Construction Injuries Involving Backhoes

Certain types of construction work, particularly those that require any type of excavation on site, may include the use of backhoes. Backhoes are a specific type of excavator  —  a common type of heavy machine that is used in various types of construction projects. Generally speaking, backhoes are used for specific kinds of excavation tasks that require a slightly smaller excavation machine that can be more easily maneuvered in smaller or uneven areas. These heavy machines are made up of a larger loader, the tractor, stabilizer legs, excavating arm with attached bucket and boom and stick, and options for attachments such as drills, plate compactors, blades, and rakes.

While backhoes are used extensively in many types of construction projects, they are also factors in various kinds of accidents reported on construction sites. Our Maryland construction injury attorneys can tell you more about accidents involving backhoes and how you may be able to seek compensation after a serious injury.

Common Uses for Backhoes on Construction Sites

Backhoes can have different uses depending on the type of construction project. Generally speaking, they are used to dig and move material. While they cannot dig as deep as a traditional excavator, they can dig holes about 20 feet into the ground. They are often used to excavate land for landscaping projects, as well as for lighter duty excavation work in other areas.

Backhoe Injuries Reported in Construction Work

Although backhoes are not as large or heavy as traditional excavators, they are still heavy machines that come with serious injury risks. Some of the most commonly reported severe and deadly construction accidents involving backhoes reported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) include but are not limited to the following:

• Crush injuries when a backhoes strikes and runs over a worker on the ground;
• Construction worker struck by a backhoe bucket;
• Construction worker struck by blades or other attachments on a backhoe;
• Construction worker injured in backhoe rollover accident;
• Construction worker caught between a backhoe and another vehicle;
• Heat stroke injury while operating a backhoe;
• Traumatic finger amputation when fingers gets caught in or caught between the backhoe and the bucket;
• Construction worker falls from backhoe during operation.

Backhoe Safety in Construction

According to the Heavy Equipment College, understanding the four main components of a backhoe  —  the front loader, tractor, stabilizers, and the excavating arm  —  is the first step in backhoe safety. Knowing the main parts and how they operate can help workers to avoid injuries. In addition, workers should all be trained on backhoe operation and safety, whether they are operating the backhoe or working around it. Operators should also assess their surroundings before operating a backhoe (to avoid striking a worker on the ground) and should always shut down the backhoe fully when it is not in use.

Contact Our  Maryland Construction Worker Injury Attorney for Assistance Seeking Compensation After a Backhoe Injury

Were you injured in a construction site accident involving a backhoe or another type of excavator? It is extremely important to find out about your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits through the Maryland workers’ compensation system. You may be eligible to have your medical expenses covered and to receive payment for lost wages. One of the experienced Maryland construction worker injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Steinhardt, Siskind and Lieberman, LLC can speak with you today about the details of your work injury and your options for seeking compensation. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you.

Sources:

osha.gov/ords/imis/AccidentSearch.search?acc_keyword=%22Backhoe%22&keyword_list=on

heavyequipmentcollege.edu/backhoe-safety-tips/