Toolbox Talk: Protecting Workers on Foot
According to OSHA, 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment. Think of all the jobs you’ve been on and chances are almost every one of them had, one if not multiple, forklifts, skid steers, dump trucks, backhoes, etc. These pieces of equipment are extremely powerful, given the amount of material and weight they are able to move. Because of this capability, any accident involving a worker on foot often results in serious injury.
Here is a review of what we can do to make sure everyone is safe at the end of the day:
NEVER
• Position yourself between a wall and a piece of running equipment.
• Stand or work under a suspended load. If you don’t have to subject yourself to the hazard, stay away.
• Walk directly behind a piece of equipment that is backing up or has its reverse lights on.
• Stand in the swing radius of a backhoe or crane. Keep swing radius barricades erected to prevent accidents.
• Allow others to back equipment with obstructed views unless a backup alarm is equipped or a spotter is present.
• Try to rush behind or in front of a moving piece of equipment, relying on your footing and the operator’s reaction time.
ALWAYS
• Look both ways before crossing heavily trafficked corners or designated paths.
• Make sure you can see the face of the operator or the mirrors of operating equipment before approaching the operator.
• Try to maintain eye contact with the operator when walking in its path.
• Wear high viz clothing when exposing yourself to public vehicular or equipment traffic.
• Respect any caution or danger tape erected by equipment operators. They may be assuming that area is “pedestrian-free.”
• Obey any traffic signs or barriers placed in public roadways. They are designed to keep you and the public safe.
