What activities should you be doing when acting as a spotter on the trailer yard?

When acting as a spotter in the trailer yard, the primary responsibility is to identify and communicate hazards effectively. Spotting involves ensuring the safety of both the equipment operators and other personnel in a potentially busy and hazardous environment. By actively looking for dangers—such as obstacles in the path of moving equipment, other workers in the vicinity, or unsafe conditions—you help prevent accidents and ensure a safer working environment.

Effective communication of these hazards to the driver or equipment operator is critical, as they may have limited visibility and may not be aware of all potential risks. This proactive approach fosters a culture of safety in the yard, allowing tasks to be completed with a focus on minimizing risk.

Other activities, like monitoring time, moving equipment quickly, or focusing solely on the driver’s actions, do not address the core safety responsibilities of a spotter. While they may contribute to operational efficiency or driver assistance, they do not encompass the fundamental duty of ensuring the safety of all personnel and operations in the trailer yard. Prioritizing hazard identification and communication helps maintain a safe working environment for everyone involved.