I was surprised to read how many workers die from being backed over.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 70 workers died from backover incidents in 2011. 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. OSHA has published a new Preventing Backovers webpage that provides information about the hazards of backovers; solutions that can reduce the risk or frequency of these incidents; articles and resources; and references to existing regulations and letters of interpretation.
The above was from OSHA QuickTakes. While this article, and a new page on OSHA’s website, focuses on construction, the safety practices apply to Public Works Departments or any company that operates forklifts or trucks.
