Your Guide to Visibility

Mobile equipment used in mining operations is designed for production. Your ability to see all around your machine from the operator's seat may not be high on the list of design features.

In the underground, for example, one study found that half of all fatalities with load-haul-dump machines were caused at least partly by poor visibility. In pits and quarries, serious accidents and fatalities have also occurred when operators couldn't see what was close to their machines.

The hazards include:

• Collisions between equipment and people on foot
• Collisions between equipment and other vehicles or fixed objects
• Driving or backing past dump points, over drop offs or into open holes

To prevent accidents:

• Understand the limits to what you can see around you in your machine. (While you're safely parked, have your supervisor or co-worker walk around the vehicle. Make note of where you can see him and where he disappears behind a loaded bucket, engine cover, cab post, etc.)
• Ask your supervisor each shift whether any pedestrians or other vehicles will be in your area.
• Know your hand or light signals to communicate with others on foot or in vehicles.
• Know the procedures for traffic control on ramps, and other traffic areas.
• Ensure a berm or bumper block is in place before you back up to dump a load.
• Walk around your equipment before moving it, to check for people, other vehicles and obstacles.
• Keep communication channels open.
• On surface, wear sunglasses on bright days.
• Be aware of weather conditions and how they affect your ability to see around you.
• Be sure mirrors and windows are clean.
• Have eyes checked regularly and wear prescription safety glasses if needed.
• Be alert! Expect the unexpected.

Always be aware of the danger zone around mobile equipment, particularly large vehicles. The danger zone includes the entire working perimeter of the machine. Your company should have procedures in place to control entry or exit of any person or vehicle from the danger zone. Procedures for communication - either by sound or by sight - should be in place to allow communication between the equipment operator and anyone approaching the machine. If you are on foot around mobile equipment, make sure the operator knows where you are.

For Inquiries Contact:

MASHA- 690 McKeown Ave.,
North Bay, ON P1B 9P1
ph. (705) 474-7233 x261
f. (705) 472-5800