Best Practices Around Mobile Equipment
Vehicles and mobile equipment injure or kill a large number of North American workers every year, largely because their operators do not see workers who are standing or walking.
Many of these incidents occur when mobile equipment is reversing or working in tight areas. Employers need to review safe work practices at all jobsites. Means of controlling hazards where mobile equipment and workers on foot are in close proximity include:
Engineering controls: These devices include backup alarms and flashing lights on equipment.
Personal protective equipment: High-visibility vests and hardhats help keep workers on foot safe. Contractors and anyone else on site should also be wearing reflective gear.
Safety work practices: Workers must receive training on how to move safely in high- traffic areas, such as by sticking to designated pedestrian paths, being aware of their surroundings at all times and ensuring they make eye contact with mobile equipment operators. Traffic control systems and proper site planning also help keep everyone safe in high-traffic worksites.
Here are some additional safe work procedures for worksites:
- Try to design worksites to minimize the need for vehicle and mobile equipment operators to reverse equipment. If they can drive through and around, instead of reversing, the odds of a worker being struck by mobile equipment will be greatly reduced.
- Ensure that all mobile equipment is equipped with back up alarms and flashing lights. If these warning devices stop working, operators should take the mobile equipment out of service until it can be fixed.
- Mobile equipment operators should keep loads as low as possible so their vision will not be blocked while objects are being moved.
- Try to minimize foot traffic in areas where mobile equipment is working. If that isn’t possible, set up a traffic control system where a trained person (spotter) is designated to control traffic movement at the worksite. The signal person must be trained in hand signs and the use of traffic control devices, such as STOP paddles. He or she must also be aware of drivers’ blind spots and ensure that people aren’t working or walking where they cannot be seen. All workers should receive training on avoiding blind spots.
- Mobile equipment operators and workers should never be talking or texting on cell phones or engaging in other distracting behaviors, whether they are operating machinery or walking in areas where equipment is operating.
- Warn workers never to take shortcuts across areas where mobile equipment is operating.
