Night work and poor visibility toolbox talk

What it is

Working in the dark, in low light or where dust, smoke, fog or glare stops people seeing hazards, plant and one another.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Schedule work for daylight hours where possible, and delay work when fog, dust, smoke or heavy rain cuts visibility.
2. Light the whole work area, access routes and plant movement paths, using towers or work lights that are positioned to avoid glare for workers and passing motorists.
3. Keep clear sightlines by cleaning mirrors, windscreens and lights, and removing obstructions from plant and work areas.
4. Separate people from plant with barriers and spotters, and use extra signs, reflective delineation and flashing lights at night.
5. Manage fatigue for night shifts with rostered rest breaks, and check workers are fit to drive home after a shift.
6. Wear high-visibility clothing with reflective strips suited to night work, and carry a torch or head lamp.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with night work and poor visibility:

• Construction Night WorksDo not work alone at night, wear high-visibility vests, keep lighting adequate and manage fatigue, drugs, alcohol and weatherFrom Construction Night Works
• PlanningNotify local authorities, plan transport and exclusion zones, and plan breaks and weather checks for night workFrom Construction Night Works
• Work area set upSet up lighting, back-up power, illuminated plant and signs, and roadside barriers for the night work zoneFrom Construction Night Works

Questions for the crew

1. Where could night work and poor visibility come up on this job today?
2. Is any of this work on today's job: Construction Night Works?
3. The most effective control is: “Schedule work for daylight hours where possible, and delay work when fog, dust, smoke or heavy rain cuts visibility”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
4. Which controls for night work and poor visibility are missing or not working on this site?
5. When would you stop work because of night work and poor visibility, and who would you tell?
6. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?