Huddle script
On June 9, 2010, an employee stood in front of a loading dock facing the building while a tractor trailer backed into that dock. The trailer crushed the employee between the trailer and the dock. OSHA does not describe the cause in this account. [1]
A person on foot can be hard to see behind a vehicle. Before a backing move, consider how to keep people and vehicles apart. If a spotter is used, OSHA recommends that the driver stop backing immediately if the driver loses sight of the spotter. [1, 2]
Comprehension check: What should the driver do if the driver loses sight of the spotter? Stop backing immediately.
Discussion questions
Adapt these planning prompts to your work, whether you work in the field or visit a loading area from an office.
- Where could a person on foot be caught between a backing vehicle and a fixed object?
- Can the route or traffic flow reduce the need to back and separate people on foot from moving equipment?
- How will we confirm the applicable stop-work and no-retaliation procedures, and how can anyone raise a concern?
Controls to consider
These are planning options, not findings about the incident. OSHA recommends a hierarchy that gives priority to engineering solutions, including elimination or substitution, followed by work practices and administrative controls, then PPE. Select and evaluate options with workers for the actual conditions. [3]
- First, consider whether the need for backing can be eliminated by changing vehicle routes. [2]
- Consider a rear-view camera or proximity detection system to help the driver detect what is behind the vehicle; assess its placement and limitations. [1, 2]
- Consider a traffic plan to coordinate vehicle and pedestrian movement and, where feasible, separate people on foot from moving equipment. [1, 2]
- If using a spotter, agree on hand signals before backing, maintain visual contact, and stop immediately if the driver loses sight of the spotter. Avoid giving the spotter other duties during spotting. [2]
- Provide spotters high-visibility clothing, especially during night operations. [2]
Put the plan to work
Adapt this checklist to the location and task:
- Review the vehicle route and where people on foot may cross it.
- Choose controls with the people doing the work and agree on spotting signals if a spotter will be used.
- Assign an owner and due date for the selected action, and agree how to verify it works. [3]
Owner and due date: Who can carry out the selected action, and when will it be complete?
Verification question: How will we check that the selected controls are in place and effective? [3]
Close the loop: When will we report back to the team on what was completed and what still needs attention?
Sources
- Preventing Backovers: Overview — OSHA. Accessed 2026-10-27. osha.gov
- Preventing Backovers: Backing Safety Solutions — OSHA. Accessed 2026-10-27. osha.gov
- Safety Management: Hazard Prevention and Control — OSHA. Accessed 2026-10-27. osha.gov