Description
What’s in the Mini Excavator Course?
This training course is OSHA-aligned and covers OSHA’s classroom training requirements. Each class contains sections on equipment and anatomy, maintenance and inspections, safe operations and stability, common hazards, and more. This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, you will have immediate online access to your certificate of completion. You have the option to download the practical evaluations for the specific course. Although the practical evaluation is not a required part of the online course, we strongly recommend completing it under the supervision of your employer to ensure your mastery of the safety training topics.
Estimated Training Length: Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 120 – 150 min.
Intended Audience:
This course covers the following OSHA standards:
- 29 CFR 1926.600 – Equipment
- 29 CFR 1926.602 – Material Handling Equipment
- 29 CFR 1926.604 – Site Clearing
- 29 CFR 1926.650-652 – Excavations
- 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P, App A – Soil Classification
- 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P, App F – Protective Systems
Mini Excavator Training Online – Learn How to Operate a Mini Excavator Safely
Our online training course provides a substantial, thorough, and effective way to learn how to work safely. We’ve been providing industry-specific safety training solutions for individuals, safety managers, and business owners for over 15 years.
The online course meets the classroom requirement for occupational safety training. It also includes a proficiency checklist that employers can use to perform a practical evaluation, in accordance with standards and regulations.
We have fine-tuned this training to provide you with the best experience possible. Our robust training approach gives an interactive experience that helps learners retain information and apply it on the job site, preventing costly accidents and fines. Safety training is an investment. That is why hundreds of companies and individuals all over the world trust the Hard Hat Training Series for their online training needs.
Why Buy Our Mini Excavator Training?
- Complete Training: First and foremost our goal is to keep you safe and save you money. Don't risk getting expensive OSHA fines because you settled for a sub-par training program that didn't cover safety topics in depth. Train using a program that helps you retain what is learned so that it is put into practice on job sites.
- Cost-Effective: Hiring a trainer to come on-site can be expensive. In contrast, our online curriculum lowers costs while still providing a professional training experience.
- Records Tracking System: We offer an easy-to-use management system so that if you have multiple students who are receiving the training you can have access to all records, all-terrain certificates, observation guides and more! (contact us if you would like us to quickly create a company account for you)
- Train Your Way: You can use this online training program for new hire training, refresher training or train remotely. Access it from anywhere and work on your schedule.
- Interactive Learning: Special reminders and quiz questions throughout the course prep students for the final exam so that it is passed the first time.
- Corporate License: Do you want to host this course on your own server? Contact us about obtaining broadcasting rights for this and any of our other online courses.
Do You Need a License to Operate a Mini Excavator?
While you do not need a specific heavy equipment license to operate a mini excavator, you do need a valid driver’s license. Employers will favor applicants with experience, so it would be valuable to find someone with experience who can help with getting familiar with the equipment.
How Much Can You Make with a Mini Excavator?
In 2024, the average hourly wage for a Mini Excavator Operator in the US is $26.16. The salary range varies widely, with the higher end being $51.59 and the lower end being $13.70. If you are interested in being a mini excavator operator, keep in mind the potential for promotion and higher income is based on skill level, location, and experience. There are multiple resources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Handbook, that can help you decide for or against pursuing working with Mini Excavators.
Is It Hard to Operate a Mini Excavator?
For those with experience with heavy machinery, mini excavators will be run-of-the-mill; with a quick familiarization, you will be up and running. If you are unfamiliar with heavy machinery, it may not be difficult to get started, but it would be very wise to seek some form of training. This could be as simple as watching tutorials on websites like YouTube or more intensive, such as an in-person course.
Be aware that accidents and injuries are more common than many expect; even highly-trained operators have been severely injured because of projects involving something as simple as uneven terrain. If you’re interested in mini excavators, don’t let this frighten you; rather, it should reinforce your determination to follow safe practices and seek high-quality information.
Other Training Options:
We offer two other types of training for this course. The other training types are DIY training kits and a train the trainer certification course. An identical final exam and OSHA-aligned safety training certificate applies, no matter which of the three format options you choose below.
Currently Viewing: Online Training
Our online trainings are great for those who want to learn at their own pace and on their own time. Online trainings can be completed from any location, eliminating the need for expensive seminars.
Employers can assign employees specific trainings and
keep track of their progress and exam scores. We also offer
group trainings,
company accounts, and even
bulk discounts
for businesses.
This is the current option
Training Kit
Our kits are the perfect resource for those who want the freedom of training employees themselves. Unlike traditional trainings that are taken once, the kit offers a complete initial training as well as activities and materials to train employees long after they’ve been certified.
These materials include practical evaluations, exams, toolbox trainings, accident profiles, ect.
View DIY Training Kit
Train the Trainer
Train-the-trainer courses allow employers to take full control of the training process. Employees who take these courses are fully certified to use the training kit and train others.
This means that employers can hold training seminars and courses without the need for third-party trainers. We will also include a training presentation and materials to train others.
View Train the Trainer
Managers: Take complete control of your safety training by requesting your custom branch now! We will respond within one business day. Need it now? Call us at (888) 360-8764 for immediate assistance. We are open on Monday through Friday, 8 AM (CST) to 8 PM (CST).
