Backing vehicles and equipment are a serious occupational hazard. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that, of the 443 struck-by fatalities at road construction sites between 2003 and 2010, 143 cases involved a vehicle or mobile equipment backing up.
To help prevent backover injuries and deaths, safety experts recommends a number of standard operating procedures:
- Create and enforce an operating procedure that addresses how to work safely and lists best practices to follow when working near vehicles and other equipment.
- Take precautions. Use equipment that creates minimal blind spots or has proximity warning devices.
- Before work begins, design the worksites to minimize or eliminate the need for backing vehicles and equipment.
- Be sure drivers know not to back up equipment unless they are under the direction of a spotter.
- Use barrels, barricades, cones or reflective devices to guide vehicles and equipment away from workers.
- Post signs informing workers where it is safe to walk.
Before work begins, vehicle and equipment operators need to inspect their machinery for any issues. Ensure everything, including mirrors and windows, is clear and in good working order. If something is found to be defective, remove the vehicle or equipment from service until repairs are made.
When operating equipment, know its blind spots. If you lose contact with your spotter for any reason, immediately stop work.
For workers on foot near backing vehicles or equipment, employees should adhere to the following:
- Wear appropriate high-visibility personal protective equipment.
- Know the blind spots of vehicles and equipment you work near.
- Never approach a piece of equipment or vehicle without a clear signal of acknowledgment from the operator.
- Avoid areas where vehicles and equipment travel.
- Stay alert for the sound of reversing alarms.
- Avoid complacency. Always know your surroundings.