What is a significant risk of operating an excavator near the edge of an excavation?

Operating an excavator near the edge of an excavation presents a significant risk of the excavation collapsing. The weight and movements of the excavator can disturb the surrounding soil, making it unstable. If the soil becomes compromised due to vibrations, shifting, or if it is already weak, there is a danger that it can give way, potentially causing a cave-in. This collapse not only jeopardizes the safety of the operator and nearby workers but can also lead to damage to the equipment and additional risks in the working area.

The other concerns, such as the boom getting stuck, excessive noise, or running out of fuel, do not carry the same level of immediate and serious risk to safety as the potential for an excavation collapse. While these issues may create operational challenges or inconveniences, they do not typically pose the immediate life-threatening hazards associated with a collapsing excavation.