A backover incident occurs when a backing vehicle or mobile equipment strikes a worker who is standing, walking, or kneeling behind it. These types of incidents are not uncommon.

• Backup incidents can happen for many reasons:
• Drivers may not be able to see an employee in their blind spot;
• Employees may not hear back-up alarms over jobsite noise;
• A spotter assisting one vehicle may not see another vehicle;
• Employees riding on vehicles or equipment may fall off and get backed over; and/or
• Drivers might assume that the area is clear and not look.

Why backovers happen

Backup incidents can happen for many reasons:

• Drivers may not be able to see an employee in their blind spot;
• Employees may not hear back-up alarms over site noise;
• A spotter assisting one vehicle may not see another vehicle;
• Employees riding on vehicles may fall off and get backed over;
• Drivers might assume that the area is clear and not look; or
• A combination of the above and/or other factors.

Back-up alarms or spotters required

Many construction vehicles and mobile equipment (we’ll call them vehicles) have audible alarms that sound when they’re put into reverse and backed up. OSHA has three construction safety regulations that require back-up alarms or spotters when backing vehicles with an obstructed view to the rear — 29 CFR 1926.601, .602, and .959. An air horn can also be used in place of a non-working back-up alarm or horn.

Spotting is a proven method of protecting employees on foot behind vehicles, but spotters themselves may be at risk. You can implement the following actions to keep your spotters safe:

• Ensure spotters and drivers agree on hand signals beforehand;
• Instruct spotters to always maintain visual contact with the driver while the vehicle is backing;
• Instruct drivers to stop backing if they lose sight of a spotter;
• Don’t give spotters added duties while they are spotting;
• Instruct spotters not to use cell phones, personal headphones, or other devices that may distract the spotter; and
• Provide spotters with high-visibility clothing.

Other technologies

Beyond audible alarms, new technologies have also been developed to address backing hazards, such video cameras, proximity sensing devices (radar/sonar), and alarms combined with lights. As an employer, you can also reduce or eliminate backovers by:

• Developing and implementing standard operating procedures to minimize work performed near vehicles;
• Using equipment designed to minimize blind areas and vehicles with proximity warning systems;
• Requiring the use of high-visibility apparel for site employees;
• Ensuring drivers only back up under the direction of a spotter; Implementing a set of communication signals (i.e., verbal, hand signals, or flags) for spotters, drivers, and employees;
• Ensuring daily communication between the prime and subcontractors to discuss any changes in traffic flow;
• Channeling construction vehicles away from workers using barrels, delineators, barricades, or cones;
• Installing signs to guide employees on foot with respect to traffic areas, vehicle flow, and worker-free zones; and
• Ensuring construction vehicles and their safety features (reverse alarm, video cameras, mirrors, windows, brakes, lights, horns, etc.) are maintained and inspected at the beginning of each shift. Defective vehicles and devices should be reported and removed from service until repaired.

Employee training

Training is another tool to prevent backover incidents. According to 1926.21, you must instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations to control or eliminate hazards or exposure. Section 1926.20 permits only those employees qualified by training or experience to operate equipment. OSHA recommends that employers offer a training program in the employees’ primary language and literacy level that includes:

• The driver’s visual limits or blind spots on specific vehicles used onsite and how employees on foot can avoid them;
• Standard operating procedures that minimize exposure of employees on foot to backing vehicles; and
• Daily pre-work safety meetings to discuss the work, hazards, safety procedures, and any changes to the work plan.

Where to go for more information

• 29 CFR 1926.601 — Motor vehicles.
• 29 CFR 1926.602 — Material handling equipment.
• 29 CFR 1926.959 — Mechanical equipment.