Rollers & Compactors

Ride-on rollers tip over at the edges of embankments and trenches. Walk-behind compactors cause foot injuries, vibration, and carbon monoxide poisoning in trenches and enclosed spaces.

• Construction

Types of compaction equipment

Ride-on rollers

• Wear the seatbelt on rollers with ROPS. Rollovers at edges are the leading cause of roller deaths.
• Stay back from drop-offs, soft shoulders and trench edges. Asphalt and fill edges can give way.
• Use the parking brake and lower the drum on slopes when stopped.
• Watch for workers on foot behind the roller. Rollers reverse constantly, and paving crews work close behind them.
• Keep the drum at least a drum width from unsupported edges, or as far as the site plan requires. Mark edges with paint or delineators.
• Turn off vibration before reversing direction and when crossing bridges, buried utilities or near buildings that could be damaged.
• Get on and off with three points of contact; drums and platforms are slippery with water and asphalt release agent.

• Don’t jump from a roller that starts to tip. Stay in the seat with the seatbelt on. Most deaths happen when operators are crushed after jumping or being thrown.
• Don’t remove or fold down the ROPS except as the manufacturer allows for transport or low clearance, and then stay off slopes and edges.

Remote-controlled trench rollers

• Operate from outside the trench, or from a protected position where you can’t be pinned between the roller and the wall.
• Keep the remote’s line of sight clear and keep other workers out of the trench while it runs.
• Use proximity-detection features if the machine has them.

Plate compactors and rammers (jumping jacks)

• Wear safety-toe boots, hearing protection and gloves.
• Keep feet clear of the plate or foot. Guide the machine; don’t ride or pull it toward you.
• Gas units: never use in trenches, basements or enclosed spaces without ventilation and CO monitoring. See Carbon Monoxide.
• Make sure the trench is protected before entering to compact. See Protective Systems.
• Rotate operators to limit vibration exposure. See Hand-Arm Vibration.
• Lift with a partner or a lifting bar. Plate compactors often weigh 150 pounds or more. See Lifting & Ergonomics.
• Refuel with the engine off and cool, away from the trench.

Pre-use check

• Guards, handles and shock mounts in place
• No fuel or oil leaks; fuel cap tight
• Controls, throttle and stop switch working
• Ride-on: seatbelt, ROPS, horn, backup alarm, brakes and drum scrapers in good shape
• Water spray system working on asphalt rollers
• Edges, drop-offs and soft areas identified

Last updated: October 1, 2026