Reverse Signal Operations

VOSH has the authority to monitor and inspect working conditions of covered employees engaged in rescue operations to make certain that all necessary procedures are being taken to protect the lives of rescuers. Where this rescue work is performed by the employer, VOSH standards apply.

Not necessarily. If the driver can see directly behind the vehicle at ground level by looking through a rearview mirror, or by turning around and looking out the rear window, then the view is not considered obstructed and the requirements would not apply.

However, if the pickup truck has a load that would obstruct the view when backing up, or if work is being done after dark without proper lighting, or if windows/mirrors are damaged, or if severe weather affects the view, then the requirements would apply. If the pickup truck has a camper shell, it must have a front and rear window so that the driver can see when backing up.

Yes. Covered vehicles with operable video or similar technological capability providing the driver with a full view behind the vehicle are exempt from the requirement to use a ground guide.

To the extent that any federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation applying to covered vehicles conflicts with this regulation, the DOT regulations shall take precedence.

Covered vehicles that did not have a backup alarm when manufactured, or were not later retrofitted with an alarm, are exempt from the requirement to have a backup alarm. Note: if the manufacturer offered the employer a backup alarm retrofit package at a reasonable and economically feasible cost, and the employer did not have the retrofit package installed, this exemption does not apply.

The requirements for reverse signal operations are based on existing OSHA requirements, such as the Logging Standard, 1910.266. VOSH/OSHA is not aware of any liability issues that did not already exist in the statutory or common law.

If an accident occurs "off road,"the VOSH regulations will apply, as will existing Worker's Compensation laws and regulations.

If an accident occurs on the highway or a street, the same laws will apply, along with existing traffic regulations that are enforced by the police and sheriff's office.

No. Most forklifts travel with the load in front of the vehicle and the driver should have a clear view when traveling in reverse. Some larger forklifts may have the height or structural members which would obstruct the rearview.

No. The standard allows for a second person to serve as a ground guide, OR the driver verifies that no person is in the path of the vehicle before backing up by checking live video views of the rear, exiting the vehicle and looking, or by driving past the space to be backed into first.

Small companies (i.e. less than 10 employees, sole owners, not incorporated, not a partnership) are exempt from VOSH requirements.

Larger companies should train their personnel the same as everyone else. Ex. UPS, FedEx, Contractors.

Anything that interferes with the driver's view to the rear of the vehicle at ground level. It includes:

• Structural members of the vehicle;
• The load being handled;
• Height (relative to ground level viewing);
• Damage to windows or side mirrors used for rearview movement;
• Restricted visibility due to weather conditions (e.g. heavy fog, heavy snow); and
• Work being done after dark without proper lighting.

Mainly bobcats, track hoes, and front-end loaders where the rearview can be obstructed by a structural member or damaged windows/mirrors. One solution would be to barricade the area of operation so that personnel are not in the "danger zone" when the equipment is running.

Equipment that rotates (ex. mobile cranes) is generally not covered since the operator can rotate to see if anyone is in the path of travel before proceeding.

All general industry and construction vehicles, machinery, or equipment capable of operating in reverse and with an obstructed view to the rear.

Examples include:

• Cube vans;
• Tractor-trailer trucks;
• Garbage trucks;
• Boom trucks;
• Dump trucks;
• Bobcats;
• Front end loaders;
• Pickup trucks with camper shells (possibly);
• Flatbed trucks with a load (possibly); and
• Cargo vans (possibly).