Backing accidents account for one of the highest categories of struck-by injuries on construction sites. Most happen when an operator can't see a worker, or when a spotter doesn't have a clear line of sight to both the operator and the hazard. The cost of getting this wrong is someone's life.
| # | Discussion Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Walk around your machine before climbing in. Especially if you've been off the seat. Workers, vehicles, and materials show up while you're away. |
| 2 | One spotter, one operator, agreed signals. The spotter has the authority to stop the operator at any time. If you can't see the spotter, STOP. Don't guess. Don't keep going. |
| 3 | Spotter position matters. Stand off to the side at a 45° angle, never directly behind the machine. You should be able to see what the operator can't, AND the operator should be able to see you in their mirror. |
| 4 | Standard hand signals only. Closed fist = STOP. Open palms guiding = direction. No casual waves. If you don't know the signal, use the radio. |
| 5 | Reverse alarm is not a substitute for a spotter. Workers tune them out. Treat it as a backup, not your primary protection. |