I am an excavator; what are the risks?

I perform a profession that is both physical and more and more technical thanks to the increasing use of various machinery: bulldozers, mechanical diggers, etc. 

I generally intervene when building starts. 

I may have to dig pits, trenches, foundations, etc. 

I may also work for private individuals in order to build custom homes for example or for civil engineering within the scope of numerous projects: roads, pavements, bridges, etc. 

I am a specialist in digging, excavating, etc. 

I handle all sorts of materials. 

In a more craftsmanship-based way I may have to handle wheelbarrows, or tools such as spades, etc. 

I always work outside.

The risks

Risks of poor visibility
For both me and my colleagues on the site,
I preferably wear high-visibility clothing. 

Weather risk
On the building sites I may be exposed to cold, extreme heat,
rain etc.

I wear clothing that is suited to the weather conditions.
Jacket, pullover, bodywarmer, parka, rain wear, gloves etc.

Risks associated with movements
I sometimes have to walk on the building site, get off the machine or
get on it: risk of falling, risk of crushing, falling objects, etc.
I wear protective shoes or boots, a face shield, etc.

Risks associated with minor repairs on the machines I use
Protective gloves against cuts, against oil, greases, etc.
Crash helmet.

Noise
I am exposed to noises associated with the building site.
I wear ear plugs and/or ear-muffs against the noise.

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The products suggested under this rubric may help the user when choosing personal protection equipment.
The test results may also help when choosing personal protection equipment.

However, it is understood that real conditions of use cannot be simulated.

It is therefore the responsibility of the user (and not of the manufacturer or its representative) to determine whether this product selection is suitable for the envisaged use.

Be aware that no PPE, even when compliant with one or more standards, offers an absolute guarantee of safety and protection.

In all cases, before performing any operation that could jeopardise your health or safety, it is indispensable that you perform a risk appraisal, that you envisage all possible preventive solutions, that you draw up an emergency plan if necessary, have the required qualifications and are familiar with the safety guidelines.

For safety and hygiene reasons, PPE is always for invidivual use.

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