Vehicle Safety: Backing Up II

Best Practices and Safeguards to Mitigate the Hazards of Backing

• The single best way to prevent backing-related incidents is to eliminate backing as much as possible. Most work areas and tasks can be setup in such a way that backing up is not necessary. Preplanning of movements is another way to eliminate unnecessary backing
• Look for pull through parking before choosing to park where your first move is backing up. Always try to position yourself so that you can easily pull forward out of a parking spot
• If you need to back up after being in a fixed position, complete a walk around of your vehicle. This allows you to be aware of what is in your blind spots prior to making a move
• Use a spotter when appropriate. If backing is necessary and there are hazards such as other ground personnel or fixed objects in the area then a spotter may be necessary. Always consider the additional hazards created when a spotter is used in a work area with moving equipment or vehicles
• Mark fixed objects so they are more visible to those operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment in a work area
• Place protective barricades to protect critical or expensive equipment from struck-by incidents