A plumber is working on a new commercial building site where a backhoe is actively excavating trenches nearby. Which safety precaution is crucial for the plumber to observe?

Question: A plumber is working on a new commercial building site where a backhoe is actively excavating trenches nearby. Which safety precaution is crucial for the plumber to observe?

Answer options: ✅ Ensure the backhoe operator can see them at all times or establish eye contact

• Wear a high-visibility vest only when working inside trenches
• Rely on the backhoe's backup alarm to indicate movement
• Work at least 15 metres away from the excavation activity

Correct answer: Ensure the backhoe operator can see them at all times or establish eye contact

Explanation: Maintaining visual contact with heavy equipment operators, or ensuring they are aware of a worker's presence, is paramount to prevent accidents on a construction site. High-visibility vests are always important near equipment, but direct communication or visual confirmation is safer than relying solely on alarms or arbitrary distances.