Blind Spots

Just like with personal cars, all mobile equipment has blind spots that cause people and objects to be hidden from the driver's or operator's view during operations. Those most commonly at risk from these blind spots are supervisors, spotters, and service personnel who are standing or working near large mobile equipment. The operator of a large machine may be unaware that service personnel are working near the unit when moving the machine. People run the risk of being run over if they are standing or working in the operator's blind spot.

Small service vehicles that are parked near large items of mobile equipment can be seriously damaged or crushed when they are parked within the larger mobile equipment's blind spot. Small vehicles overtaking heavy equipment are also at risk of being run over if the larger machine suddenly turns.

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