Massachusetts Hoisting License Practice Test

What method should never be used to lift workers in and out of a trench?

1. Using safety harnesses

2. Using the bucket of an excavator

3. Using a crane with a safety cage

4. Using a rescue team

The correct answer is: Using the bucket of an excavator

The use of the bucket of an excavator to lift workers in and out of a trench is highly discouraged due to safety concerns. Excavator buckets are not designed to carry personnel; they lack the necessary safety features, such as secure seating or restraint systems, to protect workers during transportation. When workers are lifted in an excavator bucket, the risk of accidents significantly increases. For example, the bucket can tip or swing unexpectedly, exposing workers to the possibility of falls or collisions. Additionally, the lack of proper lifting points and stability while workers are positioned in the bucket further endangers them, making this method unreliable and unsafe. In contrast, other options, such as using safety harnesses while working at heights, employing a crane with a safety cage specifically designed for personnel lifting, and utilizing a well-trained rescue team in emergencies are all safer practices. These methods are intended to ensure the wellbeing of workers involved in operations around trenches and other hazardous environments.