tips for safely back over truck

 
From 2005 to 2010, dump trucks, semi-trailers, trucks, forklifts, garbage trucks and pickup trucks were involved in nearly 200 workplace backover deaths, according to OSHA. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently began collecting specific information on these fatalities and determined that 79 backover deaths occurred on the job in 2011.
A backover incident occurs when a backing vehicle hits a worker who is standing, walking or kneeling behind the vehicle.
The following are examples, recommended by OSHA, of back-over prevention methods:
Spotters: Using a spotter has been proven to keep the safety of workers. However, spotters also are in danger of being hit by a backing vehicle. Several steps can be taken to help keep workers safe.

• Before work begins, drivers and spotters should agree on hand signals.
• Ensure spotters always have visual contact with the driver when a vehicle is in motion.
• Ensure drivers know to stop immediately if they lose sight of a spotter.
• Do not give additional duties to spotters.
• Do not allow spotters to use mobile devices or personal headphones when working.
• Provide high-visibility clothing for spotters, especially when working at night.

Cameras: OSHA states that most vehicles can accommodate a camera to provide drivers with a view to the rear and other blind spots. When equipping vehicles with cameras, it is important to consider the environment operators work in. Some construction sites and mines may require more rugged cameras, and vehicles such as dump trucks may need two or more cameras to monitor blind spots.
Proximity detection systems: These systems use radar and ultrasonic technology to bounce a signal off an object. The system then alerts the vehicle operator with a visual or audio warning that an object is in the way.
Internal traffic control plan: Create a plan to coordinate the flow of moving equipment, workers and vehicles to help minimize the number of times workers and vehicles cross paths. According to OSHA, these plans can significantly reduce and even eliminate the need for vehicles to back up on a jobsite

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Tips for safe towing

Providing roadside vehicle assistance can be fraught with hazards, particularly when towing is involved. To stay safe when performing such tasks, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety in Hamilton, Ontario, recommends the following:                                                                

• Carry fuel in a labeled and approved portable container with a tight cap and pouring spout.
• Keep gasoline and diesel fuels in separate containers.
• When refueling a vehicle, maintain contact between the container and the filler opening.
• Tow, rather than push, a vehicle when possible.
• Before towing a vehicle, check the type of transmission and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for towing front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles.
• Be sure to use ample lights around the pick-up area. Avoid using flares in case of fuel leaks.
• Turn on the flashers of the disabled vehicle.
• Outfit service trucks with emergency equipment, warning signal devices, wheel chocks and a properly rated fire extinguisher.
• Post the maximum hoisting capacity of the towing unit on the winch mast. Never remove or paint over information on the manufacturer’s data plate.
• Do not exceed the towing capacity of the truck, or exceed the limits of the cables, chains or tow bar.
• Leave at least three wraps of cable on the winch.
• Operate hoist controls away from the wheel drum, travelling cables and sheaves.
• Make sure wheel lifts extend far enough to have clearance when turning.
• Be aware of electrical power lines when the boom is extended.
• After a vehicle is rigged, double-check to make sure all cables are secure before driving.
• Ensure locking pins are properly engaged.
• Wear sturdy gloves to prevent cuts from cables and sharp objects.
• Do not straddle the tow cable.
• Do not work under a vehicle suspended by a tow truck. Place jack stands or blocking under the frame.
• Wear high-visibility personal protective clothing, particularly in low-light or dark conditions.

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Tips For Driving Trucks Safely

In the classification of commercial motor vehicles (CMV's), trucks range from very large oversized trucks all the way down to small straight trucks. In order to drive these CMV's, people in the US must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive trucks over a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

Components of a commercial driver's license test consist of both a skills test and a general knowledge test. The driver must show skills in making turns, backing up, stopping, driving on both highway and city roads, or weaing through a serpentine course. Commercial drivers licenses are available in Classes A, B, and C, and only Class A holders can operate the large trucks.

The first safety tip for truck drivers is to establish a cushion of space in all dimensions. Make sure to keep tabs on the heights above the truck (e.g. overpasses) along with road surfaces (e.g. road hazards, pot holes, or speed bumps). In addition, ensuring adequate forward and rear space for necessary quick stopping along with adequate turning radiuses will increase safety as well.

Researching travel conditions prior to a trip (such as weather and traffic) will lead to safer driving decisions. This may allow one to avoid inclement weather and a potential accident. Also, increased traffic may lead to impatient drivers and bad decisions which can cause an accident putting one's truck safety at risk.

Another part of planning is pre-trip inspections. Routinely having maintenance performed will prevent potential problems with tires, axles, fluids, etc.

Driving at safe speeds can prevent fatalities. After all, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported speeding as the #1 factor in fatal large truck crashes in 2009. It always takes longer to brake a large truck than a car, so the safe driving speed and cushion is extremely important.

If safe speeds are stuck with, the truck's tires can maintain sufficient traction during a necessary quick slow down. Driving at night, on hilly or mountainous areas, on curving roads, or whenever rain is falling can make it difficult to stop safely. Total stopping distance is equal to the sum of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and effective braking distance. Adverse weather will lengthen the total stopping distance.

Contrary to a typical car driver, those in a truck need to look much farther down the road since it takes so much longer for a truck to stop effectively. It is also not a great idea to rely blindly on GPS routes when it comes to clearance under bridges and overpasses. Just because the GPS says it is the shortest route, the top of your truck may not be so happy when it is gone.

When backing up, remember a truck is not a car. There are significant blind spots with a truck while backing up so the acronym G.O.A.L. is important - Get Out And Look. Having plenty of mirrors on a truck on each side can decrease the size of any blind spots. This may mean 3 to 5 on each side.

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