You are grading a roadway, and a worker unexpectedly walks into your work zone just in front of your grader. What is your immediate and instinctive action?

Question: You are grading a roadway, and a worker unexpectedly walks into your work zone just in front of your grader. What is your immediate and instinctive action?

Answer options:

• Honk the horn repeatedly to alert the worker. ✅ Activate the emergency shutdown (E-stop) button and apply emergency brakes.
• Swivel the blade to push the worker out of the way.
• Accelerate past the worker to clear the area.

Correct answer: Activate the emergency shutdown (E-stop) button and apply emergency brakes.

Explanation: When an immediate danger to personnel arises, the primary action is to stop the machine as quickly and safely as possible. The E-stop button is designed for this exact purpose, providing an instant means to cut power and prevent further movement, as outlined in CSA Z432 standards for machine safety.