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Write a toolbox talk on How to work safely on a busy site

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Published by SALUS

Working Safely on a Busy Construction Site ==========================================

Date: 2026-07-17

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

To reinforce safe work practices for a busy construction site by identifying common struck-by, run-over, slip/trip, visibility, communication, and traffic-management hazards; explaining dynamic risk assessment; and reviewing practical controls, PPE, and emergency actions that help prevent incidents and keep workers, equipment operators, and the public safe.

Introduction

Busy construction sites combine pedestrians, mobile plant, delivery vehicles, changing work areas, noise, dust, and shifting traffic patterns. That combination creates a high-risk environment where conditions can change in seconds. Serious incidents often happen when workers assume an area is clear, when operators cannot see a person in a blind spot, or when traffic control is not followed. Work zone and heavy-equipment incidents can lead to broken bones, head injuries, crushing injuries, and fatalities. Safe work on a busy site depends on planning, communication, situational awareness, and strict compliance with site traffic and PPE requirements.

Presenter Note: Open by asking workers what makes this site busy or unpredictable today. Link the discussion to current deliveries, equipment movements, weather, lighting, and any changing access routes.

Key Points

  • 1\. Follow the site traffic management plan at all times: A busy construction site must have clear routes for vehicles, equipment, and pedestrians. Workers should know where to enter, where to park, where to walk, and where not to go. Traffic control measures such as signs, barriers, cones, designated access points, and one-way routes reduce confusion and prevent people from crossing paths with moving plant. If the plan changes during the shift, everyone affected must be informed before work continues. [2]

[2] [16]

  • Use only designated access and egress points.
  • Do not improvise shortcuts through active work areas.
  • Report damaged cones, missing signs, or broken barriers immediately.
  • 2\. Use dynamic risk assessment throughout the shift: Dynamic risk assessment means continuously checking the work area for new hazards and adjusting controls before continuing. On a busy site, risk changes with weather, lighting, deliveries, equipment movement, nearby trades, and public traffic. Workers should pause and reassess when conditions change, when a task moves to a new location, or when visibility is reduced. If the hazard cannot be controlled immediately, stop the task and escalate to the supervisor. [2]

[9]

  • Reassess before starting a new task or entering a new area.
  • Stop work if visibility, footing, or traffic conditions worsen.
  • Treat unexpected people, vehicles, or equipment movements as a new hazard.
  • 3\. Maintain separation between pedestrians and vehicles: The safest site is one where people on foot are physically separated from moving vehicles and equipment wherever possible. Separation can be achieved with barriers, marked walkways, exclusion zones, and controlled crossing points. Workers should never assume an operator sees them. If you must enter an area near equipment, make eye contact, get acknowledgment, and wait for the operator or spotter to confirm it is safe. [4]

[6] [14]

  • Stay out of blind spots and swing radii.
  • Never walk behind reversing vehicles unless the operator has acknowledged you and the area is controlled.
  • Use barriers or tape to keep pedestrians out of active equipment zones.
  • 4\. Communicate clearly and confirm understanding: Good communication prevents misunderstandings that lead to struck-by and run-over incidents. Use agreed hand signals, radios, eye contact, and verbal confirmation before entering danger areas or directing equipment. Spotters must have no other duties while guiding vehicles and must remain visible to the operator. If communication is lost, the default action is to stop the vehicle or equipment until contact is restored. [6]

[11] [16]

  • Agree on hand signals before work starts.
  • Use radios where noise or distance makes voice communication unreliable.
  • Stop work immediately if the operator and spotter lose sight of each other.
  • 5\. Stay alert to housekeeping, visibility, and changing site conditions: Poor housekeeping, dust, debris, uneven ground, and low light all increase the chance of slips, trips, falls, and struck-by incidents. Keep walkways clear, remove unnecessary materials, and maintain good lighting where people and equipment are working. Workers should also avoid distractions such as mobile phones or headphones when moving through active areas, because a moment of inattention can place them in the path of traffic or equipment. [2]

[10] [10]

  • Keep access routes free of debris, tools, and loose materials.
  • Report poor lighting, muddy ground, or damaged walking surfaces.
  • Do not use phones or headphones while walking through active work zones.

Hazard Identification

The following hazards are common on busy construction sites and can quickly lead to serious injury or death if they are not controlled.

  • Moving vehicles and heavy equipment operating in close proximity to pedestrians: Workers can be struck, crushed, pinned, or run over, resulting in fractures, internal injuries, amputations, or fatalities. [4]

[2]

(Risk: High)

  • Blind spots and limited visibility around trucks, loaders, excavators, and other mobile plant: Operators may not see workers on foot, leading to backovers, side-swipes, collisions, or workers being trapped in a danger zone. [11]

[4]

(Risk: High)

  • Reversing vehicles and equipment in congested work areas: Backover incidents can cause severe crushing injuries or death, especially when workers are behind the vehicle or when alarms are not heard over site noise. [1]

[11]

(Risk: High)

  • Poor communication between operators, spotters, and ground workers: Misunderstood signals or lack of acknowledgment can cause equipment to move unexpectedly, placing workers in the path of travel or swing radius. [6]

[14]

(Risk: High)

  • Poor housekeeping, uneven ground, debris, and low visibility: Workers may slip, trip, fall, walk into equipment paths, or fail to notice hazards such as holes, edges, or moving traffic. [2]

[9]

(Risk: Medium)

Presenter Note: Ask the group to identify the top three hazards on this specific site today. Encourage workers to describe where those hazards occur and who is exposed.

