Preventing Backing Incidents on Construction Sites

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From 2003 to 2010, 443 workers were killed on construction sites by a vehicle or mobile equipment. Of those cases, 143 involved a vehicle or mobile equipment that was backing up. Those statistics are stark reminder of the many dangers ever present on construction sites. NIOSH is tackling this issue with a new Workplace Solutions publication, "Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths from Backing Construction Vehicles and Equipment at Roadway Construction Worksites." The document highlights controls such as standard operating procedures, equipment servicing, communication and operator training, and provides tips for workers on foot as well.

You can learn more about work zone safety from National Work Zone Information Clearinghouse. OSHA also hosts a Preventing Backovers Topic Page and NIOSH hosts a Safety and Health Topic Page on highway work zones.