Utilization of viewing aids for safe operations with excavators

Abstract

Camera monitor systems (CMS) and mirrors are intended to support excavator operators’ understanding of the surrounding and help prevent accidents. However, little is known about visual information acquisition of operators of large construction machinery, especially during machine movements. In this field study, utilization of viewing aids and other information sources during rotating movements of excavators was investigated by means of eye-tracking and task observation. Results show that, while CMS monitors and left mirrors were used for many rotating movements, other information sources around the machine were also attended, such as the right frontolateral area and the area around the attachment. The article discusses implications for safety and machinery design, such as positioning of viewing aids.