Control Measures

Use the hierarchy of controls to reduce risk wherever possible. Start by eliminating unnecessary vehicle movements and redesigning the work area to separate people from plant. Next, apply engineering controls such as barriers, designated routes, cameras, alarms, lighting, and physical exclusion zones. Then use administrative controls such as traffic plans, spotters, permits, briefings, and dynamic risk assessments. PPE is essential, but it is the last line of defense and must support, not replace, higher-level controls.

  • Develop and follow a site-specific traffic management plan: Map vehicle routes, pedestrian routes, loading areas, turning points, and crossing points before work starts. Update the plan when site conditions change and brief all workers, subcontractors, and delivery drivers on the current arrangement. [2]

[12]

  • Separate pedestrians from vehicles and equipment: Use barriers, cones, fencing, marked walkways, and controlled access points to keep workers out of active travel paths and danger zones. Where possible, create pedestrian-free zones and no-backing zones. [2]

[4]

  • Use spotters and positive communication for reversing and tight maneuvers: Assign a trained spotter when reversing cannot be avoided. The spotter must remain visible, stand clear of the vehicle path, maintain eye contact with the operator, and use agreed signals or radios. Stop the vehicle immediately if the spotter is lost from view. [11]

[6] [1]

  • Inspect equipment before use and verify warning devices work: Check mirrors, cameras, lights, brakes, tires, horns, and backup alarms before operating. Remove defective equipment from service until repaired. Clean windows and mirrors so the operator has the best possible view. [9]

[14]

  • Improve visibility and lighting: Use high-visibility garments, illuminate work areas during low-light conditions, and ensure flagger stations and pedestrian routes are visible. Replace faded, dirty, or damaged hi-vis clothing and remove non-reflective traffic control devices from service. [2]

[13] [13]

  • Control distractions and maintain situational awareness: Keep phones, headphones, and non-essential distractions out of active work areas. Workers should stop, look, listen, and confirm the path is clear before entering any area where vehicles or equipment are moving. [10]

[1]

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Before starting work, review the day’s traffic plan, equipment movements, exclusion zones, and emergency arrangements with the crew. Confirm who is acting as spotter, who has radio contact, and what signals will be used if communication fails. [8]

[8]

  1. Walk the area and identify changing hazards such as blind spots, overhead obstructions, uneven ground, open excavations, delivery routes, and areas where pedestrians and vehicles may cross paths. [1]

[4]

  1. Keep clear of reversing vehicles, swing radii, and suspended loads. Never assume the operator sees you; wait for acknowledgment before entering the work area. [6]

[7]

  1. Maintain housekeeping throughout the shift by removing debris, storing materials neatly, and keeping access routes open and free of trip hazards. [2]

[7]

  1. If conditions change, stop and reassess. Examples include poor weather, reduced lighting, a new delivery, a changed route, a missing barrier, or a worker entering an exclusion zone. [2]

[14]

Presenter Note: Use this section to walk the crew through the actual site layout. Ask them to point out where vehicles, pedestrians, deliveries, and lifting operations intersect.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • High-Visibility Clothing: Wear a high-visibility vest, shirt, or jacket whenever working near moving vehicles or equipment. The garment must be worn as an outer layer so it remains visible. In low-light or night conditions, use the required higher-visibility class for the task and ensure the garment is clean, intact, and not faded or soiled. [13]

[13] [13]

  • Keep the garment fully fastened.
  • Replace damaged, faded, or heavily soiled hi-vis clothing.
  • Use the correct class for the level of traffic exposure and lighting conditions.
  • Hard Hat: Wear a hard hat where there is a risk of falling objects, overhead work, or contact with equipment and materials. Keep it in good condition and do not wear a damaged, altered, or painted hard hat. A hard hat helps reduce the severity of head injuries from falling or flying objects, but it does not replace the need to stay out of drop zones and exclusion zones. [3]

[7]

  • Inspect before use for cracks, dents, or damage.
  • Wear the brim forward.
  • Replace damaged head protection immediately.
  • Safety Glasses or Goggles: Use safety glasses when flying particles, dust, or debris may strike the eyes. Wear goggles when dust or splash hazards are present, and use a face shield over safety glasses when additional face protection is needed. Eye protection must fit properly and remain in place during the task. [3]

[3]

  • Choose the correct eye protection for dust, debris, or splash hazards.
  • Use face shields with safety glasses underneath when impact protection is needed.
  • Keep lenses clean so visibility is not reduced.
  • Safety-Toe Footwear: Wear safety-toe footwear where there is a risk of crushing, rolling loads, dropped materials, or uneven ground. Footwear should be in good condition, properly fitted, and suitable for the site conditions. [3]

[13]

  • Check soles for wear and loss of grip.
  • Keep laces tied and boots secured.
  • Use footwear that matches the site hazard, including crush protection where needed.

