Course overview
SOP 03 · Lesson 2 of 5

Operator position is a safety system

Stand where you can see the machine, avoid the slide/roll path, and escape if terrain changes.

40%
Remote operator positioned safely uphill and outside machine path.
Operator position is part of the safety system.
Field scenario: The clearest view of the machine is directly downhill, but that puts you in the path if the machine slides.
Why this matters

A remote operator’s body position determines whether a slide, rollover, or thrown object becomes survivable.

Pass standard

The operator has line of sight, stable footing, and is outside the machine’s likely path.

What to do
  • Never stand downhill, directly in front of, or directly behind the machine on a slope.
  • Maintain line of sight to the machine, attachment, work face, and exclusion zone.
  • Stand on stable ground with a clean escape path. Do not operate from brush piles, slick banks, unstable edges, or blind corners.
  • If the safest position loses visibility, stop and reposition. Do not trade body position for production speed.
Operator checkpoints
Not downhillLine of sightEscape pathStable footingOutside thrown-object path
Common mistakes
  • Standing downhill for a better view.
  • Operating from unstable footing.
  • Trading escape path for convenience.
Document in Jobber
  • Notes if terrain forced unusual operator position.
  • Photos of access/line-of-sight constraints.
  • Spotter/communication plan if used.
Field standard: If your position would be dangerous during a slide, rollover, or thrown-object event, move before operating.
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