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Top 10 excavator training courses

We’ve made a list of excavator training courses to help protect your workers from potential illnesses and accidents and improve the efficiency of your business operation. With these courses, they’ll learn how to operate equipment and stay safe while working on their tasks.

An excavator operator
Excavation training courses - SC Training logo
1

Excavation and Trenching

Excavators are known for their powerful digging ability and mobility, which is why they’re popular in both excavation and trenching operations. If your operators are involved in this type of construction work, then they will definitely benefit from this excavator training course by SC Training (formerly EdApp). The Excavation and Trenching course contains an overview of excavation and trenching, as well as the risks that come with this type of job.

It also discusses the significance of pre-planning before bidding on an excavation or trenching job, and some factors to consider to ensure that the operation follows the safety guidelines set by OSHA. Toward the end of this course, your learners will get to learn the different protective systems to prevent excavator-related accidents. 

For this course, you can take advantage of SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s Creator Tool to tweak its content and make sure that it fits the policies and processes that are exclusive to your team. You can also customize its font and styling, or even add your logo and branding requirements.

You can even get help from a team of expert instructional designers to make sure that your courses are interactive and engaging with SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s Course Creation Services (add-on). This will help your team pay attention to their training materials and retain their knowledge.

Created by: SC Training

Length: 5-10 minutes per lesson (self-paced)

Certificate: Available

Cost: Free (up to 10 users)

Excavation training courses - SC Training logo
2

Working in the Heat

Working with excavators at high temperatures puts your workers at high risk of heat-related illnesses. Working in the Heat by the course authoring software SC Training provides a comprehensive overview of the common heat hazards faced by excavator operators working in high-temperature settings.

It also goes over the lesser-known dangers of working in the heat, which include fatal rhabdomyolysis, arrhythmia, and melanoma. What's great about this course is that it also outlines the early symptoms of these heat hazards, and how to respond to emergencies like heat stroke and rhabdomyolysis.

The last part then focuses on the control measures and best practices to minimize heat stress at work, as well as the benefits of using PPEs. 

This SC Training course uses images and interactive templates to increase learners' engagement. There are also quizzes structured in smartphone game formats, like true or false, missing words, and number sentences to boost knowledge retention. 

Created by: SC Training

Length: 5-10 minutes per lesson (self-paced)

Certificate: Available

Cost: Free (up to 10 users)

Excavator training courses - Leavitt Machinery logo
3

Excavator Certification Course

This Leavitt Machinery excavator training course highlights the best safety and performance practices for working with or around excavators. Through a mix of multimedia presentations and interactive discussions, learners will get to explore the hazards of working with excavators, preventative maintenance procedures, and pre-operation inspections to minimize potential risks on site.

They will learn safe operating practices like the proper excavator start-up and shutdown procedures, steering and maneuvering, and excavating techniques. A lesson on proper loading techniques and procedures will also be covered toward the end of this course. 

Created by: Leavitt Machinery
Length: 1 day

Certificate: Available

Cost: Available upon request

Excavation training courses - Bobcat Company logo
4

Compact Excavator Online Operator Training Course

Bobcat Company’s Excavator Operator Training Course focuses on the safety rules and practices for operating compact excavators. It gives a comprehensive overview of the major components of a compact excavator, including its operating and safety features. The importance of maintenance for safe and efficient operation is also explained in detail.

This course explores the steps of safe entry, start-up, parking, and exiting, followed by the fundamentals of safe maneuvering. Your workers will also learn the principles of lift capacity when lifting heavy loads using excavators.

Created by: Bobcat Company

Length: 3 hours

Certificate: Available

Cost: 100 USD

Excavation training courses - Building Safety Group logo
5

Excavator Training

Building Safety Group’s excavator safety training is also a great excavator training course to consider. It goes over the fundamentals of excavators, including their controls, coolant, fuel, and lubrication system. There is also a lesson covering the current regulations, which your workers should adhere to avoid penalties and on-site accidents.

This course explains the steps of performing deep and shallow excavation, as well as trenching, back-filling, and leveling. It also sheds light on the importance of pre-shift inspections to ensure that the equipment they’ll operate is safe and up-to-date. Workers who completed this training will be qualified to operate excavators in the UK, although they will still need a permission slip from an authorized person to ensure their health and safety on site. 

Created by: Building Safety Group

Length: Depending on the lesson plan

Certificate: Available

Cost: Starts at £555

Excavation training courses - Hard Hat Training logo
6

Excavator Pre-Operation Inspection Training Video

Performing a pre-operation inspection on excavators is extremely vital. This is primarily because this process helps ensure that this equipment is in good working condition before your workers start their digging and lifting works. In this excavator training course by Hard Hat, your workers will learn how to do an excavator pre-operation inspection correctly.

They will also get to discover the importance of using excavator inspection checklists in clarifying their inspection responsibilities and reporting their inspection activities. This training resource can be used either as an onboarding or refresher material for your excavator operators. What's great is that it will only run for approximately 17 minutes, perfect for the busy schedules of your workers.

Created by: Hard Hat Training

Length: 30 minutes

Certificate: Not available

Cost: 475 USD

Excavation training courses - SC Training logo
7

Working Safely with Machinery

SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s Working Safely with Machinery was designed particularly for workers involved in operating heavy machinery and equipment, like excavators. Here, they’ll learn more about some of the most common machine and equipment hazards they are most likely to face, and some safeguarding measures to prevent on-site accidents.

