Weekly Safety Meeting
For The Construction Industry

SPOTTERS

A spotter is necessary when the driver or operator does not have a full view of the backing path. This holds true for any vehicle or piece of equipment. In order to make backing a totally safe operation, we must also address the duties and responsibilities of the spotter.

Being a spotter may appear to be an easy job to perform, with not a lot of thought required. When in fact, a spotter is being put in a position that can make a major difference between an accident occurring or not. Experience has proven that on a construction site, the potential for foot traffic and backing vehicles with obstructed rear views frequently entering the same paths is great. When these two come together, the results can be fatal. It may seem that all the spotter has to do is direct a vehicle to back up when the path is clear of persons and objects, but there is more to it than that. It is important for a spotter to recognize the hazards associated with this task in order to keep others on the site safe and avoid becoming a victim themselves.

Here are some tips to consider while spotting:

Ø The spotter must first recognize the fact that he or she is there to direct the safe movement of the vehicle and that the driver is reliant upon their guidance.

Ø The spotter must give clear and understandable signals. It is also important to be consistent.

Ø The spotter should never pass out of view of the driver without stopping the vehicle.

Ø The spotter should never go directly behind a vehicle unless the vehicle is completely stopped and the operator agrees that it is okay to do so.

Ø The spotter should remain in clear sight of the operator and always signal on the driver's side of the vehicle toward the rear. This position will allow the spotter an unobstructed view of the backing path and will help to avoid miscommunication.

Ø The spotter should also instruct the operator to stop if there is ever a time when the operator cannot positively identify the spotter’s whereabouts.

Ø The spotter should move about in a safe manner to avoid slipping tripping or falling. Walking backwards could yield a situation where tripping hazards are difficult to detect.

Ø The spotter should wear high-visibility clothing to increase his or her chances of being seen by the backing vehicles and others on site.

When the operator and the spotter are working together as a team, it helps to ensure
SAFETY REMINDER
the safe movement of vehicles on the jobsite. Make it a practice!

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C:\Users\lrolen\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\9L1NGO3K\Safety outlines backside.doc
Date: 8/31/2015 8:21:57 AM/
Created by mscott