Backover injuries can occur in a split second and can cause severe injuries or even death. When working around large trucks and heavy equipment, employees always need to be on high alert to avoid a devastating incident. Relying on a backup alarm isn’t a reliable way of preventing these types of incidents.
Backover incidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Drivers may not be able to see a worker in their blind spot. Workers may not hear backup alarms because of other work site noises or because the alarms are not functioning. A spotter assisting one truck may not see another truck behind him. Workers riding on vehicles may fall off and get backed over. Drivers may assume that the area is clear and not look in the direction of travel. Sometimes it’s unclear why a worker was in the path of a backing vehicle. Incidents are often the result of a combination of factors.
Spotters are a proven method of protecting employees on foot behind vehicles with an obstructed view, but spotters themselves can be at risk for injury or even death. Employers can implement the following actions to help keep spotters safe:
- Spotters and drivers need to agree on hand signals before backing up.
- Spotters need to always maintain visual contact with the driver while the vehicle is backing up.
- Drivers need to stop backing up immediately if they lose sight of the spotter.
- Spotters must never have additional duties while they are acting as spotters.
- Spotters must not use personal mobile phones, personal headphones or other items that could pose a distraction during spotting activities.
- Spotters must wear high-visibility clothing, especially during night operations.
Newer technology can also assist drivers in avoiding backing over another employee or equipment. Back-up cameras and proximity detection devices can help alert the driver when they are close to striking an object or a worker on foot.
Another prevention method is safety training to familiarize employees with the blind spots on vehicles and equipment. Different vehicles and equipment have different blind spots, so you must be familiar with all to be sure you don’t overlook them. All it takes is one mistake and disaster can occur.
The bottom line is that backover incidents are easily preventable if employees take the time to recognize the hazard and work together to prevent them from happening.
Ronnie Freeman is safety director for Mount Pleasant (South Carolina) Waterworks and Safety Committee chair for the Water Environmental Association of South Carolina.
