Working Safely Around Mobile Equipment gives ground crews 12 interactions from the worker's-eye view — identifying blind spots, blind corners, and struck-by hazards and learning where to stand before a machine moves — validating 5 competencies in on-foot survival near heavy equipment.
Working-safely-around-mobile-equipment training for workers ON FOOT — labourers, trades, and ground crew — not operators. Aligned with the Manitoba WSH Act and WSH Regulation MR 217/2006 Part 22 (Powered Mobile Equipment), CSA B335, and OSHA 1926.601. A worker on foot can be struck or run over by a machine whose operator never saw them, so this course teaches the ground worker's survival skills: recognizing the struck-by and line-of-fire hazards; the blind spots of skid-steers, loaders, excavators and backhoes and the circle of safety you keep around every machine; positive communication — eye contact and a clear acknowledgement before you approach or enter a machine's zone; the swing…
Equip workers on foot to survive around mobile and heavy equipment: recognize the struck-by and line-of-fire hazards, stay out of blind spots and the swing radius and backing paths, use positive communication before approaching a machine, and keep separated from equipment through exclusion zones, defined routes and high-visibility apparel.
At a glance
Format: Online, self-paced and interactive
Length: about 1 hour 15 minutes, 5 modules
Pass mark: 80% on the final test
Certificate: QR-verified, valid for one year
Jurisdiction: Manitoba law and standards
Who this course is for
Ground workers, spotters, and crews who work on foot near forklifts, loaders, and heavy mobile equipment.
Labourers and general workers on foot around mobile equipment
Trades working near skid-steers, excavators, loaders and backhoes
Ground crew, spotters-in-training, and site helpers
Anyone on a residential or construction jobsite who shares ground with machines
Supervisors briefing workers on foot on equipment-area safety
What you will learn
Recognize the on-foot struck-by and line-of-fire hazards around mobile equipment
Identify the blind spots of common machines and keep a circle of safety around every machine
Use positive communication — eye contact and a clear acknowledgement — before approaching or entering a machine's zone
Stay clear of the swing radius of slewing machines and the path of backing machines
Apply exclusion zones, defined pedestrian routes, ground-worker positioning, and high-visibility apparel
Know what to do when you must approach an operating machine (get it stopped and be acknowledged first)
Course outline
Struck-By and the Line of Fire — Why a worker on foot is the one who dies around mobile equipment, and what the line of fire means on the ground.
Blind Spots and the Circle of Safety — Where the operator cannot see you, and the circle of safety a worker on foot keeps around every machine.
Positive Communication — Getting Seen Before You Approach — Eye contact and a clear acknowledgement before you approach or enter any working machine's zone.
Swing Radius and Backing Hazards — The full swing circle of slewing machines and the backing path — two crush zones that reach where workers do not expect.
Exclusion Zones, Positioning and High-Visibility — Keeping people and machines apart by design: exclusion zones, defined routes, ground-worker positioning, and high-visibility apparel.
Laws and standards covered
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act (C.C.S.M. c. W210)
Manitoba WSH Regulation MR 217/2006
CSA B335 — Safety Standard for Lift Trucks
OSHA 1926.601
SAFE Work Manitoba
Certificate and renewal
Passing the final test issues a QR-verified certificate, valid for one year. Review training at least annually and whenever the equipment, site, or the worker's role changes. Position confirmation on site is renewed per the employer program. No exact mandatory theory-hour minimum is set in Manitoba law — industry/provider standard applies.
Common questions
How long does Working Safely Around Mobile Equipment take?
About 1 hour 15 minutes online, over 5 modules, at your own pace. It ends with a final test that needs 80% to pass.
How long is the Working Safely Around Mobile Equipment certificate valid?
One year from the day you pass. Review training at least annually and whenever the equipment, site, or the worker's role changes.
Which laws and standards does Working Safely Around Mobile Equipment cover?
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act (C.C.S.M. c. W210); Manitoba WSH Regulation MR 217/2006; CSA B335 — Safety Standard for Lift Trucks; and 2 more listed on this page.
Who should take Working Safely Around Mobile Equipment?
Ground workers, spotters, and crews who work on foot near forklifts, loaders, and heavy mobile equipment.
Is this course part of a training program?
Yes. It is included in Powered Equipment Operator Program.