What should you do before reversing an excavator?

Before reversing an excavator, the most effective safety measure is to look back over both shoulders and sound the horn. This action ensures that the operator is fully aware of their surroundings, as visual checks provide a comprehensive view of the area directly behind the machine. This crucial step helps identify any potential hazards, including people, obstacles, or other equipment that may not be visible through mirrors or cameras alone.

Sounding the horn serves as an additional safety precaution, alerting nearby workers and individuals in the vicinity that the excavator is about to move, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents. Relying solely on mirrors or cameras cannot substitute for a thorough situational awareness that comes from physically looking around. By engaging in this comprehensive safety protocol, operators enhance workplace safety and effectively reduce the likelihood of collisions or accidents while operating heavy machinery.