What are the potential hazards of operating an excavator near water?

Operating an excavator near water presents several hazards, primarily due to the risk of the equipment tipping. This is due to softer ground conditions that can be found near water bodies, which may not provide adequate support for the heavy machinery. The weight of the excavator, combined with the potential instability of the ground when saturated, significantly increases the risk of the machine overturning.

Additionally, water can create visibility issues due to reflections or splashing, complicating the operation further. Those factors, coupled with potential undercutting of the bank and the presence of debris in the water, contribute to the overall hazard of tipping. It is critical for operators to be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions when working in such environments to ensure safety.