These crucial earthmoving vehicles dig, haul and transport materials in construction, demolition, excavation, site clearing and more. Under OSHA regulations, safety training is required before operating heavy equipment.

This online heavy equipment program prepares you to safely, efficiently and confidently operate these machines. In less than two hours, this course will help you meet jobsite requirements, earn a valuable certification and advance your career. Apply what you learn immediately with an instantly downloadable certificate and wallet card.

Excavator Training Course Details

Satisfies Training Standards for:

1926.601, 1926.602 and more

Designed for:

Operators of Excavators and Other Earthmoving Equipment

Format:

100% online course

Provides:

Digital Certificate of Completion + Printable Wallet Card

Benefits of Heavy Equipment Operator Training

Benefits of this course include:

OSHA-Aligned Curriculum for Heavy Machinery
High-Quality Video Lessons and Real-World Scenarios
Instantly Downloadable Certificate
Easy-to-Use Tools for Students and Employers
Bulk Discounts Available

Who Needs This Course?

Employees must be trained and competent to operate heavy machinery and earthmoving equipment as defined in 1926.602(a). Employers are obligated to ensure all workers who use these machines meet safety requirements before starting work.

These powerful earthmovers are used in many industries, including:

Construction
Roadwork
Utility installation
Demolition
Forestry
Mining
Emergency cleanup
Site clearing
And more

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, you will:

Understand how an excavator works and what it can be used for.
Know how to keep the machine stable when operating one on a jobsite.
Recognize the different hazards operators and those working near them can encounter.
Understand how to avoid major hazards to keep yourself and your coworkers safe.
Know how to prepare yourself, your jobsite and your equipment before operation.
Understand how to safely operate this device.
Be able to describe proper shutdown procedures.
Know how to act as a spotter to keep yourself and the operator safe while the machine is in use.

Testing Requirements

At the end of each chapter, you must complete a three-question quiz before advancing to the next lesson. This course also contains two 10-question tests. You must score at least 80% on each exam to pass.

There is no time limit for the tests. You may take each exam as many times as needed to pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are excavators considered a type of powered industrial truck (PIT) or crane?

No. While they are similar in design to many forklifts or mobile cranes, excavators are a form of heavy earthmoving equipment. Forklifts and other PITs are regulated by 29 CFR 1910.178, while cranes and derricks are governed by 29 CFR 1926.1400. Neither standard applies to earthmovers.

What are the safety standards for using this machine?

While many OSHA standards apply to excavators and the work they are used for, there isn’t a unified federal standard defining the cost, duration and licensing requirements for training.

The standards in 1926.21(b)(2) and 1926.602(d) establish the requirements for employers to train heavy equipment operators in common hazards and safe operating procedures.

Our curriculum aligns with crucial standards governing this class of machinery, including:

29 CFR 1926.600 — Requirements for motor vehicles and mechanized equipment
29 CFR 1926.601— Additional information about motor vehicles used in construction
29 CFR 1926.602 — Definitions of material handling equipment
29 CFR 1926.602(a) — Covers earthmoving machinery
29 CFR 1926.604 — Site clearing standards
29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2) — Employee instruction on job-specific hazards
29 CFR 1926.650-652 — Safety standards for excavation operations
29 CFR 1926, Subpart P, App A — Soil classification
29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, App B — Sloping and benching
29 CFR 1926, Subpart P, App F — Protective systems
29 CFR 1926.1402 — Ground conditions
29 CFR 1926.1408 — Power line safety
29 CFR 1926.1412 — Inspections
29 CFR 1910.145(d)(10) — Regulations for slow-moving vehicles
General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) — States that employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards

Is this course approved by OSHA?

OSHA does not approve individuals, learning providers or education programs. However, this course complies with the training and certification details contained in the Code of Federal Regulations. Students who complete this course meet training standards for safely operating this class of heavy equipment.

What do I get at the end of this online course?

Once you complete all lesson modules and pass all exams, you will receive an instant digital Certificate of Completion and a digital wallet-sized card. You may download and print both documents as many times as you want.

OSHA does not provide official licenses for these machines, but you can show your certificate or wallet card to your employer to demonstrate that you have been trained according to federal safety standards.

Does my certificate expire?

No. Your certificate does not expire. However, you should regularly repeat your training every three years to refresh your skills, stay updated on changing standards and keep abreast of industry best practices.

By law, operators must be trained in any of the following situations:

Before starting work
After an accident, injury or near miss
If unsafe or improper operation is observed
Following a significant change in workplace conditions, job duties or equipment

How long does this course last?

This online course takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. There is no time limit. Train at your own pace. You may start and stop your studies at any time. Our learning platform automatically saves your progress as you go.

Can I purchase this course for my employees?

Yes! We make it easy to train any number of employees. Our simple admin dashboard lets managers purchase, assign and track any number of courses with just a few clicks. A download library simplifies recordkeeping by letting supervisors keep a copy of each employee’s certificates.

Bulk discounts help reduce costs. Starting with just two courses, discounts increase with the number of courses you buy at once.

Excavator Operator Training Online