Landfill spotters have the important job of directing and controlling hauler traffic at the landfill tipping face, keeping drivers and landfill employees safe. This role faces serious safety risks from trucks and landfill equipment. The following tips can help spotters stay safe.
- Spotters should be familiar with site safety procedures, understand blind spots at the tipping face, and follow best practices to avoid hazards.
- Communication is vital. Where possible, radios are the best way to communicate. Otherwise, develop clear and consistent hand signals for communicating with operators.
- A physical âsafeâ zone for the spotter helps provide protection. Examples include concrete barricades or a small structure, known as a mobile spotter station, to house and protect the landfill spotter.
- High-visibility safety vests and other personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be worn when spotting.
- No scavenging! It poses a serious risk of injury or death and sets a poor example for landfill customers.
- Providing clear policies to haulers and landfill employees that they must follow the direction of the landfill spotter helps keep everyone safe.
- Spotters should make certain that directional signs and barricades are located properly. The signs should be clean, well-maintained, and easy to read.
For more information on safety practices at landfills, view the SWANA Applied Research Foundation (ARF) report . For building comprehensive knowledge and skills on effective landfill management practices, the SWANA Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) course is a top choice.
Source: Safety Tips and Tricks, Keeping You and Your Team Safe. Solid 91²Ö¿â Association of North America (SWANA). 2025.
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