27 May The Spotter

The Spotter

A spotter plays a critical role in preventing struck-by incidents, backing accidents, property damage, and injuries when vehicles or mobile equipment operate where the driver’s view is restricted. Construction sites are especially hazardous because delivery trucks, equipment, workers, stored materials, and changing site conditions often occupy the same limited space.

Guide for Discussion

When a Spotter Is Needed

A spotter should be used when a driver or equipment operator has a restricted view or cannot safely determine the clearance between the vehicle and nearby workers, equipment, structures, or other hazards.

Spotters may be needed when:

• Backing trucks or mobile equipment.
• Maneuvering in congested work areas.
• Entering or leaving construction sites.
• Working near pedestrians or other equipment.
• Operating near structures, excavations, overhead obstructions, or power lines.
• Positioning delivery vehicles for loading or unloading.

Whenever possible, plan vehicle movements to eliminate or minimize backing.

Before Movement Begins

Before directing a vehicle, the spotter and driver should:

• Discuss the planned route and final vehicle position.
• Identify workers, equipment, structures, overhead hazards, excavations, and other obstacles.
• Agree on the hand signals or communication method that will be used.
• Confirm that the driver understands who is acting as the designated spotter.
• Establish what the driver must do if visual or verbal communication with the spotter is lost.

Only one designated spotter should normally direct the driver. Other employees should not give conflicting signals.

Spotter Positioning

The spotter must remain in a safe location where the driver can clearly see them.

The spotter should:

• Position themselves on the driver’s side whenever practical.
• Stay out of the vehicle’s path of travel.
• Remain outside the vehicle’s blind spots.
• Stay clear of pinch points and areas where they could become trapped between the vehicle and another object.
• Maintain adequate distance from moving equipment.
• Watch where they are walking while continuing to monitor vehicle movement.
• Never walk backward without checking the path of travel.
• Never position themselves directly behind or immediately in front of a moving vehicle.

A spotter should never place a hand on a moving vehicle or enter its path of travel to detect movement.

Maintain Communication

The spotter must maintain continuous communication with the driver or operator.

• Use clear, deliberate, and consistent hand signals.
• Use radios when conditions make visual signaling difficult, if authorized.
• Avoid unnecessary movements that could confuse the driver.
• Remain visible to the driver throughout the maneuver.
• Do not perform unrelated tasks or use a phone while spotting.

If the driver loses sight of the spotter or does not understand a signal, the driver must stop immediately and remain stopped until communication is reestablished.

Watch the Entire Area

The spotter must monitor more than the vehicle itself. Watch for:

• Workers entering the vehicle’s path.
• Other vehicles or mobile equipment.
• Stored materials and equipment.
• Buildings, fences, and temporary structures.
• Excavations, trenches, drop-offs, and unstable ground.
• Overhead obstructions.
• Overhead electrical lines.
• Changing traffic or site conditions.
• Adequate clearance around the vehicle.

If any person or hazard enters the danger zone, signal the driver to stop immediately.

Driver Responsibilities

The driver or operator must:

• Follow the designated spotter’s signals.
• Move slowly and maintain control.
• Stop immediately when instructed.
• Stop if the spotter disappears from view.
• Never assume the path remains clear simply because it was clear moments earlier.
• Resume movement only after confirming that it is safe to proceed.

Remember

The spotter’s first responsibility is safety—not speed. Never place yourself in danger while attempting to guide a vehicle.

If the driver loses sight of the spotter, the vehicle stops. If the spotter is uncertain that the path is clear, the vehicle stops.