Grader and Scraper Safety

Motor graders and scrapers are large earthmoving machines used for levelling, profiling, and material transport.
Graders have a long wheelbase and wide blade, creating large blind spots on both sides of the machine.
Scrapers operate at higher speeds than other earthmoving plant, increasing the severity of any collision.
Both machines require wide turning circles — operatives on foot must allow generous clearance distances.
The grader blade extends beyond the body width and can strike people and objects that appear clear of the machine.
Scrapers travelling between cut and fill areas share haul roads with other plant and vehicles.
Operators must hold a valid CPCS or NPORS card specific to the grader or scraper category.
Pre-use inspections must check tyres, blade condition, steering, brakes, and all safety systems.
Dust generated by grading and scraping operations can reduce visibility for the operator and nearby workers.
Graders and scrapers operating on slopes require careful assessment of overturning risk and gradient limits.

Pedestrian strikes	Large blind spots and extended blade width mean graders can strike pedestrians who believe they are at a safe distance.
High-speed collision	Scrapers travel faster than most site plant — collisions with vehicles and workers result in serious or fatal injuries.
Overturning	Operating on slopes or uneven ground with a wide blade or loaded bowl creates overturning hazards.

Do

Don't

Hold a valid CPCS or NPORS card for the specific grader or scraper category
Complete a pre-use inspection of tyres, blade, steering, and brakes each shift
Maintain exclusion zones around the machine when the blade or bowl is operating
Use a banksman where visibility is restricted or pedestrians are nearby
Observe haul road speed limits, especially for scrapers operating between cut and fill
Assess slope gradients before operating graders or scrapers on inclined surfaces
Wear a seatbelt at all times while operating the machine
Use dust suppression when grading or scraping dry materials in windy conditions
Sound the horn before moving off and at junctions, bends, and crossing points
Ensure adequate lighting on the machine when operating in hours of darkness

DON'T walk within the swing radius of the grader blade at any time
DON'T operate scrapers above the posted haul road speed limit
DON'T allow pedestrians to share haul roads with moving graders or scrapers
DON'T operate on slopes steeper than the machine's rated gradient limit
DON'T leave the machine with the blade or bowl raised and the engine running
DON'T reverse without a banksman when rear visibility is restricted
DON'T carry passengers on any part of the grader or scraper
DON'T operate with cracked or underinflated tyres — report and replace them
DON'T ignore reduced visibility from dust — slow down or stop and wait for it to clear
DON'T attempt to adjust the blade or bowl while the machine is in motion

See also: Plant and Pedestrian Segregation | Haul Road Construction and Maintenance

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