New OSHA Initiative Targets Backover Incidents in Construction

In an effort to prevent backover incidents on construction sites, OSHA has launched an initiative aimed at raising awareness of safe practices.

The agency says more than a quarter of backover incidents occur in construction, leading all industries.

The #MirrorCheck initiative highlights effective solutions to minimize backover risks:

• Equip heavy machinery with audio and visual alarms, which can improve worker awareness – especially in blind spots – and encourage caution when operating machinery around workers.
• Properly adjust mirrors to minimize blind spots.
• Use spotters to maintain constant visual contact with drivers and establish hand signals to communicate effectively. Spotters should wear high-visibility clothing and have no other duties or distractions.
• Install rearview cameras to enhance safety without blocking a driver’s view. For larger vehicles such as dump trucks, multiple cameras may be needed.
• Employ proximity detection systems, such as radar or ultrasonic technologies, that can be mounted on some vehicles.
• Develop internal traffic control plans to coordinate equipment, worker and vehicle movement.