Blind Spot Accident Prevention

Workers, drivers, and mine operators should adopt the following safe work practices to avoid accidents due to blind spots:

• Strictly adhere to the mine site's Traffic Management Plan.
• Follow safe work procedures regarding exclusion zone requirements when equipment is operating.
• Never assume someone sees you unless you make direct eye contact.
• Only park in approved locations, and ensure that you reverse park five meters apart from other equipment and vehicles.
• Ensure that wheel stops, spoon drains, or tire humps are provided where there is potential for uncontrolled vehicle movement when parked.
• Avoid parking light vehicles close to large equipment if possible, and never leave them in the blind spot of a large machine. Leave beacon lights on.
• Drive defensively, and always give way to larger mobile equipment.
• Sound the horn and wait 10 seconds before moving.
• Maintain a 50-meter clearance from operating bench faces and bench edges.

To learn more about MSHA Part 48 training requirements visit our MSHA Part 48 Subpart B Surface Mining Online Training web page.