MARCH 30, 2015
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, NIOSH 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.
·
Establish
safety procedures for working at night with backing equipment. Ensure
high-visibility apparel is worn.
·
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.
·
Hire a
competent person to supervise worksites involving 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.
NIOSH states that
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.
NIOSH also notes
that clear communication is key. “At the start of each shift, review
communications signals (verbal, hand signals, flags) between spotters, machine
operators, truck drivers, and workers on foot,” the agency states.
For workers on foot
near backing vehicles or equipment, NIOSH recommends employees 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.
//----------------------------------//
VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT OPERATION : BACKING EQUIPMENT AND
SNOWPLOWS
Vehicle backing accidents can happen at any time of the
year, but when winter comes and there is snow to be cleared, this type of
incident becomes even more likely. It seems like every year a backing accident
involving a motorist and county equipment occurs in Michigan, despite all the
efforts of the County Road Commissions to avoid these problems. However, you
may also be interested to know that there are a number of backing accidents
that occur in Road Commission garages and even in Road Commission yards. Often
times, employees are injured or property is damaged.
Backing accidents are due to a great many factors, including
poor visibility, blind spots, difficult terrain, and driver fatigue or
inattentiveness. But, let’s face it, the motoring public generally doesn’t
focus much attention on avoiding snowplows or other vehicles/equipment with
which they share the road. So it is your responsibility as a Road Commission
employee to take extra care while out on the road.
That makes avoiding an accident your responsibility, a
responsibility that all county employees have to protect the public, but also a
responsibility mandated by law. There may be serious legal repercussions if you
get into a vehicle backing accident, so even though you as an operator may be
doing everything else correctly, you should still remember that you are the one
driving the 160,000-pound truck. Let’s not dwell on the negative, however. The
point of our discussion today is to make sure that everyone on the road gets
home safely.
Here are some strategies that veteran drivers use to avoid
vehicle backing accidents. First of all, try to make a mental note of all the
vehicles around you as you drive. If you see a motorist stop or turn off, then
you can cross them off your list; but if not, then that vehicle is likely
hiding somewhere in your blind spots or dead zone. Use curves in the road to
help you. When entering an intersection, come to a stop at an angle if it’s
safe to do so. If it’s dark out, use reflected light from snow banks or trees
as additional queues that a vehicle is behind you. Activate your lights and
beacons so that you are more visible. Ensure that back up alarms are
functioning properly. Keep looking in your mirrors. Every few seconds you
should be checking your mirrors. Remember to look and lean to see as much in
your mirrors as possible. Stop and let the motorist pass before you begin
clearing an intersection, but be aware that some motorists may get confused in
these situations and may not react like you think they should. Back slowly at
first, again, keeping an eye out for anything behind you. Finally, if you are
backing and you feel an unusual amount of resistance, or the back end of the
truck begins to rise, stop immediately! Check traffic so that you’re not going
to be struck by a vehicle yourself, and get out and look.
The most important thing is to be ready! If you operate a
snowplow or any other heavy equipment on or near the public right of way, it’s
not a matter of if a motorist will come too close to you, it’s a matter of
when. So stay alert and be ready. Most of all, remember to drive safely.