Top 10 Safety Tips for Workers Around Moving Vehicles
Few would argue that working around moving vehicles on-site is among the most dangerous aspects of construction, waste management, logistics, road work, and industrial environments.
But sadly, statistics show that reversing vehicles are involved in approximately 25% of all workplace transport accidents in the UK, resulting in 10-20 deaths per year.
Furthermore, nearly 60% of all commercial vehicle accident claims involve a vehicle reversing.
The good news? Many of these risks can be reduced with clear procedures, awareness through training, and effective visual communication.
Here are 10 practical safety tips every worker should follow when working around moving vehicles.
1. Always Assume the Driver Has Limited Visibility
Even with mirrors, cameras, and sensors, drivers often have blind spots - especially around the rear and sides of vehicles.
Never assume a driver can see you.
Position yourself where you are clearly visible and ensure you get confirmation from the driver that they can see you.
2. Use Clear, Consistent Hand Signals
Hand signals should be:
- Simple
- Standardised
- Easy to recognise instantly
Avoid improvised gestures that can be misunderstood. Clear signalling reduces hesitation and confusion - especially in noisy environments where verbal communication isn’t possible.
3. Wear High-Visibility PPE Designed for Signalling
Traditional hi-vis clothing is essential, but hands are what drivers focus on when receiving instructions. Our Stop’N’Go safety gloves are specifically designed for this purpose.
If your gloves blend into the background, your signal can be missed.
4. Never Turn Your Back on a Moving Vehicle
Always face the vehicle you are guiding. Turning away - even briefly - increases the risk of losing awareness or being struck if the vehicle changes direction.
Stay alert and always keep your full attention on the vehicle.
5. Establish a Clear Exclusion Zone
Before any movement begins:
- Agree on safe standing areas
- Define exclusion zones
- Ensure no one else enters the area unexpectedly
Only authorised signallers should be within the vehicle’s operating zone.
6. Stop the Vehicle If Communication Is Lost
If:
- You lose sight of the driver
- The driver loses sight of you
- Signals become unclear
Stop the operation immediately.
Restart only once clear visual communication has been re-established.
7. Adjust for Weather and Lighting Conditions
Rain, fog, low sun, and darkness all reduce visibility.
In these conditions:
- Increase signal size and clarity
- Allow more reaction time
- Use PPE that stands out clearly against the environment
What works on a bright day may not be enough in poor conditions.
8. Never Use Mobile Phones Near Moving Vehicles
Distraction is a major contributor to site accidents.
This one seems obvious, but mobile phones should never be used while guiding vehicles or working near live traffic. Full awareness is essential - even a few seconds of distraction can be critical.
9. Refresh Training Regularly
Even experienced workers benefit from refreshers.
Regular toolbox talks should cover:
- Vehicle movements
- Signalling standards
- Lessons learned from near misses
Repetition helps build instinctive, safer behaviour.
10. Speak Up About Unsafe Practices
If something doesn’t feel right - say so.
Unsafe vehicle movements, unclear signals, or poor visibility should always be reported. A strong safety culture depends on workers feeling confident to raise concerns without blame.
Safer Communication Saves Lives
Most vehicle-related incidents are preventable. Clear visual communication, proper PPE, and disciplined procedures can make the difference between a routine task and a serious accident.
At Stop-N-Go, we believe clear signals save lives - and that visibility where it matters most should never be an afterthought.
Want to improve communication on your site?
Explore our safety gloves designed specifically for clear, unmistakable signalling in high-risk environments.