Vehicles used in the construction and general industry that has “obstructed view to the rear” will need to be revved up to meet the latest safety rule driven by the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program and the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board.  If there is anything that is blocking a driver’s view, the vehicles are now required to have the following for a safe back-up:

1. a working and backup alarm that must be audible above the surrounding noise AND
2. (a) a designated observer or ground guide who must be able to say if it is safe to back up or not OR

(b) visual inspection of the vehicle’s path by the driver before the operation

This new regulation, published last August 17, will be effective on September 18, 2009.  “Obstructed view to the rear” is anything that interferes with a driver’s view such as the following:

1. structural members of the vehicle
2. the vehicle’s load like
   1. gravel
   2. dirt
   3. machinery parts
3. the vehicle’s height relative to the ground level viewing
4. damage to windows, side mirrors, etc. used for rearview movement
5. restricted visibility due to weather conditions such as
   1. heavy fog
   2. heavy snow
6. work done after dark with no proper lighting

If you will be a ground guide or you will be working with one, here are some rules that you must follow:

1. Be trained.  Follow the requirements of this regulation.
2. When a vehicle is backing up, stay in the line of sight of the driver.
3. During daytime, wear a safety vest/jacket in orange, yellow, strong yellow green or a fluorescent version of these colors.
4. During nighttime, wear a safety vest/jacket with retroreflective material in orange, yellow, white, silver, strong yellow green or a fluorescent version of these colors.  Make sure that it is visible at a minimum distance of 1,000 feet.
5. Do not use a cell phone, headphones, or other equipment that may distract.
6. Do not do anything not related to the vehicle being signaled.
7. Do not walk near the vehicle that is backing.

If you are the driver or operator of the vehicle, here are some reminders for you:

1. Be trained.  Know and abide by the regulations of this regulation.
2. If you are working with a ground guide, do not lose sight of him.  If you do, stop the vehicle immediately until you see the ground guide again and you have received signal from him to restart the operation.

If you are an employee within the area, do not cross the path in close proximity to a vehicle while it is backing up.

If you are a ground guide or a driver and you violated this new regulation, been involved in a reverse operation accident or near miss, or received an evaluation indicating you have not been operating in a safe manner; you must undergo a refresher training.

For the complete information and training materials available, you may visit the VOSH page of The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.