5 Most Common Skid Steer Accidents

Skid steers are some of the most versatile machines on a jobsite. From construction and road work to landscaping and agriculture, they can tackle nearly any task. But their power and compact design also come with risks. Blind spots, tight spaces, and constant movement create the potential for serious accidents.

The good news? Most skid steer accidents are preventable when operators and crews understand the biggest dangers and take simple steps to address them. Here are the top 5 most common skid steer accidents — and how to prevent them.

1. Struck-By Accidents

One of the leading causes of injury and death in construction is being struck by moving equipment. With skid steers, ground workers often move into the operator’s blind spots, especially near the sides and rear. Operators may not see them until it’s too late.

How to prevent it:

  • Use visibility aids like mirrors to eliminate blind spots.

  • Set up clear pedestrian zones and keep workers out of the operator’s path.

  • Train operators to check their mirrors and surroundings before moving.

2. Backing Collisions

Backing up is one of the riskiest maneuvers for a skid steer. Limited rear visibility means operators may hit another machine, a worker, or even site materials like lumber or survey stakes.

How to prevent it:

  • Equip machines with rear-view mirrors or cameras.

  • Encourage operators to back up slowly and use a spotter when space is tight.

  • Perform a quick mirror check before each shift to make sure they’re clean and aligned.

3. Damage to Supplies and Equipment

Not every accident involves a person. Operators frequently run over tools, knock over survey stakes, or hit other equipment on site. While these incidents may not cause injuries, they create costly delays and add frustration.

How to prevent it:

  • Establish organized work zones so materials aren’t left in skid steer paths.

  • Use mirrors to keep constant visibility on the machine’s tracks.

  • Encourage operators to do a slow sweep of their surroundings before moving.

4. Rollover Risks

Skid steers are stable machines, but rollovers can happen, especially when working on uneven terrain, driving too fast, or carrying heavy loads too high. Rollovers often lead to serious injury or machine damage.

How to prevent it:

  • Train operators to keep loads low and travel slowly on uneven ground.

  • Inspect tires and hydraulics daily.

  • Always use the machine’s built-in ROPS (rollover protection system) and wear seatbelts.

5. Pinch and Entrapment Accidents

Getting too close to a skid steer while it’s moving or operating attachments can lead to crushing or entrapment injuries. Even experienced crews can make the mistake of stepping into the wrong spot at the wrong time.

How to prevent it:

  • Enforce a strict “stay clear” zone around the machine while it’s operating.

  • Train crews to communicate with hand signals or radios — never assume the operator sees you.

  • Remind operators to lower the bucket/attachments to the ground before exiting the cab.

Final Thoughts

Accidents don’t just cost money — they slow down jobs, hurt morale, and can have life-changing consequences. Most of the top skid steer accidents can be prevented with visibility tools, daily checks, clear communication, and consistent training.

At SteerClear Mirrors, we designed our strap-on skid steer mirrors to give operators instant visibility around the tires/tracks — helping prevent struck-by incidents, backing collisions, and costly damage to supplies. It’s a simple, affordable solution that pays for itself the first time an accident is avoided.

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