas such as;
- Exclusion zones and banksman deployment for slew and struck-by risk
- Ground-bearing capacity assessment and CPCS/NPORS certified operators
- CAT and Genny services survey with 500mm hand-dig exclusion around known services
- Prohibition of persons beneath raised or slewing loaded bucket
- Whole-body vibration assessment and health surveillance for regular operators
- Quick-hitch systems to minimise manual attachment handling
- Pre-use hydraulic hose inspection and pressure relief before maintenance
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 use of excavators risk assessment template is suitable for health and safety advisers, plant operators, site managers, principal contractors and any employer with a duty to assess risks associated with excavator operations under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) 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.