Why must you have a qualified spotter when you cannot see the workspace?

Having a qualified spotter when visibility of the workspace is not possible is essential to ensure safe operation. The spotter serves as the operator's eyes and ears, providing critical guidance and information that the operator cannot acquire due to the obstructed view. This is particularly important in preventing accidents and ensuring that the hoisting operation does not inadvertently endanger workers, pedestrians, or surrounding structures. The spotter can signal to the operator when it is safe to move the load, when to stop, and to alert the operator of any hazards that are not visible from the operator's position. Thus, the presence of a qualified spotter is fundamentally about maintaining safety during operations, especially in situations where clear visibility is compromised.