Communication, Signage and Safe Movement in the Workplace
Why communication matters
Most LO incidents involve people. Clear communication, agreed traffic rules and visible signage prevent collisions and crush injuries. Know the site traffic management plan: designated routes, one-way aisles, pedestrian crossings, speed limits, exclusion zones and parking areas.
Signage and signals
Recognise and obey signs: speed limits, pedestrian zones, no-go areas, overhead clearance, load limits, danger and prohibition signs, and traffic flow arrows. Use the horn at blind corners, doorways and before reversing. Use agreed hand signals with a spotter and maintain eye contact; if you lose sight of the spotter, stop. Radios and two-way communication need clear protocols.
Pedestrians and other plant
Give way to pedestrians. Keep a safe distance from other plant. Never let anyone ride on the machine or stand under an elevated platform or load. Establish exclusion zones with barriers, not just cones, where the risk is high.
Housekeeping
Clear aisles, good lighting and clean floors reduce risk. Report spills, damaged racking and blocked routes.
Worked example
Approaching a blind corner in a busy aisle: slow down, sound the horn, check mirrors and proceed only when clear. If a spotter is guiding you into a rack, stop immediately if you lose sight of them.
Trap
Assuming a pedestrian has seen you because you can see them. Make eye contact and use the horn. Another trap is treating cones as equivalent to a physical barrier for a high-risk exclusion zone.
Rule of thumb
If you cannot see, you cannot proceed - slow, sound, look and stop when unsure.