Scrapers & Earthmovers

Scrapers cut, load, haul and spread large volumes of soil on highway, dam, mining and site work. They are huge, fast machines with poor visibility, big tires and articulating frames. Rollovers, run-overs and crush injuries are serious risks for operators and for ground crews working near them.

• Equipment Operators
• Grade Checkers
• Site Supervisors
• Mechanics

How scrapers work

• A scraper has a bowl with a cutting edge. The operator lowers the bowl, the machine cuts a layer of soil into it, then the apron closes and the load is hauled and spread (dumped) by ejecting it.
• Motor scrapers are self-propelled, often with two engines or a pusher tractor. Towed scrapers are pulled by a tractor. They may be elevating or push-loaded.
• They travel haul roads at higher speeds when loaded than many other earthmovers, so route design and traffic control matter. See Dump Trucks and Work Zones.

Main hazards

• Rollover: uneven haul roads, steep side slopes, soft edges, sharp turns and high speeds. See Equipment Rollovers and Slopes & Unstable Ground.
• Run-overs and blind spots: the operator cannot see behind, beside or close in front. Ground workers are at risk, especially during loading and dumping. See Backing & Spotters.
• Collisions with other equipment and haul trucks at crossings and in dust.
• Crush points: the articulation joint between tractor and bowl can crush people, and the bowl, apron and ejector can trap or crush when not blocked.
• Large tire hazards: blowouts, tire fires and wheel servicing accidents. See Rim & Wheel Servicing.
• Overhead power lines and buried utilities in the cut. See Overhead Power Lines.
• Noise, dust and vibration. See Whole-Body Vibration.
• Falls climbing on and off, and fire and fuel hazards. See Equipment Fueling.

Operator safety

• Operate only if trained and authorized, and evaluated on the type of machine. See Operator Training & Evaluation.
• Do a pre-use inspection: brakes, steering, lights, alarms, tires, hydraulics, bowl and apron controls, and leaks. Fix defects before use. See Equipment Basics.
• Wear your seat belt and keep the ROPS and guards in place. Rollover protective structures and seat belts are required on this equipment under OSHA's construction rules (29 CFR 1926.1000 and 1926.602). Never carry riders.
• Use three points of contact on steps and handholds; keep the walkways clear of mud and oil.
• Keep the bowl low to the ground when traveling (as the manual says) for stability and to keep the machine from tipping.
• Slow down on turns, hills and rough ground. Avoid crossing steep slopes with a loaded scraper and follow the maker's slope limits. Don't turn sharply when loaded.
• Use working horns, backup alarms and lights, and keep mirrors and windows clean.

Loading and pushers

• Use spotters or a signal system for pusher and scraper operations, and keep people out of the work area. Ground workers should stay out of the loading zone.
• Approach pushers slowly and square, engage the push block properly and stay in communication with the operator. Never let the push tractor hit the bumper hard.
• Spot and dump in safe, level, firm areas, away from edges and soft fill, and watch for crews, stakes and grade checkers.
• When towing a scraper, use correct hitches and chains rated for the load, follow the manual and avoid sudden turns.

Ground crew and haul road safety

• Keep ground workers out of the swing, turning and backing zones, and have them use high-visibility clothing. Make eye contact before approaching. Don't walk between a scraper and a push tractor or between machine sections.
• Plan haul roads with one-way traffic if possible, adequate width, berms at drop-offs, water control for dust and grading for drainage. Mark crossings and use signs. Keep haul roads maintained, with ruts and washouts repaired.
• Use proximity detection and cameras where available. See Proximity Warning Systems.
• Control dust with watering. See Water Trucks.

Maintenance

• Lock out and block the bowl, apron, ejector and frame before working under or in them. Use the articulation lock bar on the steering joint. See Blocking & Cribbing and Hydraulic Hazards.
• Depressurize hydraulics and engine systems before opening lines and check tires before service. Don't service tires without proper cages and training.
• Keep the cab and machine clean and free of fuel and oil to cut fire risk. Carry fire extinguishers.

Scraper safety checklist

• I'm trained, I inspected the machine and wear my seat belt
• The bowl is low while traveling and I stay within slope and speed limits
• Ground workers stay out of loading, turning and backing zones; spotters are used
• Haul roads are graded, watered and marked, with berms at edges
• I use the articulation lock and block the bowl before maintenance

Last updated: October 5, 2026