Reversing at Project Sites Made Easy- Pointers to Keep in Mind for Employers

According to a number of studies, a significant percentage of all deaths and accidents involving vehicles at work happen during reversing. While a number of reversing accidents may not result in deaths or serious injuries, these may cause damages to properties, equipment, and other corporate resources. And these concerns are more pronounced in project sites where workers and employees are expected to operate a number of vehicles, and employees need to be on the ground most of the time. But all kinds of reversing-related accidents are avoidable, provided that certain engineering stops and strategies are put into place. For project engineers and managers, here are some simple precautions that can be taken.

1. Remove the need for reversing

To eliminate accidents and injuries related to reversing, it would be best for the management to remove the need for reversing in construction and project sites. This can be done by setting up a one-way traffic system, vehicle turning points and secure drive-through area where construction vehicles and trucks can load and unload. Accidents in the workplace are best managed and minimized if the management can plan out a more convenient design and layout where employees can work safely, and vehicles can operate without the need to reverse.

2. If reversing is required, plan a specific area where vehicles and equipment can reverse

Making a plan to accommodate reversing makes business sense, especially if the project sites recorded a number of accidents related to reversing vehicles. There should be designated areas where reversing is allowed, and the Health and Safety Team and the management should make that there is a system of work and procedures that everyone must comply with. In drafting the rules and procedures for reversing in the workplace, it is important to identify the area where reversing is allowed, and workers and pedestrians should not be allowed to work or linger in the identified area.

3. The reversing environment should be well-planned, laid-out and clearly identified

Reversing accidents happen because the drivers are unaware of the surroundings, and those involved are not properly guided and informed. To avoid accidents, the reversing area should be free from workers and pedestrians, and obstructions should be removed. The reversing area should be well-planned and laid-out, with signs guiding the drivers, and it should be properly lighted.

4. Invest in reversing accessories and technologies that can increase visibility or equip drivers

Signage, guided reversing platforms and lighting can go a long way in securing safety during reversing. But this can be improved by equipping the vehicles and construction equipment with reversing aids, like reversing cameras and mirrors. By investing in these reversing accessories, you give the drivers and equipment operators with an all-around visibility, and these give them complete control of the surrounding environment.

Reversing accidents are preventable, with the right preparation, training and equipment. If the work environment is hampered with reversing-related accidents, these things can impact not just the concerned driver and the vehicle, but also the company’s bottom-line as well. Accidents may cause serious damages to property, injure those involved and may harm the company’s integrity. All these can be stopped, and it all starts with proper planning.