COURSE OVERVIEW
Digger derricks are powerful, truck-mounted machines used in utility, telecommunications, and construction work for drilling holes, setting poles, handling transformers, and supporting overhead line operations. While they’re essential on many job sites, digger derrick operations also involve serious hazards including tip-overs, powerline contact, falling loads, and struck-by incidents. This course provides the foundational knowledge workers need to support safe digger derrick operations and prevent common incidents on site.
By the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Identify the major hazards associated with digger derrick operations
- Perform basic pre-use inspections and recognize unsafe equipment conditions
- Explain how stability, leverage, and outrigger setup affect tip-over risk
- Use safe setup practices, including cribbing and outrigger pads, to support lifting operations
- Apply lift planning basics, including load awareness, exclusion zones, and communication roles
- Describe safe operating practices to prevent struck-by injuries and dropped loads
- Recognize when conditions are unsafe and follow general emergency response procedures
COURSE TOPICS
Course topics include:
- Digger Derrick Fundamentals
- Major Hazards (tip-over, overhead hazards, powerline contact, rigging, struck-by)
- Responsibilities, Roles, and Competency
- Applicable Safety Standards and Legal Requirements
- Pre-Operational Inspection
- Setup and Stability
- Load Charts and Lift Planning
- Rigging Awareness
- Safe Operation (work zones, communication, PPE)
- Emergency Procedures
ONLINE COURSE DURATION
This course is approximately 120 minutes long.
PASS MARK
The pass mark for this course is 80%. Learners can make 3 attempts to pass the course before it must be reassigned.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Upon successful completion of this course, learners will receive a certificate of completion.
