Effective communication is a two-way information sharing process that includes sending and/or receiving a message that is correctly interpreted and acted on appropriately.

Communication methods may include (but are not limited to) visual, radio, verbal, face to face and hand signals. 

Communication may be a combination of these methods depending on the environment, the types of plant or equipment in use, and the people involved.  Effective communication will allow people to communicate quickly in an emergency.

If permission is received to enter the operating zone of the mobile plant or vehicle, you must remain in the operators line of site and be aware of the machines blind spots.

Blind spots

Most types of mobile plant have blind spots that increase the risk of spotters and other personnel being struct by the machine. Before starting work, ask the operator where their blind spots are and confirm where you will be located whilst inside the operating zone.

Before entering the operating zone of mobile plant, ask yourself the following:

1. Do I absolutely need to be in this area at this time?
2. Can I wait until the machine has relocated or is inactive?
3. Is the spotter aware of where I need to go and how long I will be in the area?
4. Is the operator aware of where I need to go and how long I will be in the area?
5. Have I agreed upon an effective means of communication between myself and the operator and/or spotter?
6. Do I need to enter any blind spots of the machine?

The Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project (SCAEP) used these orange people to demonstrate where a machine’s operator can and can’t see a person from the cab.

Examples of plant blind spots:

WorkSafe New Zealand. Excavation Safety Guideline