In some cases where workplace hazards may be hard to avoid, they will also know how to follow risk controls in order to keep the risks and potential harms to a minimum. The importance of pre- and post-operational safety inspections in securing on-site safety are also discussed. It will guide your workers through their responsibilities to ensure their safety before and after operating heavy equipment like excavators.

Your learners will receive a certificate upon completion of the course, which can be used as proof that they have adequate knowledge of working safely with excavators. They're automatically generated with your branding, designs, and imagery, so you no longer need to spend time customizing certificates. 

Created by: SC Training

Length: 5-10 minutes per lesson (self-paced)

Certificate: Available

Cost: Free (up to 10 users)

Excavation training courses - 360Training logo
8

Excavator Operator Safety Course Online

This excavator training course by 360training can lend a hand in ensuring that your workers are fully equipped with the OSHA-mandated skills and knowledge needed to operate excavators, both safely and efficiently. It details the anatomy and moving parts of an excavator, and the right way to maintain and inspect them to ensure their safety and usability when operating.

Learners are also guided through the excavator safety best practices to help them avoid common excavator hazards. This employee safety training is 100% online, perfect for self-paced learning. The content is also updated regularly to make sure that it remains current with the guidelines set by OSHA. 

Created by: 360Training

Length: 1 hour

Certificate: Available

Cost: 79 USD

Excavator training courses - United Rentals logo
9

Excavator Operator Certification

United Rentals has also put together an excavator training course that can be used to onboard new operators or refresh the knowledge of seasoned workers. It contains a comprehensive rundown of the basics of excavators, which include the different types of this equipment, main parts, and their functions.

The importance of pre-inspection and how to implement this task are also discussed in full depth. The other half of this course focuses on the key information needed to ensure the safe operation of an excavator. Limitations, hazards, and controls are also explored. Upon successful completion, learners will get an operator’s certificate and a free wallet card. 

Created by: United Rentals

Length: 3 hours

Certificate: Available

Cost: 239 USD

Excavation training courses - SC Training logo
10

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Construction

Personal protective equipment (PPE) serves as the first line of defense against untoward accidents that can occur when working with excavators. However, providing your employees with this safety equipment isn't enough to protect them from hazards and injuries — they must also know how to use and maintain their PPEs to get the most safety and protection from them.

SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Construction course guides learners through the importance of PPE when working with equipment like excavators, and how this safety equipment will protect them from workplace-related injuries and illnesses.

It discusses the different types of PPE used in the construction industry, and how the work clothing and equipment should be worn and used. There’s also a lesson on the basics of hearing conservation to reduce the progression of noise-induced hearing loss, which is prevalent when working with excavators. 

This construction training course follows a microlearning design model, which increases the likelihood of retention. It also fits the busy schedules of your excavator operators as it will not take them too long to finish this course. They can access it using their tablets and smartphones, allowing them to take it anytime and anywhere they prefer. 

Created by: SC Training

Length: 5-10 minutes per lesson (self-paced)

Certificate: Available

Cost: Free (up to 10 users)

Excavator training is crucial for safe and effective machine operations. Without well-trained operators, your crew is more likely to experience accidents or damaged equipment.

Operators equipped with the right techniques and safety measures can work more efficiently. This helps projects save time and costs, boosting productivity and returns on investment. Training makes sure excavation tasks meet all relevant standards, regulations, and specifications.

What is excavator training?

Excavator training teaches your crew how to operate excavators safely and effectively. Teams can learn various operational techniques, key equipment functions, and important safety protocols that enhance their machine expertise and use.

An excavator course equips your operators to complete tasks efficiently while prioritizing safety. It allows them to reduce accidents and boost productivity, leading to quicker and more cost-effective projects.

How to get excavator certification?

Here is a quick overview to help your crew receive their excavator certification for compliance and operational excellence: 

  • Research requirements: Start by reading the legal guidelines for excavator training in your area. Be sure to check the required skill sets, knowledge, certification types, and mode of completion needed to qualify as an operator.
  • Choose an accredited training program: Register for a training program that satisfies the requirements of your location. Also, verify that the course is reputable and complies with all regulations.
  • Complete the course: Attend all classes and engage in the learning process. Focus on understanding safety guidelines and how to operate the equipment safely.
  • Pass the assessment: Certification training requires operators to pass an excavator evaluation. This makes sure they understand proper procedures, maintenance, and safety checks for secure excavation tasks.
  • Gain experience: Crew members should gain practical experience in excavation operations after receiving their authorized certification. This allows them to apply what they’ve learned and sharpen their skills.
  • Stay updated: Taking refresher courses and workshops helps operators stay sharp and informed about the latest safety guidelines and work procedures.

Improve on-site safety with excavator training courses

Providing your workers with excavator training courses, either as an onboarding or refresher material, is vital for their on-site safety. Handling excavators is risky, and it’s your responsibility as an employer to ensure that your team has adequate operational knowledge and experience under their belts to minimize these risks.

Investing in excavator training courses will give you peace of mind knowing that they are fully capable of operating excavators, both safely and efficiently. These courses will also ensure that your team's conforming to government-imposed standards and regulations. It will save you from potential fines and financial losses in the future, and help you secure a compliance record that will prove and maintain your operation's safety and credibility in the long run.

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