Work Site Conditions Continued

• Soil Conditions
  Surface and soil characteristics of moisture content, composition and firmness that will determine the stability of the working surface. Will there be a need for special attachments or tools to break or move the surface layers.
• Grade Conditions
  Is the surface relatively level or are there embankments, slopes or drop-offs, which could pose a problem for machine stability?
• Hidden Hazards
  Objects which are not obvious or hidden from view by heavy brush, vegetation or other obstacles.

Heavy equipment operators have a lot of responsibility as they control the movement of machines capable of massive damage and destruction. With all the things an operator has to think about while doing the job, a pre-job walk-around can help expose any hazards pr surprises. Also, a quick survey may lead to alternate plans on how to complete the work the quickest and most efficient way possible. The aim of the contractor is profitable operation with minimal down time or delays, so a few minutes on a survey of the work area is always a good idea.