Have you ever worked on a jobsite where Mobile Equipment is in use? Maybe you were even part of the crew that is working around the equipment. In some cases, you may not be part of that phase of work, but what if you must access areas where Mobile Equipment is operating? Whenever personnel on the ground must work in close proximity to Mobile Equipment, it is critical that you have controlled access to the work area, workers are trained to be cautious, and have effective communication with each other and the equipment operators Audibly and Visually.
Mobile equipment can have many different blind spots where the operator may not be able to see workers on the ground around them. How can you create a safer condition for everyone?
· Teach workers that they cannot always been seen by the operator.
· Keep vehicles and workers out of the immediate area where equipment is operating.
· Make sure workers are wearing highly visible / reflective clothing or vests so that they stand out to the operator.
· Before approaching Mobile Equipment, make eye contact with the operator and wait for approval to proceed.
· Complete all Pre-Operation Inspections. Make sure to document the effort.
When equipment operators lose sight of people working in their general vicinity they need to come to a complete stop and cease all operations until they are able to see them again and ensure that they are a safe distance from the equipment.
Construction Sites are very busy places with production deadlines always looming, which only increases the need that everyone is working safely and staying aware of their fellow workers.
For more information on Mobile Equipment Safety Training, or other Construction Industry safety questions or concerns, please contact PGM Safety Services, an affiliate company of Pro Group Management. We will be happy to assist when you visit us at www.pgmnv.com or call (800) 859-3177.
