Working around heavy equipment

Key points

1. 1Make eye contact with the operator before you walk near a machine. If they haven't seen you, stop and wait.
2. 2Stay out of the swing radius of excavators and cranes. Never walk between a turning machine and a wall, truck, or other object.
3. 3Know the blind spots: directly behind, close to the sides, and right in front of the bucket or blade. If you can't see the operator's face, they can't see you.
4. 4Listen for backup alarms and never ignore them. Operators: if your backup alarm or horn isn't working, park the machine and report it, or use a spotter.
5. 5Wear your hi-vis vest and stay on marked walkways when equipment is running.
6. 6Never ride on a machine unless there is a seat for you, and never stand under a raised bucket, blade, or load.
7. 7Operators: walk around and inspect your machine before each shift. When parked, lower the bucket or blade, set the brake, and shut it off.

Talk it over

• Where on our site do people and machines cross paths the most?
• What hand signals do we use with the operators, and does everyone know them?
• Has anyone had a close call with a machine? What would have prevented it?

Also in the other language: Trabajar cerca de maquinaria pesada

Official sources

• 29 CFR 1926.600 — Motor vehicles and mechanized equipment — equipmentecfr.gov
• 29 CFR 1926.602 — Material handling equipmentecfr.gov

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