PPE is the last line of defense. It must be worn correctly, kept clean and serviceable, and used together with traffic control, exclusion zones, communication, and safe work planning.

Real-World Example or Case Study

A fatal construction incident occurred when a laborer working on a paving project was backed over by a dump truck in a staging area. The worker had high-visibility clothing and a hard hat, and the truck’s backup alarm was working, but the driver still could not see the worker in the blind spot. The lesson is clear: PPE and alarms alone are not enough. The site also needs controlled traffic flow, a spotter or observer when backing cannot be avoided, and a work plan that keeps workers out of backing zones whenever possible. This case shows why workers must never assume an operator sees them and why site layout should minimize reversing movements. [15] [15] [15]

Presenter Note: Use this example to reinforce that visible PPE does not eliminate the need for traffic separation, spotters, and controlled reversing.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. Where on this site are the highest-risk crossing points between pedestrians and vehicles or equipment?
  2. What changes could we make today to reduce reversing, blind spots, or unnecessary foot traffic in active areas?
  3. How will we confirm that everyone understands the current traffic plan and exclusion zones before work starts?

Presenter Note: Encourage workers to speak from experience. Ask them to identify near misses, confusing areas, and any controls that are not working as intended.

Emergency Procedures

  1. If a vehicle or piece of equipment strikes a worker, stop all nearby plant immediately, make the area safe, and call emergency services without delay. Do not move the injured person unless there is an immediate life-threatening danger such as fire or another vehicle hazard. [2]
  2. If a worker enters an exclusion zone or is lost from view, stop the equipment, warn others, and re-establish communication before any movement resumes. Treat loss of sight or loss of radio contact as a stop-work condition. [6]

[11]

  1. If a backup alarm, camera, light, or other warning device fails, remove the vehicle or equipment from service until the defect is corrected or an equivalent safe control is in place. [6]

[1]

Questions and Answers

Ask questions at any time. If something on the site does not look right, stop and speak up before work continues.

  • Q: Why is dynamic risk assessment important on a busy construction site?

A: Because site conditions change constantly. New deliveries, moving equipment, weather, lighting, and nearby trades can create hazards that were not present at the start of the shift. Dynamic risk assessment helps workers pause, reassess, and control new risks before continuing. [2]

  • Q: What should you do before entering an area where equipment is operating?

A: Stop, make eye contact with the operator if possible, wait for acknowledgment, and only enter when you know it is safe. Never assume the operator has seen you, and never walk into a blind spot or backing zone without positive communication. [14] [11]

  • Q: What is the most important rule for working around reversing vehicles?

A: Avoid reversing whenever possible. If reversing is necessary, use a trained spotter or observer, keep the area controlled, and stop immediately if communication is lost or the path is not clear. [1] [11]

Summary

Recap of main points:

  • Busy construction sites require active traffic management, clear pedestrian separation, and strict control of reversing and equipment movements. [2]
  • Dynamic risk assessment is essential because hazards change throughout the shift and workers must reassess conditions before continuing. [9]
  • Communication, spotters, and positive acknowledgment are critical controls for blind spots, backing, and tight work areas. [6]
  • High-visibility PPE, hard hats, eye protection, and safety-toe footwear support safe work, but PPE alone does not prevent incidents. [13]

[5]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

  1. Review the site traffic plan before starting work and confirm the pedestrian routes, vehicle routes, and exclusion zones. [8]
  2. Use eye contact, radios, or agreed hand signals before entering any area near moving equipment or reversing vehicles. [14]
  3. Wear the required PPE correctly and replace damaged, faded, or soiled items immediately. [13]
  4. Report unsafe conditions, missing barriers, poor lighting, damaged alarms, or unclear traffic movements to the supervisor right away. [2]

Remember: See it, say it, stop it: separate people from plant, communicate clearly, and never assume the path is clear.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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16 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Tool Box Talk: Personal Protective Equipment

