Construction Motor Vehicles

 

Spotter Signals

While working in construction, employees must always be aware of their surroundings. There are many hazards that could potentially lead to injury or death. Many fatalities occur from being “struck by” or “run over” by motor vehicles or heavy equipment on a project due to limited visibility and congestion. This is why “struck by” is one of OSHA’s Focus Four Hazards. Depending on the type of project, there may be several types of motor vehicles present including:

• Cranes
• Loaders
• Scrapers
• Graders
• Excavators
• Skid steers
• Dozers
• Forklifts
• Pavers
• Aerials lifts

When all of these motor vehicles are running, it can be difficult to always know when and where they are coming from or going to.  Employees must always keep their heads on a swivel instead of relying on the sounds of the motor, exhaust or backup and travel alarms. This can be frustrating and stressful. Safely working in an area where motor vehicles are present is a shared responsibility between the equipment operator and workers on the site. To prevent incidents that can lead to severe injury or death, everyone must: 

·        Avoid equipment blind spots where an operator may not see you

·        Keep in constant communication with the operator/worker and make eye contact

·        Ensure backup and travel alarms are operable and do not disconnect them for any reason

·        Respond to backup and travel alarms

·        Use a spotter to warn others of nearby hazards

·        Use a predefined set of signals when spotting, see photo below

·        Always have an escape route

·        Always wear proper high-visibility clothing with reflective material on the outermost layer

·        Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle and never access pinch / crushing points such as the swing radius

·        Never walk or work underneath a suspended load

·        Always stay alert

 

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

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