A Construction Surveyor Is Run Over by a Motor Grader That Was Backing Up

A 32-year-old construction surveyor died when backed over by a motor grader. The victim was doing a grade check at the time of the incident. The grader operator was looking at the grade as he was backing. The back up warning device was working properly. The CA/FACE investigator determined that, in order to prevent future occurrences, employers, as part of their Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) should:

• Ensure the present language in the company policy on working in close proximity to moving heavy equipment is adequate and applicable to all known situations and hazards.
• Ensure employees are adequately trained and that workers’ achievement of skills is verified through a testing program.
• Consider using additional safety devices for heavy equipment to warn workers of a backing vehicle and to warn drivers when someone is in their blind spot.
• Consider installing equipment on graders that would incorporate the use of a laser, GPS, or sonic guided grading system.