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MIOSHA Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration ## Special points of interest: • Wear Hard Hats, Safety Glasses, and Work Boots on job sites. • Use face shields and goggles when safety glasses are not enough • Wear safety toe foot- wear when feet can be crushed by heavy objects # Tool Box Talk Personal Protective Equipment MIOSHA Construction Safety Standard Part 6. Personal Protective Equipment Employer: Shall provide, at no expense to the employee, the initial issue of personal protective equipment (PPE) and replacement equipment necessary due to reasonable wear and tear required, unless specifically indicated otherwise or other employer/employee agreement specifically requires employees to provide such equipment. Employee: An employee shall wear PPE when prescribed by the MIOSHA rules. ## Head protection (Hard Hat): . Class A hard hat shall be used where a hazard from falling or flying objects or particles or from other harmful contacts or exposures may be present • physically altered, painted, or damaged hard hats shall not be worn • Wear hard hat brim forward • Do not ware baseball hats underneath ## Eye and face protection: - Z87.1 safety glasses shall be used where a hazard exists from flying objects or particles, harmful contacts, such as when using power tools, hammers, and working over head. • An employee who needs corrective lenses where eye protection is required shall be protected by 1 of the following: (a) Spectacles whose protective lenses provide optical correction. (b) Goggles that can be worn over the corrective lenses without disturbing the adjustment of the spectacles. - Use goggles when working around dust, chemicals - Use face shields to protect face from particles, chemicals Face shields do not protect eyes from flying object high impacts, must use Z87.1 safety glasses underneath ## Foot protection: • Employee Provided / Employer must require • ANSI Z41-1999 or ASTM 2412 & 2413 certified footwear mu…

[2] Toolbox Talk: Mobile Equipment

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# MOBILE EQUIPMENT LLYNCH Date Posted: 09/05/2016 There are many types of mobile equipment, their use depends on the processes involved with the industry. Examples of mobile equipment include: • Forklifts, towing equipment, cranes • Maintenance buggies & electric carts • Automated storage & retrieval systems, order pickers, aerial lifts and scissor lifts • Machines & hauling equipment (loaders, haul trucks, utility trucks, excavators.) ## OPERATOR SAFETY • Do not exceed posted speed limits; if not posted, then ask management • Do not make sharp turns or swings; always understand the center of gravity of the machine; do not exceed rated loads • Honk at intersections before proceeding; always make sure there is a clear line of sight • Wear seat belts and Personal Protective Equipment, as required • Understand company policy on right-of-way ## MACHINE SAFETY • Machine - safety is the management of safety risks that can occur when operating a machine. • Inspect the function of the doors / hinges, hydraulic hoses, nuts / bolts, condition of tires and other areas. • Verify lights, gauges, horns and other similar equipment are in working order; verify fluids are at required levels. • Ensure there are no obstructions or debris in the equipment before starting and the vehicle is free from leaks of any type. • Make - sure the operating manual has been reviewed before operating any equipment ## WORK ENVIRONMENT SAFETY • - It is a good practice to have an understanding of the work environment before entering. • Inspect the condition of the ground for holes, obstructions, dips and uneven surfaces. • Inspect the condition of walls, racks, vertical and overhead storage • Verify the area is well lit or can be illuminated with vehicle or machine lighting • Always identify pedestrians and other vehicles and verify they see you ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • What types of task training are provided for Mobile Equipment? What daily checks are con…

[3] Hospitalization Hazard: Grading and Site Preparation Equipment

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# Recommendations ## Safety Technology ■Consider safer options. Installing proximity alert systems that warn equipment operators when a worker is behind them can create safer worksites. ## Communication Employers should emphasize good communication between equipment operators and ground workers. ■ Plan for safety! Equipment operators and ground crew should discuss each day's work activities and create a plan for communication. ■ Make contact. Eye contact is not enough. Ground workers should wave or signal at the operator and wait for their acknowledgment before entering the work area―never assume the operator has seen you! ■Use radio communication. Ground workers can alert operators if people or vehicles enter the area where equipment is running. ## Visibility ■ Know the blind spots. Equipment operators and ground workers should be aware of the blind spots for equipment in use. ■ Maximize visibility. Make sure ground workers properly wear clean high-visibility garments. Wearing dark clothes or a dirty vest blends in with surroundings. ## Equipment ■ Create a policy to separate workers on foot from operating equipment. ■ Train workers how to recognize struck-by and crush hazards posed by the moving equipment they will work around. ■ Inspect equipment before operating: - Check that back-up alarm is audible. - Adjust and clean mirrors. - Clean windows. - Check brakes. - Look under equipment and wheel wells for animals or people who may be taking cover. ■ Only operate equipment with all guards in place. ■Make sure that equipment operators use safe speeds and look in the direction of travel. # Requirements ## Equipment ■ Operators must look in the direction of travel, and keep a clear view of the path when operating in reverse. See WAC [redacted identifier](1)(h) ■ You must make sure that earthmoving or compacting equipment with an obstructed view to the rear in reverse is not operated unless: - A reverse signal alarm distinguishable fro…

[4] WAC [redacted identifier] General requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE)

