Are you an equipment operator? Have you watched a piece of equipment manoeuver in tight spaces? A key factor in the safe movement of mobile equipment from point A to point B is visibility. If an operator can’t see what’s around them, it’s difficult to get safely from one location to another. Added to that challenge, there’s often a load attached to the equipment in motion.
A good spotter can make a huge difference to the safety of operators and workers in the vicinity. But a great spotter understands the most important rules of spotting:
- Remove all non-essential people from the area to avoid congestion,
- Have only one person designated as spotter to avoid confusion to the operator,
- Maintain eye contact with the operator at all times when equipment is in motion.
- Know appropriate hand signals and confirm with the operator all agreed-upon signals before starting the task,
- Complete a risk or field level assessment to identity any safety hazards that can be eliminated or controlled,
- If working on uneven ground such as right of way matting, the spotter should only walk backward a short distance at a time to ensure they don’t trip on mat edges. If necessary stop the equipment, turn to see where the edges are, then proceed to direct the operator forward.
- Wear high visibility clothing.
Think, assess and work safe so everyone goes home safely. Can you think of other spotter tips? Feel free to comment.
Want more info on the role of a spotter?
Do your procedures identify when trained spotters are required?
