Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work 4.3d: 4.3 Manage blind spots with two-way communication between operators and ground workers (WHS Regulation 215)

Operators of powered mobile plant often cannot see ground workers or pedestrians near the machine. Before work begins a communication system based on two-way acknowledgement between operators and ground workers should be set up, and relevant workers trained in it. The system should prevent ground workers approaching plant until the operator agrees, and stop operators bringing plant within a set distance of ground workers until those workers have confirmed they know about the movement. Operators and ground workers should know the blind spots of the plant in use, induction should stress the danger of working close to mobile plant, supervision should be provided, and both groups should be issued with and made to wear high-visibility clothing.