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(4) Employees must comply with job safety practices and proce- dures and PPE requirements that are relevant to the job site. (5) High visibility garments. (a) During daylight hours, when employees' duties are performed in close proximity to moving vehicles, you must make sure that employ- ees wear a high-visibility safety vest, shirt, or jacket that is fluo- rescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red in color. This garment must always be worn as an outer garment. ## Definition: - For the purpose of this rule, hours of darkness means from one- half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise. (b) During hours of darkness, when employees' duties are per- formed in close proximity to moving vehicles, you must make sure that employees wear, at a minimum, a high-visibility safety vest, shirt, or jacket: • Designed according to ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 Class 2 specifica- tions; - Worn as an outer garment; • - AND Note: - Worn to provide 360 degrees of visibility around the employee. A high-visibility garment meets Class 2 specifications if the garment: • Has an ANSI "Class 2" label; OR • Has at least 775 square inches of background material and 201 square inches of retroflective material that encircles the torso and is placed to provide 360 degrees of visibility around the employee. • Fading and soiling may degrade the high-visibility characteristics of the garments. ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 is available by: Purchasing copies of ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 by writing: -American National Standards Institute [redacted street address] New York, NY [redacted postal code] OR - Contacting the ANSI website at http://web.ansi.org/. OR Note: • Reading a copy of ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 at any Washington state library. (6) Payment for PPE. Except as provided in (a) through (e) of this subsection, the protective equipment, including PPE, used to com- ply with this chapter must be provided by the employer at no cost to employees. (a) You are not required to pay fo…

[5] City Worker Killed When Struck by a Dump Truck in Washington State

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# Recommendation #4: Construction work zones and construction vehicle/equipment traffic flow should be designed to avoid backing up vehicles/equipment as much as possible. ## Discussion: A high number of fatalities and serious injuries (as reported by NIOSH¹) occur when construction vehicles (especially dump trucks) are backing up within the work zone and strike workers. Truck drivers and construction vehicle drivers should avoid backing up in a construction zone. This is especially true when there is no spotter available or the construction site isn't designed to provide a controlled or channelized area for backing up. The work zone and its related tasks and procedures should be designed to avoid vehicles driving in reverse while entering, exiting, and driving through the work zone. The typical construction equipment and vehicle mirrors do not give the driver the whole picture behind them. Blind spots still exist. Conditions and the location of personnel can change very quickly within the work zone and not anticipating those changes can result in serious consequences, as it did in this incident. A lot can happen in just a few seconds. The driver last saw the victims standing near the city worker's truck along the side of the road and then just moments later they were struck by the backing dump truck. The FACE investigation showed that the truck did not have to back up from the staging area but could have driven closer to the back-hoe, made a turn and positioned the dump truck near the back-hoe without backing up through the entire work zone. Recommendation #5: Use a spotter to provide direction for trucks and heavy equipment backing up in work zones. ## Discussion: A good option to better manage trucks and other construction equipment that need to back up within the work zone, is to use a spotter. A spotter can help the truck driver and/or equipment operator safely maneuver in, out of, and through the work zone. The spotter provides the "vision" that the dr…

[6] Toolbox Talk: Flagger Orientation

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# FLAGGER ORIENTATION FLAGGER AHEAD Date Posted: 09/13/2016 (MUTCD Signaling & Flaggers [redacted identifier] Part E) Flaggers are to be used only when other means are not adequate to control traffic. All workers are required to have a jobsite orientation. This requirement also applies to flaggers who are working on the jobsite and any workers who will perform flagger duties. Please use MUTCD for specific requirements. ## BRIEFINGS REQUIRED DURING ORIENTATION • The employer must conduct an orientation to familiarize the flagger with the job site. • Outline the flaggers' responsibilities and location on the job site. • Review the motor vehicle and equipment in operation at the site. • Review job site traffic patterns. • Review the communications and emergency signals to be used between the flaggers and the equipment operators. - Discuss specific work zone hazards. - Outline the protective equipment that is required to be worn while on the jobsite. • Outline the planned equipment and vehicle movements. Please see MUTCD [redacted identifier]-7 for a complete list of requirements. ## TRAFFIC CONTROL SUPERVISOR The Traffic Control Supervisor must review the flagging operation and traffic control plan at the start of each job. In addition, the Traffic Control Supervisor will position the flaggers at the beginning of the day and throughout the day as conditions change. ## SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES • Workers must wear the required PPE as outlined below. - The flaggers' safety vest must be fully buttoned and or zipped up at all times. • Flaggers are to stand on the shoulder of the road under normal flagger duties. • Each flagger shall have their flagging card with photo Identification with them whenever flagging. - Flaggers shall position themselves so that they are not exposed to traffic or equipment approaching them from behind. ## PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT • High visibility hard hat for work performed during the day or night; red, white or other c…

[7] Toolbox Talk: Smartphone/Mobile Device Distractions

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# SMARTPHONE/MOBILE DEVICE DISTRACTIONS Date Published: 05/12/2025 ## Smartphone/Mobile Device Distractions Safety is of utmost importance on construction job sites. Recently, a new hazard has emerged in the form of mobile device distractions. While we all know the dangers of distracted driving, it is essential to also be aware of the hazards posed by mobile devices on construction sites. Working on a busy job site or operating heavy machinery requires full attention and concentration. Any kind of distraction or inattention can result in injury to oneself, others, or even death. When it comes to using mobile devices on a construction site, many hazards are associated, especially when operating or working around vehicles and equipment. Using a mobile device on-site diverts your attention from the task or the dangers surrounding you. You may even be tempted to remove your safety gear to access your phone. If you're engaged in a phone conversation, your mind won't be fully focused on your work or safety. It's essential to be mindful of the dangers associated with mobile devices on construction sites. Your safety and the safety of those around you should always be your top priority. ## SMARTPHONE DISTRACTIONS Although smartphones can be a necessary tool for communication on job sites, they can also distract workers from potential hazards and recommended safety practices. The average worker is interrupted almost a hundred times daily due to email, text messages, and social media notifications. These constant interruptions are just the tip of the iceberg. Smartphones put productivity, job site safety, and privacy at risk. Imagine operating a dangerous piece of machinery and having your phone go off, stealing your attention away from the important task at hand. Workers must communicate hands-free and without distraction while operating motorized vehicles such as cranes and forklifts or high-powered machinery such as saws and drills. Reaching for a smartphone or a…

