Spotted doing a potentially life-saving job

You may have spotted them while driving past construction sites and wondered haven’t those Council workers got anything better to do than to stand there watching someone else work?

Well, no.

The job they are doing is one of the most important roles on any work site.

A Council safety observer or “spotter” is stationary for good reason. They have the line of sight on site and ensure moving plant equipment isn’t at risk of collision with surrounding hazards such as power lines and overhead structures.

They are there to be vigilant and are responsible for monitoring incoming pedestrians, vehicles and other machinery, and can raise an alarm in the case of an emergency.

Redland City Council has kitted out its spotters with distinctive pink high visible vests with the word “Spotter” on the back, helping to delineate them from traffic controllers who monitor the road usually with “Stop” signs.

A Council spokesperson said some of Council’s field teams unfairly receive some negative comments if any worker isn’t “actively” working.

It is highly likely that seemingly inactive worker is actually a spotter and is helping maintain safety on site.

“Spotters can make the difference between someone suffering a life-changing injury on site, or the whole crew going home safe at the end of the working day,” the spokesperson said.

“Let’s keep our eyes out for spotters at construction sites, while they get on with keeping their eyes on the job.”