MOBILE EQUIPMENT SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Control blind-spot, reversing, collision and overturning hazards.
Hazards, control measures and daily pre-work verification.
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Toolbox Topic
MOBILE EQUIPMENT SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 MINUTES
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Review collision, crushing, entrapment, overturning, blind-spot and reversing hazards associated with excavators, loaders, telehandlers, forklifts, mobile elevating work platforms, dumpers and similar equipment, and verify operator, equipment, area and pedestrian controls.
TOPIC EXPLANATION
Mobile equipment has large blind spots that cannot be seen directly by the operator. Pedestrians must not approach until eye contact is established and safe passage has been confirmed.
A competent spotter or banksman must be used during reversing, restricted visibility, confined movement or heavy pedestrian activity. Signals must be agreed and only one person should direct the operator.
Equipment must be inspected before every shift. Brakes, steering, tyres, alarms, lights, cameras, mirrors, seat belts and emergency systems must be serviceable before use.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A loader reversed while a pedestrian crossed the work area and entered the operator's blind spot. The area remained open to pedestrian traffic and no spotter had been assigned.
Although the reverse alarm operated, high site noise prevented the pedestrian from hearing it. The operator noticed the worker late on the camera and applied emergency braking.
The event could have been prevented through pedestrian-vehicle separation, effective barricading, spotter control, visibility checks and a controlled crossing procedure.
REMEMBER
If the operator cannot see you, you are not safe. Establish eye contact, obtain confirmation and never approach until the equipment has fully stopped.
KEY HAZARDS
Pedestrians entering operator blind spots.
Uncontrolled reversing or inadequate spotter control.
Failure to separate pedestrian and vehicle routes.
Excessive speed or failure to follow site limits.
Seat belt not used by the operator.
Unstable ground, slopes or work near edges.
Defective alarms, lights, cameras, mirrors or brakes.
Unsafe parking, unintended movement or unauthorised use.
CONTROL MEASURES
Allow only authorised and competent operators to use equipment.
Complete a daily pre-use inspection before every shift.
Physically separate pedestrian and vehicle routes.
Use a spotter or banksman during reversing and restricted visibility.
Agree standard signals between the operator and spotter.
Follow site speed limits and traffic-management controls.
Require the operator to wear the seat belt at all times.
Check ground condition, slope, edge distance and bearing capacity.
Park safely, lower attachments and isolate power.
Remove defective equipment from service and report it.
SUPERVISOR TALKING SCRIPT
Team, today we will pay particular attention to blind spots and reversing movements around mobile equipment. We will remain within pedestrian routes and will not approach until eye contact is made with the operator. A spotter will be used where required, and only the designated person will direct the operator. Equipment with defective alarms, cameras, brakes or seat belts will not be used.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Are pedestrian and vehicle routes separated today?
Who will act as the reversing spotter?
Which signals will the operator and spotter use?
Has the daily equipment inspection been completed?
Where are the blind spots and exclusion zones?
How will work stop if visibility or equipment condition changes?
VERIFY BEFORE STARTING TODAY
Operator authorised
Daily inspection complete
Brakes and steering serviceable
Alarms and lights working
Cameras and mirrors suitable
Seat belt serviceable
Spotter ready
Pedestrian routes separated
Ground suitable
Parking area safe
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
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Work area
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource — Traffic-management plans, manufacturer instructions and site mobile-equipment procedures take priority.