[8] Toolbox Talk: Back Over Hazards

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# BACK OVER HAZARDS Date Posted: 02/08/2024 According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a backover incident occurs when a backing vehicle strikes a worker standing, walking, or kneeling behind the vehicle. These incidents can be prevented. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), backover and runover fatalities account for dozens of the fatalities that occur each year in the construction industry. These workers include construction workers injured by motorists and road workers injured by construction vehicles due to blind spots. At least one worker each month is killed by being backed over by a construction vehicle, typically a dump truck. ## HOW DO BACKOVERS OCCUR? A backover incident happens when a worker is struck by a backing vehicle. Backovers can be caused by various factors, including distracted employees or working in the vehicle's blind spot, drivers who assume the path is clear, and faulty or inaudible backup alarms. Workers can also fall from a vehicle that backs over them as it continues moving. Despite the many causes, backovers are preventable with adequate planning, communication, and technology. Construction vehicles that pose a risk for back-over incidents include pick-up trucks, workers' private vehicles, dump trucks, ready-mix concrete trucks, tractor trailers, heavy equipment such as loaders, backhoes and bulldozers, aerial lifts, scissor lifts, cranes, and road grinding/paving equipment, among others. Backover incidents can occur in the following scenarios: • Drivers may not be able to see a worker in their blind spot. • Workers may not hear backup alarms because of occupational noises or dysfunctional alarms. • A spotter assisting one truck may not see another truck behind him. • Employees on motor vehicles may fall off and get backed over. • Drivers may believe that the area is clear, but it is not. ## VEHICLES CAUSING THE MOST BACKOVER FATALITIES Vehicles Causing the Most Backover Fatalities…

[9] Fatality Narrative: Laborer Run-Over by Backing Dump Truck

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# Fatality Narrative # Laborer Run-Over by Backing Dump Truck Industry: Highway and street construction Occupation: Laborer Task: Laying string line on pavement Release Date: June 18, 2007 Case No.: 06WA05601 SHARP Report No.: 71-59-2007 On August 23, 2006, a laborer died, when he was backed-over by a dump truck. The 26-year-old victim had four years experience as a road paving laborer and had been employed by his current employer for the past three months. The day of the fatal incident was sunny and the victim was working on a paving project on a two-lane county road. One lane of the road was open to traffic and the other was being used as a staging area for the paving operation, where dump trucks were dropping their trailers. The victim and a co-worker had been laying, or tacking, a string line down the center of the road and using paint to mark the pavement so as to guide the crew laying asphalt and ensure its proper alignment. The coworker was called away and the victim stood up and waited for another worker to take his place laying string. At this moment, a dump truck that had just dropped its trailer began backing up toward the victim, who had his back turned away from the truck. The dump truck driver was backing down the lane avoiding his parked trailer and the live-traffic lane, but he did not see the victim who was in his blind spot. The victim was struck and run over by the reversing dump truck. He died at the scene of his injuries. The victim had been wearing a class 2 safety vest, yellow pants, hard hat and was using earplugs. The dump truck's back-up alarm was found to be working. ## Requirements/Recommendations (! Indicates items required by code) - If employees are in the backing zone or could reasonably be expected to enter the area, the truck must be backed up only when there is: an observer signaling when it is safe to back up; or has a device such as a video camera that provides the driver with a full view of the area behind the dump truck…

[10] Toolbox Talk: Work Zone Safety

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# WORK ZONE SAFETY STOP ## Date Posted: 05/31/2024 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 773 work zone-related fatalities annually. Construction workers who work on highways, roads, streets, bridges, tunnels, utilities, and other similar work for the highway infrastructure are exposed to hazards from outside and inside the work zone. The work is often in congested areas with exposure to high traffic volumes and speeds and can also have the dangers of low lighting, low visibility, and inclement weather. Work is often near moving construction vehicles, equipment, and passing motor vehicle traffic. Note: Dump trucks were responsible for 41% of the deaths, with 52% of those fatalities involving dump trucks backing. ## WORK ZONE HAZARDS When working on or near the roads, there are several hazards that you need to be aware of, including: • Moving and idle construction vehicles and equipment. • Moving vehicles driven by the public or other workers. • Traffic control/management. • Noise from motors and vehicles. • Limited visibility from machinery/dust. - Night work and limited lighting. • Inclement weather. - Natural hazards such as trees and vegetation. . Slip, trip, and fall hazards. • Hazards upon entering or leaving the work zone. ## FLAGGERS Flaggers and other workers can be exposed to the hazard of being struck if not visible to motorists or equipment operators. Flaggers and others setting up or taking down temporary traffic control should wear high visibility clothing (ANSI class 2 or 3) with a fluorescent orange-red or yellow-green background and retroreflective orange, yellow, white, silver, or yellow-green material. In traffic movement areas, this personal protective equipment will make the worker visible at least 1,000 feet from any direction and make the worker stand out from the background. Drivers are required to be warned in advance with signs of a flagger ahead. Flaggers should use STOP/SLOW paddles, paddles wit…

