Plant and vehicle movements Toolbox Talk
Reversing and slewing plant can kill people who believe the operator has seen them. Separate people and vehicles by design and use a clear, enforced movement plan.
Key points
- Use physical separation, pedestrian routes and controlled crossings.
- Plan one-way routes and minimise reversing.
- Allow only trained, authorised and fit operators.
- Complete pre-use checks on brakes, steering, visibility aids and alarms.
- Use a trained signaller where risk remains and agree signals.
- Maintain exclusion zones around slewing and loading operations.
- Control speed, lighting, parking and keys.
Do
- Make eye contact before approaching.
- Wear site-specified high visibility clothing.
- Use designated routes.
Don't
- Do not walk behind reversing plant.
- Do not enter an exclusion zone without the operator’s agreement.
- Do not use a phone while moving through traffic areas.
Questions to ask the group
- Where are pedestrian routes and crossings?
- What is the operator’s blind spot?
- Who is controlling reversing?
References: Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992; Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; HSE HSG144 The safe use of vehicles on construction sites