Online Safety Training FAQs
What does each online class cover?
Generally speaking, each course covers an overview of the topic, detailed explanation of relevant equipment, safe operating practices, common hazards to avoid, and hazard control measures.
How long is the course?
Trainees go at their own pace, but in general each class (including the exam) takes anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours. We recommend planning for two or more so you don’t end up rushing through the exam.
Are these courses OSHA-aligned?
All Hard Hat Training online courses were designed to adhere to OSHA and ANSI training requirements. But it is important to understand that by OSHA-aligned, we mean it follows best practices and safety principles put forth by OSHA. In an online format, it is not possible to cover every code for every situation or hazard across every industry. For this reason, our safety training solutions are tools to further knowledge and help employers train and/or certify their crew.
However, just because a course or program is OSHA-aligned does not necessarily mean a company will be aligned or avoid citations if OSHA were to audit them. There is much more that goes into collective company alignment with OSHA. For example, workers need to be observed applying what they learned in the classroom in the field. This observation/practical exam should be done by trainers, supervisors, or other designated competent persons. Whether you use our training kits or online courses, we provide guides to help employers do this.
Other steps for ultimate alignment may include but are not limited to addressing with your crew any gaps in the training or additional hazards specific to your work situation; creating, training on, and enforcing written safety programs (also known as plans or procedures); and performing regular inspections and risk assessments.
Are the e-learning classes up-to-date with OSHA standards?
Yes, Hard Hat Training online courses incorporate the latest OSHA standards. As standards change, we make changes to the courses.
Does this course certify or qualify me?
There is a lot of confusion among operators and even companies about what it means to be certified or qualified. Simply put, no, a course does not certify anyone. It is the employer’s responsibility to make sure an employee is properly trained, and it is also his or her responsibility to say when the employee is “qualified” or “competent.” Our online courses and training kits are just a tool to help them in doing so.
According to OSHA, proper training must include a classroom portion, including a written exam, as well as a practical hands-on portion/exam wherein the operator is observed operating the machine. Our courses provide the classroom portion of the training. The safety administrator of the company will have access to a checklist which can be used to observe the trainee on the machine. When done successfully, the administrator signs the bottom of the form. At this point, unless further training is required by your employer, you have done everything required by OSHA to be considered by your employer as “qualified” or “competent.”
If I pass this class and exam, can I take my certification and get a job anywhere?
See “Does this course certify or qualify me?” This will depend on your employer. Remember, it is their responsibility to see that you are trained and if there is ever an accident, it is they who will have to prove to OSHA that they trained you sufficiently. Because of this, while some smaller businesses may simply accept your certificate and a copy of your test, they will often require you to go through their own training program. This is their right to do so. It is their further responsibility to train you in accordance with the job, site, equipment, etc.
How long is the training good for?
The timeframe for how long training remains valid depends on the specific topic and OSHA training guidelines. Heavy machinery operators, for instance, need to recertify every three years, while other training courses may have different renewal periods. The expiration date for each training course will be printed on your certificate of completion for reference so you know when to take the training again.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, upon successful completion of the course and exam, you will have immediate online access to your certificate of completion. You have the option to download the practical evaluations for your specific course. Although the practical evaluation is not required for you to earn online course completion credit, we strongly recommend completing it under the supervision of your employer to ensure your mastery of the safety training topics.
How many people can use this course? Can I play it for several employees at the same time?
Only one employee can take the course. There are many reasons for this, but most importantly, the course is designed to train one employee per OSHA regulations. Also, there is an online final exam at the end that will be linked to the trainee assigned. OSHA requires proof of training, and if multiple people were to sit in on that one course, they would not get credit for taking it.
Are SCORM/Tin Can options available for use on our own company LMS?
All our online courses are SCORM-compatible and can be easily uploaded to your company’s current SCORM-compliant LMS using our SCORM Cloud dispatch service. We do not offer direct SCORM file access to our courses. If you would like more information about how SCORM dispatch works and whether it would be a good fit for your business needs, please contact our sales team at (888) 360-8764.
Can I become a Hard Hat Training reseller?
We do have reseller options available. Visit Become a Hard Hat Safety Affiliate Partner to learn more.
How do I look up my certificate of completion?
So, you have already purchased a course from us, taken the online training, and passed the certification exam with flying colors. Now what?
Simply print a copy of your course completion certificate for your employer and keep a copy for your records. You can log in to your LMS account anytime to print your certificate after you have completed the training.
Mike O. –
available at own time
Hard Hat Training –
Thank you for your review, Mike. We do appreciate your feedback about the freedom that you have to complete our courses at your own pace. That is part of the Hard Hat Training way!
Jorge ortega –
Good course.
Hard Hat Training –
Hello, Jorge. We just wanted to say thanks for the great review that you left us on this course. We’re glad that the course was so good for you!
Jorge ortega –
Good course.
Caleb H. –
I learned more than I thought I would
rafael ventura (verified owner) –
Did the mini excavator course online was straightforward laid out perfectly and easy to understand.