Working Around Cranes & Heavy Vehicles
Stay visible. Keep clear. Follow the signals.
Cranes, dump trucks, concrete mixers, loaders and other heavy vehicles are essential to construction work. But their size, blind spots, turning movements and suspended loads can expose workers to serious collision and crushing hazards.
A safe site separates people from moving equipment wherever practicable and ensures that operators, signalers and ground workers follow clear procedures.
Never assume an operator can see you, and never assume a moving load will remain exactly where you expect it to.
Understand the Danger Zones
Heavy vehicles have blind spots where operators may not see nearby people, even when mirrors or cameras are fitted. Turning vehicles can also sweep into areas occupied by pedestrians.
Before working near equipment, identify:
- Vehicle blind spots and reversing areas.
- Turning circles and travel routes.
- Areas where workers could become trapped between a vehicle and a fixed object.
- Crane operating areas and the potential movement of suspended loads.
- Restricted zones marked by barriers, signs or the site traffic plan.
Physical separation between pedestrians and equipment is preferable wherever practicable. Never enter a restricted area without authorization.
Keep Clear of Suspended Loads
Crane loads can swing, rotate, shift or fall. Even a load that appears stable can become dangerous if the lifting arrangement fails or conditions change.
- Never stand or walk beneath a suspended load.
- Stay outside the designated lifting and exclusion zones.
- Follow the approved lifting plan and instructions from authorized lifting personnel.
- Keep clear of the load’s potential movement path.
- Never guide or stop a moving load with your body.
- Do not use damaged lifting accessories or continue when equipment defects are suspected.
- Stop and report unsafe lifting conditions.
Only trained and authorized personnel should rig loads, direct lifting operations or enter controlled lifting areas.
Communication Must Be Clear
Safe lifting and vehicle movement depend on clear, agreed communication.
- Operators and signalers must understand the signals and communication methods being used.
- A signaler should remain in a safe position where they can perform their role effectively.
- Workers must not give conflicting instructions or distract operators.
- If an operator loses sight of the signaler or communication is interrupted, movement should stop until safe communication is restored under the site procedure.
- Never enter an operating zone simply because equipment appears stationary.
Workers should follow the established stop-work procedure whenever instructions are unclear or an unsafe condition develops.
Before Work Begins
Safe equipment operation starts with planning, not just attention during movement.
The responsible site team should ensure that:
- Vehicle routes and pedestrian routes are planned and clearly identified.
- Operators and other assigned personnel are competent and authorized.
- Required inspections and equipment checks have been completed.
- Lifting operations follow the approved plan and applicable requirements.
- Exclusion zones and barriers are established where required.
- Workers understand the signals, restricted areas and emergency procedures.
Workers should report defective equipment, damaged lifting accessories, missing safety devices or unsafe traffic arrangements before continuing work.
If Something Goes Wrong
If a load becomes unstable, a vehicle moves unexpectedly or someone enters a dangerous zone, alert the operator or responsible personnel using the established procedure.
- Keep clear of the danger area.
- Do not attempt to catch a falling load or stop moving equipment.
- Warn others if you can do so safely.
- Raise the alarm if someone is injured or trapped.
- Never enter an active lifting or vehicle zone to attempt a rescue without the required controls and authorization.
If an accident occurs, follow the site emergency plan and contact emergency services when needed.
Quick Vehicle & Crane Safety Check
☐ Do I know the designated pedestrian route?
☐ Am I clear of blind spots, reversing areas and turning zones?
☐ Are vehicle movements being controlled according to the site plan?
☐ Is the lifting area clear of unauthorized people?
☐ Are the required signals and communication methods understood?
☐ Have equipment defects or unsafe movements been reported?
Moving vehicles, blind spots and suspended loads leave little room for mistakes.
Stay outside danger zones, remain alert to movement and follow established signals.
STAY VISIBLE. KEEP CLEAR. STAY SAFE.
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS SAFETY
Learn | Prevent | Protect
