Write a toolbox talk on Working around heavy equipment requires constant situational awareness and active communication. Ground workers are at high risk for struck-by incidents. You must stay out of equipment blind spots, maintain direct communication with operators, and wear high-visibility gear at all times.Key Hazards on the Job SiteBlind Spots: Heavy machinery (excavators, bulldozers, cranes) has massive blind spots. Never assume the operator can see you.Swing Radius & Pinch Points: The rear of rotating equipment and articulated joints create deadly pinch points.Struck-by Hazards: Being hit by moving machinery or materials is a leading cause of fatalities on job sites.Overhead Loads: Suspended loads can shift, drop, or swing unexpectedly.Critical Safety Rules1. Establish CommunicationAlways make eye contact and establish communication with the operator before approaching any piece of heavy machinery.Use standardized hand signals or radios when directing operators.Never distract operators with cell phones or unauthorized devices while they are working.2. Watch Your PositionWear high-visibility (hi-vis) reflective clothing.Stay outside the barricaded "safety zones" and equipment swing radiuses.Never walk, stand, or work underneath a suspended load or raised equipment arm/bucket.3. Move and ReactListen for audible back-up alarms.Always maintain a clear escape route. Do not trap yourself between equipment and fixed objects (e.g., walls, trenches).Never take naps, breaks, or lunches on the ground near heavy equipment.Daily Best PracticesWalk-around: Operators should conduct a 360-degree walk-around before starting machinery to ensure the path is clear of workers.Spotters: Designate competent spotters when visibility is obstructed.Equipment check: Ensure all lights, horns, and back-up alarms are fully functional prior to the shift.

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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…

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# Materials and mobile equipment (cont.) ## Entering the excavator's swing area Be aware of the excavator's swing area and blind spots. Always maintain at least three feet of unimpaired clearance between the excavator's rotating superstructure and adjacent objects. Keep others outside the area by marking it with rope, tape, or a similar barrier, if necessary. • Post warning signs that say DANGER - STAY CLEAR on all sides of the excavator. • Don't allow anyone to stand under a suspended load or the boom, arm, or bucket. • Keep the bucket as close to the ground as possible when workers are attaching loads. • Lower the boom to a safe position with the bucket on the ground and turn off the excavator before getting off. ## Where do I post the warning signs? Post warning signs that say DANGER - STAY CLEAR on all sides of the excavator [from Division 3, Subdivision O, [redacted phone](1)] DANGER STAY CLEAR SWING RADIUS 102路 In this picture, when the equipment rotates, a pinchpoint would be created by the rotating superstructure and the dumptruck. Being in this area could be fatal. ## Don't allow anyone to stand under the boom, arm, or bucket! 0-0 ## Using quick-coupling devices improperly Aftermarket "quick-coupling" devices make it easy to change buckets or replace other attachments. However, a number of workers have been killed when the coupling devices have not been locked properly and the buckets have detached. Manufacturers of quick couplers recognized the hazard and newer devices have locks that prevent buckets from detaching unintentionally, but not all users may be aware of the problem. Retrofit locking pins are available for older equipment. - Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using positive locks on quick-disconnect equipment. - Securely latch attachments such as quick- disconnect buckets before beginning work. - Make frequent visual inspections of quick-disconnect systems—especially after changing attachments. 7

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# Backing vehicles ## Explain dangers Every year, workers are killed and injured by backing vehicles and machinery. The main problem is blind spots around heavy equipment. If you're in a blind spot and the operator doesn't know you're there, you could be struck by heavy equipment. The hazards increase in congested areas where vehicles and heavy equipment are backing up all the time. Noise distracts people and dust makes it difficult to see and be seen. ## Identify controls • Always make eye contact with the operator before approaching vehicles and equipment. Wave your hand to get their attention and wait for a wave back to ensure the operator has seen you. • You can plan a drive-through site to limit the need for backing up. But on most projects, trucks and equipment have to operate in reverse at some point. That's when a signaller is necessary. • The signaller is another pair of eyes for the driver. If you're asked to work as a signaller, use traffic control hand signals and follow these tips: - Wear high-visibility clothing as required - Stand where the operator can see you at all times, and where you have a full view of the intended path of travel. But stay out of the vehicle's path. - Make eye contact with the driver or operator before you signal or change position. - Do not perform any other duties. Signalling requires your full concentration. - Know driver and operator blind spots. NOTE: New technology, such as a system that reads tags on worker's vests or hard hats and sends a signal to warn the operator that someone is behind them, can be used. But these systems may not be available on all projects. Hand Signals for On-Site Traffic Control BACK UP STOP CLEARANCE CHANGE DIRECTION ## Demonstrate Hand out IHSA's Traffic Control Hand Signals Card (V006). Show your crew where the blind spots are on a truck or piece of heavy equipment on site. Get them to see things from the operator's perspective. Operator Blind Spots Vehicles a…