[11] Toolbox Talk: Personal Protective Equipment

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# PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Date Posted: 09/03/2016 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is gear that can be worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It can be worn to help prevent sudden injuries or injuries occur over time. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE and verifies that it fits properly. that ## When to Wear PPE • Before you resort to PPE, you should first: • Use administrative controls • Implement Engineering Controls • Use local exhaust or general ventilation vs. a respirator • Control dust with a wet process vs. dry • Install sound reducing devices to mechanical equipment • When these other two means of protection are exhausted you then will need to select the appropriate PPE. - Often times PPE will be used in conjunction with administrative and engineering controls for added protection. ## BASIC TYPES OF PPE Head: Hard hat, welders cap Hearing: Earmuffs, ear plugs or canal caps Face/Eye: Safety glasses, face shield, safety goggles. Hand: Gloves for general use, chemical use, electrical work or hot work. Body: Chaps, leathers, coveralls Foot Protection: Leather boots, Safety toe/steel toe boots Personal Protective Equipment is gear that is worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE, verifies that the PPE fits properly and is adequate for the work to be performed. Remember: PPE is the last line of defense against a hazard. LEARN MORE ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • Does the PPE you wear to perform your work fit properly and is it in good working condition? What can be done in your work area to improve the use of PPE? • What improvements can be made to reduce the need for PPE? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers …

[12] Toolbox Talk: Backing up Trucks and Equipment Safely

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# BACKING UP TRUCKS AND EQUIPMENT SAFELY Date Posted: 04/21/2020 The national Safety Council states, that one out of four accidents occur because of bad backing up techniques and procedures. The report also states backing-up accidents account for 500 deaths and 1,500 injuries each year. (2014 study) Jobsites are extremely busy locations that include large numbers of vehicle and equipment traffic mixed with pedestrians and workers. Backing up equipment and vehicles, as stated above, has the potential to be a dangerous activity. Following safe practices decreases the risks. ## SAFE BACKING UP PRACTICES • Visual Inspection: Take the time to walk around your vehicle and identify potential overhead or underneath hazards. • Identify blind spots: Know the blind spots and other environmental obstructions that are presented when using your mirrors. Always remember to look left and right and out the front when backing up. • Plan ahead: Avoid backing up whenever possible. • Spotter: If you are a spotter, never assume the driver can see you. Always place yourself out of the path of the vehicle and wear high visibility clothing. • Identify clearances: - Identify overhead and underneath obstructions (powerlines, trees, trenches) • Watch your speed: Once you have done your walk around, do not delay backing up. Back up slowly to allow potential hazards to move away. • Check - your mirrors: Constantly check your mirrors for any approaching obstructions. • Look and listen: While backing up make sure you are looking and listening for any potential hazards. Remember it is your responsibility to keep yourself and others safe when driving equipment on a jobsite. Always take the time to follow proper procedures and never do anything that you deem unsafe. Taking the time to follow the proper backing up procedures listed above will help decrease the number of jobsite accidents and keep everyone safe. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: • Review the attached WAC document wi…

[13] Toolbox Talk: Heavy Equipment

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# HEAVY EQUIPMENT Date Posted: 05/14/2024 Whether it's a tractor, bulldozer, forklift, excavator, paver, milling machine, etc., working around heavy equipment adds a new level of danger to workers. Approximately 75% of construction-related "struck by" and "run over" fatalities involve heavy equipment. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), struck-by incidents occur when a moving object strikes a worker. These struck-by incidents are a leading cause of death among construction workers. The four most common struck-by hazards are struck by a flying, falling, swinging, or rolling object, both large and small, from vehicles and heavy machinery to rocks, gravel, and tools. Construction workers have two times the risk of struck-by injuries than all other industries. ## CAUSES OF EQUIPMENT-RELATED INJURIES Several conditions can contribute to struck-by injuries and fatalities, including: • Mechanical Hazards - Falling materials and loads. • Equipment operator blind spots. - An operator dismounts and leaves equipment in gear or does not set the brakes or wheel chocks. • Equipment tip-over or rollover. • Equipment or controls not locked out during maintenance. ## ESTABLISH A HEAVY EQUIPMENT "DANGER ZONE" A danger zone is an area surrounding heavy equipment that other workers and personnel should avoid. If someone enters the danger zone while you are operating heavy equipment, stop and ask them to move. Unless it is essential to the task, all personnel should avoid all sides of heavy equipment while it is in use. Danger zones include (but are not limited to): • Blind spots and areas of limited visibility • Rotating machinery • Swing radius • Travel path • Under suspended or overhead loads - Overhead hazards (i.e., overhead utility lines, overhead piping/cable trays, etc.) • Working over or around existing underground facilities • Close proximity of moving equipment ## BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS while operating m…

