Safety is Important When Operating Skid Steer Loaders

Safety
Published
Contact: Jared Culligan
[email protected]
Program Manager, Safety
202-266-8590

Skid steer loaders are commonly used on construction jobsites and it is crucial these machines be used safely by a properly trained operator. 

Skid steer loaders are used in home building principally during the site preparation phase of construction. Their size and maneuverability make them ideal for quickly moving earth, rocks, and other materials on a job site.

But their size and ease of use also means that workers do not need a specialty license to operate the equipment. And while OSHA does require training for operators, home builders need to pay particular attention to safety procedures as improper skid steer loader operation can lead to injury.

Follow these tips to help workers understand what to do before and during operating skid steer loaders.

Before Operation

  • If digging or excavating, call 811 for info on nearby utility lines.
  • Inspect tires, tracks, windshield and loader bucket for signs of wear and tear.
  • Check all safety systems, including seat belt, protective structures and interlock system.
  • Make sure the ground is stable and even before operating.
  • All potential operators must be trained by someone who is competent and knowledgeable on how to use the machine and how to inspect it.

During Operation

  • Maintain three points of contact when climbing into and out of the cab.
  • Clear the travel path of pedestrians.
  • Never allow additional passengers or riders on the outside or inside of the cab.
  • Always lower the bucket or attachment while traveling so the operator’s view is unobstructed.
  • Do not travel across slopes; always travel with the heavy end of the machine pointed uphill. The heavy end can depend on the load the machine is carrying at that time.
  • Shut the engine off every time before exiting the cab and never attempt to activate any of the controls while outside of the cab.

For more on safe skid steer loader operation, view the safety toolbox talk video below or visit the Skid Steer Loader Safety page for a Spanish version of the video and a handout available in English and Spanish.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Digital Media | Membership

Jun 30, 2025

Top Builders List Spotlights NAHB Members

In its latest May/June 2025 issue, Pro Builder unveiled its Top 200 (formerly Housing Giants) report, which ranks the top U.S. home builders by revenue, and looks at the top trends affecting the business of home building.

Legal

Jun 27, 2025

Supreme Court Limits Nationwide Injunctions

In a case that could have far-reaching consequences for NAHB members, the Supreme Court today issued a 6-3 ruling that would limit the use of nationwide universal injunctions. A universal injunction stops the defendant from taking an action against anyone, anywhere.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Jun 30, 2025

2024 New Single-Family Starts by Census Division

Despite persistently high mortgage rates, elevated financing costs for builders, and a shortage of buildable lots, single-family starts rebounded in 2024, following two straight years of declines.

Economics

Jun 27, 2025

2025 First Quarter State-Level GDP Data

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased in ten states in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the last quarter of 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

Economics

Jun 27, 2025

State and Local Property Tax Revenue Grows in the First Quarter

In the first quarter of 2025, state and local governments experienced an increase in property tax revenue growth. On a seasonally adjusted basis, state and local government property tax revenue grew 1.1% over the quarter, according to the Census Bureau’s quarterly summary of state and local tax revenue.