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# PINCH POINTS Date Posted: 09/02/2016 A Pinch Point is produced when 2 objects come together and there is a possibility that a person could be caught or injured when coming in contact with that area. Pinch points commonly impact fingers/hands, but can impact any area of the body. The injury resulting from a pinch point could be as minor as a blister or as severe as amputation or death. Conveyors, gears, loaders, compactors and other moving equipment are examples of machinery with pinch points. ## COMMON CAUSES OF INJURIES FROM PINCH POINTS • Not paying attention to the location of hands and feet • Walking or working in areas with mobile equipment and fixed structures • Loose clothing, hair or jewelry getting caught in rotating parts or equipment • Poor condition of equipment and guarding - Dropping or carelessly handling materials or suspended loads • Not using the proper work procedures or tools • Reaching into moving equipment and machinery ## SAFETY CONTROLS FOR PINCH POINTS • Verify all guarding is in place and effective • Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Gloves, hi-vis clothing and heavy boots. • Identify potential pinch points before starting work by conducting a pre task inspection. • Stay in employee designated areas: Always make sure mobile equipment operators know your location. • Lockout/Tagout: Always verify electrical equipment is de-energized before starting any maintenance work • Alertness: Drowsiness leads to inattentive work habits and shortcuts • Operating manuals and work procedures: Always review the operating instructions/manuals before starting work; pinch points may also be identified in these documents. • Ensure all mobile equipment has working backup alarms and lighting before use. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • What are the most common sources of pinch points in your work area? • What improvements can be made to machine guarding? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level a…

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# THE FATAL FOUR IN CONSTRUCTION - STRUCK BY ## Date Posted: 12/12/2023 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. ## CATEGORIES AND EXAMPLES OF STRUCK BY HAZARDS? A struck-by hazard is anything at your worksite that could produce injuries by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object or equipment. Struck-by fall into four categories: risks ## FLYING OBJECT According to OSHA, "a flying object hazard exists when something has been thrown, hurled, or is being propelled across space." It can include instances when a piece of separates from a tool, machine, or other equipment, striking a worker and resulting in injuries or fatalities. Examples of struck-by-flying object hazards: material • A piece of material separates from a tool, machine, or other equipment and strikes a worker. • An object is ejected under power by a tool or equipment usually designed for that purpose, such as a nail from a nail gun. • Compressed air used to power tools or clean surfaces causes flying object hazards. ## FALLING OBJECT Struck-by-falling object hazards involve objects falling from an elevation to a lower level. Injuries from these hazards include instances where the injured person is crushed, pinned, or caught under a falling object. Examples of struck-by-falling object hazards: - A worker is struck by a load, or parts of a load, that falls from a vehicle or other equipment. • A crane boom, or another piece of equipment, breaks, collapses, and strikes a worker. • A section from a structur…

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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…

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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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# Roadway Safety (cont.) A Road Construction Industry Consortium Awareness Program # Health Hazards ## How Do Health Hazards Harm Us? Toxic substances can enter the body by three routes: • breathing, • swallowing, and • absorption through the skin. BREATHE SWALLOW ABSORB BLOOD► BONE BRAIN - GLANDS FAT-MUSCLE LIVER - KIDNEY HEART The effects of toxic substances in the body may be: • short-term (acute). - such as eye irritation or dizziness, or - delayed (chronic) - such as cancer or chronic lung disease. ## How Harmful Is Silica? Silica is in many construction dusts such as concrete and rock. Tasks that expose workers to large amounts of silica include sand blasting, rock drilling, and con- crete drilling and grinding. 8 # Roadway Safety # Runovers and Backovers Can We Be Safe Near Equipment and Traffic? Being struck is the biggest danger in road work. Workers on foot must remain alert at all times. Check surroundings often. Listen for warnings. Keep a safe distance from traffic. Stay behind barriers where possible. Look out for each other. Warn coworkers. ## What Other Precautions Do We Need? MM Class II Class I Class III Employers must provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers must wear it: . Proper class of safety vest at all times in the work zone. - High-visibility clothing and headgear. ## What About Construction Equipment? Treat equipment and vehicles with caution: • Stay out of "blind spots." • Communicate with operators by radio and/or eye contact. 21

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FOCUS TOOLBOX TALKS FOUR Module 2, Struck-by, Talk Number 1 # How can we work safely around heavy equipment? [Ask the following questions and give time for answers.] What are the hazards? Heavy equipment backing over workers, cranes hitting workers during swings, equipment dropping loads onto workers, workers not visible at night What are the results? Broken bones, head injuries, death What should we look for? Heavy equipment traffic, poor visibility, working backup alarms, cranes with swing radius clearly marked, spotters during backing up [Relate this incident or, better, one you know.] Actual Incident: A 36-year-old construction inspector for the county died when an asphalt dump truck backed over him. The inspector was wearing an orange reflective vest and hard-hat and the dump truck had a backup alarm that was functioning. The truck traveled approximately 770 feet in reverse at 5 to 10 mph before backing over the inspector who had his back to the truck. [Ask the following question and ensure every item is covered.] ## How do we prevent these results? - Never work directly under a suspended load. - Watch for signs of problems during each lift. □ Always check for overhead power lines and other obstructions. - Have a spotter during backing up and stay out of blind spots. - Make sure there is a written plan for critical lifts. - Wear high-visibility clothing. □ Make sure backup alarms are working and listen for them. □ Communicate with operators by radio and by eye contact. [Ask the following questions and ensure every item is covered.] Let's talk about this site now. - Are there any areas with particularly blind spots for operators backing up? □ What hazards have you seen here that we all should be aware of? □ Is there something we can do to limit the risks from these hazards? □ Does everyone know what a critical lift is? [Record questions below that you want to ask about this site.] ## IUOE National Training Fund • [redacted phone] • www…

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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…