Blind Spot Hazards
Obstructions in the driver's line of sight, including mirrors, door and window posts, tools, and attachments on vehicles can create blind spots, reduce visibility, or swings that can increase the risk to workers being struck or pinned. You must know the equipment swing radius, such as how far can it reach, move, or rotate.
High Hazard - Blind Spots
Ways to protect yourself when working near heavy equipment include the following:
- Do not cross directly in front of or immediately behind large heavy equipment or trucks where the operator sits higher in the vehicle.
- Communicate with the operator (either verbally or by eye contact) before entering any area near heavy equipment or large trucks.
- If you have to stand near parked equipment or trucks, stand in front or on operator side. Then, if equipment comes into use, the operator can see you and you can see them.
Real-life Scenario
A 33-year-old construction laborer was working at a gravel-unloading operation at a highway construction site. His usual work assignment was to operate the generator for the conveyor system that moved gravel unloaded from belly dump trailers. A dump truck driver on the site was having difficulty opening the gates of his belly dump trailer. Attempting to assist the driver, the laborer went under the trailer to manually open the gates. The driver, not realizing the laborer was under the trailer, pulled away from the unloading platform and ran over him with the rear dual tires of the trailer. The laborer was pronounced dead at the scene [Minnesota Department of Health].
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-2. If you have to stand near parked equipment or trucks, where should you stand to avoid collisions?
You forgot to answer the question!