AskWe do not permit lifting of loads using the bucket teeth of an excavator or by hanging rigging across the bucket. But we often use the excavator lifting point, a hook mounted on the bucket, to lift loads around the site. Create a Safe Work Practice (SWP) for lifting loads with the lifting point of an excavator bucket. Include all the usual requirements for safe lifting as they pertain to rigging and lifting device condition. One of the main concerns is that the hook, regularly makes contact with the earth, during digging and other excavator operations, so we cannot guarantee the condition of the hook beyond a good visual inspecting. Even NDT testing would be invalid if the hook were to be used in a digging capacity and made contact with the earth.

Generated on: December 15, 2025

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This response was generated using your private uploaded documents and publicly available safety documents and regulations.

Safe Work Practice for Excavator Bucket Lifting Point

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This safe work practice (SWP) outlines the procedures for the safe use of excavator bucket lifting points for rigging and lifting operations. It covers the inspection of rigging and lifting devices, safe load handling practices, and awareness of ground contact hazards. This SWP applies to all personnel involved in lifting operations using excavator buckets with designated lifting points. It does not cover lifting operations that exceed the excavator's rated lifting capacity or any lifting without properly inspected and certified rigging.

2. Definitions

Qualified Rigger A person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to rigging and lifting operations. The employer must use at least one qualified rigger to perform the rigging during hoisting activities for assembly, disassembly, or re-configuration work; Whenever employees are engaged in hooking, unhooking, or guiding a load, or in the initial connection of a load to a component or structure. [1]

Rated Load The maximum load a component or piece of equipment is designed to handle. An employer or contractor shall not require or permit the operator of a hoist, crane or lifting device to raise any load that is greater than the rated load determined by the manufacturer of the equipment or a professional engineer for the conditions in which the equipment is to be operated. [2]

Rigging Hardware Equipment such as shackles, links, rings, swivels, and hooks used to connect the load to the lifting device. [1]

Below-the-hook lifting devices Lifting accessories used between the hook and the load. All below-the-hook lifting devices in use must meet the ap- plicable requirements for design, inspection, construction, testing, maintenance and operation as prescribed in ASME B30.20-2021. [1]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are trained and competent in the safe use of excavator bucket lifting points, rigging, and lifting devices.
Verify that all rigging and lifting equipment is inspected before use and is in good working condition.
Conduct pre-lift meetings to discuss the lift plan, potential hazards, and control measures.
Ensure that the excavator is operated within its rated lifting capacity and that the load is properly secured.
Monitor lifting operations to ensure compliance with this SWP and other relevant safety procedures.

3.2 Workers

Participate in training and demonstrate competency in the safe use of excavator bucket lifting points, rigging, and lifting devices.
Inspect all rigging and lifting equipment before use and report any defects to the supervisor.
Follow the lift plan and instructions provided by the supervisor and qualified rigger.
Ensure that the load is properly secured and balanced before lifting.
Maintain a safe distance from the load during lifting operations.
Report any unsafe conditions or practices to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of safe work practices for lifting operations.
Conduct regular workplace inspections to identify potential hazards related to lifting operations.
Investigate incidents and near misses related to lifting operations and recommend corrective actions.
Promote a culture of safety and awareness regarding lifting operations.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Failure of rigging or lifting device [1]	Load dropping, causing serious injury or death.	Use only certified rigging and lifting devices with appropriate SWL. Inspect all rigging before each use. The rated load of the rigging equipment must not be excee- ded.
Swinging load [7]	Load colliding with workers or objects, causing injury or damage.	Use tag lines to control the load. Ensure a clear path of travel. Do not stand near a load. Position yourself away from and fully clear of the load. Remember to also consider how the load might fall when it lands.
Ground contact hazards (underground utilities, unstable ground) [8]	Damage to utilities, excavator rollover, or ground collapse.	Identify and mark underground utilities before digging or lifting. Ensure the ground is stable and level. Inspect the area where the crane/equipment will be set up and look for inadequate surface area; Inadequate support to withstand all force imposed, wind, weather, and unstable conditions; and Other potentially hazardous conditions.
Overhead hazards (power lines, structures) [3]	Electrocution, collision, or entanglement.	Identify and maintain safe clearance from overhead power lines. Be aware of overhead structures and obstructions. MNOSHA Instruction STD 1-16.7A Documentation required for citations relating to a lack of PPE shall include voltages that workers are exposed or potentially exposed to, tasks performed (voltage testing, maintenance, etc.) and proximity to live or potentially live parts.
Improper rigging techniques [9]	Load slippage or failure, causing injury or damage.	Use correct rigging methods for the load. Ensure proper sling angles and attachment points. A choker hitch only compresses the load on 3 sides whereas a double wrap choker hitch compresses the load on all 4 sides providing better load control.
Unqualified or untrained personnel [4]	Incorrect operation of equipment, leading to accidents.	Only trained and qualified personnel are allowed to operate the excavator and perform rigging. Recommended that the operator demonstrates the ability to operate the lifter safely and as outlined above prior to using the lifter.
Manual Handling [6]	Back injuries are caused by lifting and carrying heavy materials, working in awkward positions, and bending often to lift materials off the ground.	Whenever possible, use mechanical equipment like a dolly to move heavy objects horizontally. Never try to lift an item weighing over 50 pounds by yourself. Plan your lifts; make sure the path is clear and you are facing the direction of travel before lifting.
Equipment Failure [5]	Equipment malfunctions during operation.	Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment. If the inspection of a hoist, crane or lifting device reveals a condition that might render the equipment unsafe or incapable of raising the rated load mentioned in subsection 13-8(2), an employer, contractor or supplier shall not require or permit the use of the equipment until any necessary repairs are completed.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel involved in lifting operations must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Hard Hat: Provides head protection from falling objects or impacts.
Safety Glasses: Protects eyes from dust, debris, and other potential hazards.
High-Visibility Vest: Ensures the worker is visible to equipment operators and other personnel.
Gloves: Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and other hazards.
Steel-Toed Boots: Protects feet from crushing injuries.
Hearing Protection: Protects hearing from loud noises.

