“TOOL BOX”

SAFETY MEETING

TRAFFIC CONTROL – ON SITE

MAIN POINTS

Every year construction workers are killed and injured by vehicles and equipment
backing up on site. Dump trucks are often involved in these accidents. But deaths and
injuries have also been caused by bulldozers, backhoes, and other equipment backing
up.

Part of the problem comes from blind spots. These are areas around equipment where
the operator has no view or only a very limited view. If you enter one of these blind
spots without being seen, you run the risk of being backed over.

The hazards only increase in congested areas where trucks and heavy equipment are
backing up all the time. Just think of the traffic around excavations and loading and
unloading areas. Noise and dust can make it even more difficult to see and be seen.

Drive-through sites can be laid out to minimize the need for backing up.

But on most projects trucks and equipment have to operate in reverse at some point.
That’s when a signaller is necessary.

The signaller provides another pair of eyes for the driver backing up. There may be
times when you have to work as a signaller. Here’s what you need to do.

 Use the standard signals for on-site traffic. [Demonstrate these signals for your
crew.]

 Wear a reflective fluorescent orange vest.

 Know driver and operator blind spots. [Show the blind spots illustrated in this talk.]

 Stand where you can see and be seen.

 Make eye contact with driver or operator before you signal or change position.

 Traffic control requires your full concentration. You should have no other duties to
perform while signalling.

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 TRAFFIC CONTROL ON SITE

Even if you’re not a signaller, you

should still know how to work safety
around trucks and heavy
equipment.

If you remember only one thing,

remember this:

Make eye contact with the

operator before approaching
equipment.

This lets the operator know you’re there. If also gives you a chance to indicate whether
you’re going to step in front of the equipment, walk behind it, and so on.

If also pays to know where blind spots are and to avoid standing near areas where
heavy equipment is moving back and forth.

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 TRAFFIC CONTROL ON SITE

[Review blind spots around trucks and heavy equipment on site. Remind workers to
make eye contact with drivers and operators before moving or changing position in their
vicinity.]

DISCUSSION

 Any comments on what we have discussed so far?

 Any announcements?

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