Working Safely Around Moving Vehicles Toolbox Talk

Moving vehicles are a constant hazard on construction sites. Dump trucks, delivery trucks, pickups, forklifts, loaders, and other equipment can strike workers on foot in seconds, especially when backing up, turning in tight spaces, or moving through busy work zones. Noise, blocked sight lines, poor lighting, bad weather, and multiple trades working at the same time make it easy for someone to step into a travel path without realizing it.

This talk focuses on how crews can work safely around moving vehicles by staying visible, controlling traffic flow, using spotters the right way, and keeping people out of blind spots. The goal is to prevent workers from getting hit, pinned, or run over during normal jobsite activity.

Why This Matters

• Workers on foot are at high risk when vehicles are backing, turning, or entering congested areas.
• Drivers and operators cannot always see people near the sides, rear, or front of the vehicle.
• Struck-by incidents involving vehicles often cause severe injuries or death.
• Deliveries, staging changes, and shifting site access points can create new traffic hazards fast.
• One missed signal, blocked mirror, or worker in a blind spot can turn a routine move into a serious incident.

Common Hazards

• Vehicles backing up near workers, materials, or active work areas.
• Blind spots around trucks, equipment, trailers, and parked vehicles.
• Workers walking through haul routes, access roads, or loading zones.
• Drivers operating in dust, rain, glare, darkness, or other low-visibility conditions.
• Unclear communication between drivers, spotters, and workers on foot.
• Vehicles rolling unexpectedly on slopes or soft ground when parked or staged.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Review traffic patterns, delivery routes, backing areas, and pedestrian access points.
• Set up clear vehicle paths and keep foot traffic separated from moving equipment when possible.
• Assign trained spotters where backing, tight turns, or blind areas are involved.
• Inspect mirrors, cameras, horns, lights, alarms, and brakes before vehicles enter active work zones.
• Make sure high-visibility clothing is worn where crews are exposed to traffic.
• Check ground conditions, mud, ice, slopes, and staging areas that could affect stopping distance or control.

During Work

• Stay out of blind spots and never assume the driver can see you.
• Make eye contact with the driver or operator before approaching any vehicle.
• Do not walk behind or beside a moving vehicle unless the driver knows you are there and it is safe.
• Use designated walkways and stay clear of haul roads, loading areas, and backing zones.
• Stop vehicle movement if spotter communication is lost or visibility becomes poor.
• Use wheel chocks and secure parked vehicles so they cannot roll into workers or materials.

Crew Talking Points

• Where will vehicles be moving today, and where will crews be working on foot?
• Which tasks involve backing, deliveries, or tight access that need a spotter?
• Are traffic routes clearly marked, and do all trades know where not to walk?
• What visibility issues do drivers have in this area due to dust, glare, fencing, or stored material?
• Are parked vehicles, trailers, or stockpiles creating blind corners or choke points?
• Does anyone see a traffic conflict, blind spot, or access problem that needs to be fixed before work continues?

Stop Work If

• A vehicle is moving through the area without a clear path or without control of foot traffic.
• The driver or operator cannot see the work zone and no spotter is in place.
• Spotter signals are unclear, ignored, or lost.
• Workers are entering backing zones, haul routes, or blind spots without protection.
• Weather, dust, darkness, or site congestion makes vehicle movement unsafe.
• A parked vehicle is unstable, rolling, or not secured on the grade.

Final Reminder

Moving vehicles do not give second chances. Stay visible, stay out of blind spots, and stop the job anytime vehicle traffic and foot traffic are not fully under control.