Operating a motor grader comes with inherent risks. Safety is the number one priority.
Adhering to tried-and-tested safety protocols protects people, extends equipment life and maximises operational efficiency.
Why work-site safety is key
Job sites are, by nature, hazardous. The terrain is rough and uneven, and conditions can be slippery, muddy or dusty. That’s not the ideal operating environment for powerful machines like motor graders.
When operators aren’t properly trained and certified, and safety guidelines are overlooked, accidents can happen.
Types of job-site accidents involving motor graders
People on the ground or alighting from vehicles can be struck by the moldboard, blade or grader itself, or crushed between the machine and an immovable object.
Graders can collide with dump trucks, excavators, concrete mixers or heavy-duty vehicles, machines and equipment typically used in road works or on construction sites.
Contact with exposed power lines or electrical wiring can result in electrocution and associated second- or third-degree burns.
Poor operating techniques may cause a grader to tip over, injuring or crushing the operator or workers.
Not all accidents can be anticipated and prevented, but there are ways to maximise motor grader safety on work sites.
Here’s a round-up of essential motor grader safety tips for before, during and after operation.
Pre-operation motor grader safety tips
Prior to operation, always inspect the motor grader and the surrounding area.
Inspection processes will differ according to employer, site manager or job site. Our printable motor grader inspection checklist is an example of best practice.
As part of a structured inspection process, check that all components, operator controls and safety features are functioning correctly.
If an abnormality is detected, don’t use the grader until it has been repaired and verified safe to operate.
Spend time evaluating the work area, taking surfaces, clearances and weight limitations into account. Assess how to move the grader to the site. Are there hazards to consider along the way?
Remove oil, mud and debris from the steps, handrails, footholds and cab. Ensure all windows are clean. An unimpaired view to the back, sides and front of the machine is critical to safe operations.
Motor grader safety tips during operation
During operation, ensure you are seated comfortably, belted in and wearing personal protective gear – gloves, safety glasses, high-visibility vest and hard hat.
Scrutinise the surroundings to identify hazards or obstacles to negotiate or avoid. Awareness of other vehicles, people, surface conditions and overhead power lines is key to safe operations.
Before starting the motor grader, set the controls to neutral and indicate the intent to people working nearby. Move the blade up and down, and left to right, to identify possible defects indicated by unusual sounds or vibrations.
Maintain a slow, safe speed and distance. Always use the hazard lights, especially in high-traffic areas. When grading is in process, attach red flags to the moldboard and turn on the flashing lights.
When travelling over rough, slippery or uneven terrain or on grades and hills, reduce speed and keep the grader in gear.
Avoid turning on a slope when the vehicle may be unstable. Double-check the area behind the grader, including blind spots, before reversing.
Safety tips for motor graders post-operation
Once a job is complete, park the motor grader on a level surface and engage the handbrake. Ensure all controls are set to a secure position. If parking on a slight incline or decline is unavoidable, block each wheel securely.
Centre and lower the blade to the ground, lock it in place and remove the key from the ignition. Finally, perform any post-operation inspection steps required at the work site.
Recap of motor grader tips for operator, worker and machine safety
Operator safety tips: operator safety generally applies to measures taken inside the grader’s cab to reduce the risks to the operator.
Operators should:
- always wear personal protective equipment
- strap on the safety belt before starting the machine
- check for warning lights or unusual noises
- ensure the view is unobstructed
- clear the steps, footholds and cab floor of oil, mud or debris
- never allow anyone in the cab while the machine is in operation.
Worker safety tips
Construction workers often carry out tasks close to a moving grader. Observe the following safety protocols to reduce risks:
- ensure there is clear communication between the operator and workers
- use flashing safety lights when the machine is in operation
- mark the ends of the moldboard with a red flag
- double-check the way is clear before reversing the grader
- do not allow anyone to work underneath the blade when raised.
Machine safety tips
Follow the basic machine safety guidelines set out below to prevent wear and tear, extend the life of the motor grader and boost operator safety:
- always park the grader on a level surface and engage the handbrake
- ground and lock the blade when the machine is unattended
- lock the cab and remove the keys
- keep the grader maintained
- ensure all repairs are conducted by an experienced technician.
High-performance rebuilt Cat motor graders for sale in South Africa
KH Plant is the leading Cat motor grader rebuild specialist in South Africa. We focus on refurbishing 140G, 140K and 140H Caterpillar motor graders to as-new condition.
Our rebuilt motor graders are backed by extensive warranties and after-sales support. Contact us online or call us on +27 11 568 9787 for more information.
