Pedestrian Traffic

Unless you are the only person on site, pedestrian traffic needs to be a factor when using any heavy equipment. Sites don’t come equipped with crosswalks and  walk lights, so you have take it upon yourself to make sure no one is injured or worse while you’re behind the wheel.

Always try and redirect traffic if possible. If you can move walkways completely out of the way of all moving equipment, then perfect. However, on most sites this is not possible. In this case make sure you put out some safety cones, flagging or signage to give pedestrians the heads up that you’re there. Use a traffic director, someone that can tell people to hold up till they can communicate with you to stop. If you don’t have a traffic director, both operator and the pedestrian need to visually acknowledge each other. Make sure you have eye contact before making your way into the operators work area. As the operator, if the area you’re in is congested, make sure to watch your speed, and of course everyone should be wearing their high res vests.

No matter if you’re the operator or the pedestrian, follow the safety rules and everyone will go home safe at the end of the day.