Inspect all PPE before each use for any signs of damage or wear. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintaining PPE.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools used in lifting operations must be inspected regularly and maintained in good working condition.

Excavator: Used for lifting and moving loads. Ensure the excavator is in good working condition and has a current inspection.
Certified Slings: Used to connect the load to the excavator bucket lifting point. All slings in use must meet the applicable requirements for design, inspection, construction, testing, maintenance and operation as prescribed in ASME B30.9-2021. [1]
Shackles: Used to connect slings and other rigging hardware. All rigging hardware in use must meet the applicable require- ments for design, inspection, construction, testing, maintenance and operation as prescribed in ASME B30.26-2020. [1]
Tag Lines: Used to control the load during lifting.
Measuring Tape/Device: Used to verify load dimensions and clearances.

Regularly inspect all equipment, including the excavator, rigging, and lifting devices, for any signs of damage or wear. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for inspection and maintenance. An employer, contractor or supplier shall ensure that a hoist, crane or lifting device is inspected by a competent person to determine whether the hoist, crane or lifting device is in safe working condition before the hoist, crane or lifting device is used at the start of each work shift; and at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. [5]

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All personnel involved in lifting operations must be trained and competent in the safe use of excavators, rigging, and lifting devices. Training must include:

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted before each lifting operation to discuss the lift plan, potential hazards, and control measures.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Before commencing any lifting operation, the work area must be properly prepared.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Pre-Lift Inspection: Before commencing any lifting operation, a thorough inspection of all equipment and the work area must be conducted. [10]
- Inspect the excavator bucket lifting point for any signs of damage or wear.
- Inspect all rigging (slings, shackles, etc.) for defects, such as cuts, abrasions, or corrosion.
- Ensure that the load is properly prepared and balanced for lifting.
- Inspect the lifting magnet face and surface of the load for foreign mate- rials and smoothness
- Check the surrounding area for any overhead obstructions, underground utilities, or unstable ground conditions.
Rigging the Load: Proper rigging techniques are critical to ensure a safe lift. [1]
- Use the correct type and size of slings for the load.
- Attach the slings to the designated lifting points on the load and the excavator bucket.
- Ensure that the load is balanced and secure before lifting.
- All loads must be attached to the hook by means of suitable slings or other devices of sufficient lifting capacity.
Lifting the Load: The lifting operation must be performed smoothly and carefully.
- Signal the excavator operator to slowly lift the load.
- Use tag lines to control the load and prevent swinging.
- Avoid sudden starts and stops.
- Ensure that the load clears all obstructions during lifting and moving.
Moving the Load: The load must be moved in a controlled manner to its destination.
- Maintain a safe distance from the load during transport.
- Avoid traveling over uneven or unstable ground.
- Communicate clearly with the excavator operator and other personnel.
Lowering the Load: The load must be lowered gently and precisely to its final position.
- Signal the excavator operator to slowly lower the load.
- Ensure that the load is properly supported before releasing the rigging.
- Remove the rigging carefully and inspect it for any damage.
Post-Lift Inspection: After the lifting operation is complete, inspect all equipment for any signs of damage or wear.
- Inspect the excavator bucket lifting point, slings, and shackles.
- Report any defects to the supervisor and remove the equipment from service.
- Store the equipment in a safe and secure location.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Never exceed the rated lifting capacity of the excavator or the rigging.
Always maintain a safe distance from the load during lifting operations.
Use tag lines to control the load and prevent swinging.
Ensure that the load is properly balanced and secured before lifting.
Inspect all equipment before each use and report any defects to the supervisor.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures:

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Load Dropping: Evacuate the area immediately. Do not attempt to catch or stop the falling load. Report the incident to the supervisor and initiate an investigation.
Equipment Failure: Stop the lifting operation immediately. Lower the load to the ground if possible. Do not attempt to repair the equipment yourself. Report the incident to the supervisor and initiate an investigation.
Personal Injury: Provide first aid to the injured person. Call for medical assistance if necessary. Report the incident to the supervisor and initiate an investigation.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

In case of emergency, contact the supervisor, first aid personnel, and emergency services immediately.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. The reporting process should include a written report detailing the incident, the cause, and any injuries or damage that occurred.

A thorough investigation must be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The investigation should involve all relevant personnel and should be documented in a written report.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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