Toolbox Talk: Backing & Spotters

Why it matters

Backing incidents are a leading cause of death on roads and jobsites. Large vehicles and equipment can't see people directly behind them.

Talking points

• Walk around first: before you move, walk around the vehicle and check behind, beside and under it.
• Avoid backing: park so you can drive forward out, and plan routes that need less backing.
• Use a spotter: a trained spotter stands where the driver can see them, uses agreed signals and stays out of the vehicle's path.
• Stop if you lose sight: if you can't see the spotter, stop at once.
• Alarms and mirrors: keep backup alarms, cameras and mirrors working and clean.
• Pedestrians stay out: keep workers and visitors away from equipment paths, and never walk behind a backing vehicle.

Ask the crew

1. Where do vehicles back up on this site?
2. Who will be our spotter, and what signals will we use?
3. How can we change the layout to reduce backing?

Before we start work today: Agree on spotter signals and mark the areas where pedestrians must stay out.

Who attended

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Source: OSHA 1926.601: Motor vehicles. General safety information only, not legal advice; follow your employer’s program, the manufacturer’s instructions and current regulations. Keep signed sheets with your safety records. FirstDayTraining.com · Todd Allyn Media Inc.