A backover incident occurs when a backing vehicle strikes a worker who is standing, walking, or kneeling behind the vehicle. These incidents can be prevented. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 70 workers died from backover incidents in 2011. These kinds of incidents can occur in multiple ways including, but not limited to, the following:
- Drivers may not be able to see a worker in their blind spot.
- Workers may not hear backup alarms because of other worksite noises or because the alarms are not properly functioning.
- A spotter assisting one (1) truck may not see another truck behind him.
- Workers riding on vehicles may fall off and get backed over.
- Drivers may assume that the area is clear and not look in the direction of travel.