LANDSCAPE ONTARIO – WORKPLACE SAFETY TAILGATE TALKS
104 © 2026, WSPS.CA
Review the General Health & Safety Best Practices section on
page 11 before performing any task.
Ensure attachments are locked in place prior to use.
Ensure that seatbelt is worn during operation.
If you hit an obstruction, stop the engine to inspect for damage.
Ensure all guards and shields are in place and functioning
properly. Keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.
Check to see counterweights as recommended by the
manufacturer are in place to balance the skid steer.
Operate with caution on uneven surfaces. Whenever possible,
avoid steep slopes.
Avoid over loading the skid steer. Carry the load as low as
possible. Avoid sharp turns and slopes with a raised load.
Never allow extra riders on the equipment.
Operate with extreme caution near areas with sharp drop-offs.
Do not undercut banks or materials which are piled high, to
avoid falling rocks or cave ins.
Be alert when backfilling, for unstable soils which could collapse
under the weight of the skid steer.
Never leave the machine running and unattended. Ensure
implement is lowered, engine is off and stopped, parking brake
is set, and the shift is placed in park or neutral.
– If stopping for any length of time lock the ignition and
remove the key
ACTION!
Perform a circle check of
the skid steer with your
crew members.
