Working Near Moving Equipment

Key Hazards

• Workers struck by moving equipment
• Blind spots around operators and machinery
• Swing radius and pivot point hazards
• Backing incidents involving ground crews
• Communication failures between workers and operators
• Reduced visibility during congested operations

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Moving equipment creates constantly changing hazards for workers on foot. Excavators, loaders, forklifts, dump trucks, cranes, skid steers, utility vehicles, and other mobile equipment may have large blind spots where operators cannot see nearby workers.

Many struck-by incidents occur because workers assume equipment operators can see them. Equipment size, bucket position, material loads, mirrors, weather conditions, glare, dust, congestion, and surrounding obstacles can all reduce visibility.

Swing radius hazards are especially dangerous around excavators, cranes, loaders, and rotating equipment. Workers can become trapped between moving equipment and nearby structures, vehicles, barriers, or stored materials.

Backing operations create additional risk because operators may have limited rear visibility. Spotters, backup alarms, radios, and hand signals help improve communication during equipment movement.

Congested work areas increase exposure to equipment interaction hazards. Temporary staging, parked vehicles, trailers, utility trenches, barricades, stored materials, and pedestrian traffic can reduce escape routes and visibility.

Workers should avoid walking behind equipment, standing near turning paths, or entering active movement zones without making clear contact with the operator.

Operators should stop equipment movement immediately if they lose sight of nearby workers or if communication becomes unclear.

Equipment movement plans, pedestrian routes, spotter responsibilities, and staging locations should be discussed before operations begin and adjusted as conditions change throughout the shift.

Safety Reminders

• Never assume equipment operators can see you.
• Stay outside swing radius and backing zones.
• Maintain communication with operators and spotters.
• Watch for changing equipment movement patterns.
• Avoid walking through active equipment paths.
• Stop work if visibility or communication is lost.
• Use designated pedestrian routes when available.

Ask the Crew

• Could workers enter blind spots without operators noticing?
• Are swing radius hazards clearly identified?
• Could congestion reduce visibility or escape routes?
• Would operators know where ground crews are positioned?
• Are spotters and communication methods working effectively?