Heavy Equipment Backing: Strategies for Reducing Accidents
Heavy equipment backing presents significant risks in construction environments. Proper planning and adherence to safety protocols are essential to minimize accidents and ensure the safety of workers. This journal explores the necessary measures and best practices for reducing backing accidents involving heavy equipment, referencing relevant OSHA standards.
Reducing Equipment Backing
Planning and Equipment Setup
Operations involving heavy equipment should be meticulously planned to reduce the need for backing. Heavy construction equipment should be equipped with special mirrors to minimize blind spots. Despite additional mirrors, some blind spots remain from the operator’s control position (Motor Vehicles, 2015).
Spotters and Alarms
Certain heavy equipment offers no rear view for operators, necessitating the use of spotters before moving backwards. Backup alarms are mandatory for all heavy equipment and trucks on construction sites. If an alarm malfunctions, it must be reported immediately for repairs (Material Handling Equipment, 1998). Bi-directional alarms and horns are particularly advantageous as they alert all nearby personnel to the equipment’s movement, thus reducing accidents (Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal, 1990).
Operator Best Practices
Pre-Operation Checks
Operators can prevent accidents by developing a routine of walking around their equipment before use. This involves checking both the equipment and the surrounding area for obstacles such as depressions or poles that could impact operation (General Safety and Health Provisions, 2020).
Qualification and Awareness
Operators must be qualified, physically fit, and fully aware of their equipment’s limitations and their own. They should never back up without being certain of what is behind them. In congested areas, operators should always have a guide. If sight of the guide is lost, the operator must stop the vehicle immediately (Motor Vehicles, 2015).
Safe Work Procedures
Eliminating Backing Accidents
Operators can eliminate backing accidents by following safe work procedures. This includes consistent use of spotters, proper equipment checks, and ensuring alarms are functional. Operators should never assume the rearward path is clear and must always verify (Motor Vehicles, 2015).
Conclusion
Adhering to safety protocols and proper planning can significantly reduce the risks associated with heavy equipment backing. Employers and operators must prioritize these measures to ensure a safer working environment.
References
Standard for Motor vehicles. OSHA 29 CFR § 1926.601 Subpart O. (2015)
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.601
Standard for Material Handling Equipment. OSHA 29 CFR § 1926.602. Subpart O (19998).
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.602
Standard for General Safety and Health Provisions. OSHA 29 CFR § 1926.20. Subpart C (2020).
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.20
Standard for Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal. ANSI ANSI/ASA § S3.41-1990.(1990).
