Field scenario: A helper hops out wearing normal sunglasses and work boots but no vest or radio. The job is “just a quick half day.”
Why this matters
Most small incidents get worse when crews cannot see, hear, or communicate clearly. PPE and radios reduce reaction time.
Pass standard
Every person on site can be seen, protected, and reached before the walk begins.
- Required PPE includes ANSI hard hat or safety helmet, ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses, high-visibility apparel, steel/composite toe boots, and hearing protection once machinery is active.
- Two-way radios or reliable hands-free communication must be set before production. Operators should not need to remove hands from controls to communicate.
- PPE is not a customer-facing decoration. It is part of Brushworks’ legal and operational defense trail.
Operator checkpoints
Hi-vis onEye protection onHard hat available/usedHearing protection readyRadio channel confirmed
Common mistakes
- Treating PPE as optional because the job is short.
- Using sunglasses instead of rated safety glasses.
- Starting machines before radio channel and hand signals are confirmed.
Document in Jobber
- Safety checklist completion.
- Crew member names if the job has a multi-person crew.
- Communication issue notes if radios/cell service are weak.
Field standard: The walkthrough starts after the crew is protected and able to communicate — not before.