LANDSCAPE ONTARIO – WORKPLACE SAFETY TAILGATE TALKS
© 2026, WSPS.CA 89
POST HOLE AUGERS
Personal Protective Equipment
Equipment Hazards
?
What do you foresee being the most common type of
injury related to post hole augers? How can we prevent
such incidents from occurring on the jobsite?
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Care should be taken to ensure post hole augers are operated
safely when digging post holes and handling fencing material.
Prevention Points
There are different types of augers or diggers available
(e.g., PTO types, skid steer, single or two persons powered, etc.).
Review the General Health & Safety Best Practices section on
page 11 before performing any task.
Contact utilities for location of underground cables and utility
supply before digging.
Operate the auger at slow speeds.
Dig the hole in several steps by cleaning the auger frequently.
This reduces the load and allows for better control.
Do not lock the control in the "on" position.