[14] Toolbox Talk: Back Over Hazards

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# BACK OVER HAZARDS (cont.) ## CAMERAS Some newer models of equipment come equipped with rear-view cameras, and retrofit kits are on the market for installation in older vehicles. These cameras provide the operator/driver with the ability to see the blind spots and can reduce backover incidents. ## PROXIMITY DETECTION SYSTEMS Proximity detection systems are another potential option. They use radar or ultrasonic waves to alert drivers to the presence of personnel or objects behind them. These systems emit signals that bounce off objects in the vicinity and return to a receiver in the vehicle. A sound or image warns the driver about something behind the vehicle that the driver may be unable to see on their own. A tag-based system is also a proximity detection system that can help warn workers and drivers about backover hazards. Workers wear electronic sensing devices that send signals to equipment and vehicle drivers when workers are near or entering a danger zone. The system can also be programmed to warn workers when they need to put more distance between themselves and a vehicle or equipment. ## INTERNAL TRAFFIC CONTROL PLANS (ITCP) An internal traffic control plan (ITCP) is another method to address backover hazards. These are plans that project managers can use to coordinate the flow of moving equipment, workers, and vehicles at a worksite to minimize or eliminate vehicles and employees from crossing paths. These plans can significantly reduce or eliminate vehicles needing to back up on a site. ## REFERENCES WAC [redacted identifier] - Motor Vehicles Mechanized Equipment and Marine Operations Work zone safety | WSDOT (wa.gov) Preventing Backovers - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov) Construction Equipment Visibility - Diagram Lookup | NIOSH | CDC WorkZoneSafety RoadConstruction.ppsx (live.com) Work Zone Traffic Safety Fact Sheet (osha.gov) - NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK APRIL 17-21, 2023 - Home (nwzaw.org) Con…

[15] Toolbox Talk: Equipment: Falling Objects

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CPWR TOOLBOX RESEARCH AND TRAINING THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION TALK Being struck by falling objects is a leading cause of construction fatalities. Even a small object, falling from a height, can cause serious or fatal injuries. ## Ted's Story Ted was picking up debris at a construction site. A forklift was lifting a pile of lumber to the second floor next to him. The lumber was not secure and fell from the forklift. One board struck Ted in the head. He was wearing a hard hat, but the incident left him with a concussion. - What could have been done to prevent this incident? * Have you or someone you know ever been injured by a falling object on a job site? # Equipment: Falling Objects ## Remember This ➤ Do not hoist loads or allow them to pass over people. ➤ Secure loads before lifting them by forklifts. ➤ Secure all tools in elevated work areas if they are close to leading edges. ➤ Always wear a hard hat. ➤ Ask your employer to place toe boards on all scaffolding and open elevations to protect workers below from falling materials. ➤ Stack materials neatly to keep them from toppling over. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent workers from being struck and injured by falling objects? 1. 2. OSHA Standard: 1926.250 ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

[16] Toolbox Talk: Heavy Equipment

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# HEAVY EQUIPMENT (cont.) ## SPOTTERS Worker visibility and visual and verbal communication are essential to keeping workers safe around moving construction equipment. Blind spots can be a significant hazard for workers on the ground where the operator is unable to see them. A spotter, using effective means of communication or hand signals, can help communicate between the operator, workers on the ground, and any pedestrians entering the work zone. Spotters must wear high-visibility clothing, stand clear of equipment, and always be visible to the equipment operator. ## GENERAL SAFETY WHEN OPERATING OR WORKING AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT • Develop a work zone traffic control plan. Indicate travel routes through the site to eliminate (as much as possible) the need for backing equipment or vehicles. • When vehicles or heavy equipment must operate in reverse, ensure they are equipped with an audible backup alarm. • Inspect equipment before operation to ensure all lights and audible alarms work correctly. • Set up the equipment in the work zone so that construction equipment and workers have adequate space to perform the planned tasks. • Use 3-point mounting and dismounting technique off heavy equipment - NEVER JUMP OFF HEAVY EQUIPMENT. • - Establish a "danger zone," the working area where contact could result in personal injury or damage during operations. • Wear high-visibility clothing when working around heavy mobile equipment. • Use predefined and understood hand signals or two-way radios to control movement within the work zone. • Maintain a clear line of sight between the operator and workers. • Use a spotter when heavy equipment is in motion. This requires communication between the operator and workers to maintain safe movement. • Workers - should keep a safe distance from all sides of the heavy equipment while it is in use. • Be aware of the swing radius on specific equipment and, if possible, cordon off the area with barriers or caution tape. • A…

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