Toolbox Talk: Backing Vehicles and Spotters

Before you start

If possible, park a truck or piece of equipment nearby and have the crew stand where the driver cannot see them.

Read this to your crew

Many struck-by deaths on job sites happen when a vehicle or machine is backing up. Drivers have large blind spots behind them, and workers on foot often assume the driver can see them.

Today we will go over how drivers, spotters and people on foot can stay out of each other's way.

Key points

Get out and look. Before backing, walk around the vehicle to check the path and overhead clearance.
Use a spotter when you cannot see. If your rear view is blocked, use a backup alarm and a spotter, as site rules require.
Agree on signals. Driver and spotter agree on hand signals before moving. The spotter stays where the driver can see them.
Lose sight, stop. If the driver cannot see the spotter, the driver stops at once.
Stay out of the backing zone. People on foot keep clear of vehicles that are backing, wear high-visibility clothing and never walk behind a vehicle without making eye contact with the driver.

Ask the crew

Where on this site do vehicles back up near people?
What hand signals do we use for stop, back and turn?
Could we set up the site so vehicles do not need to back up as often?

Picture this

A dump truck backs toward a paving crew. The spotter steps behind the truck to grab a shovel and out of the driver's mirror. The driver keeps backing. The rule that the driver stops when he loses sight of the spotter would have prevented the close call.

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Talk leader: ______________ Date: ______________ Site: ______________