New from NIOSH: Dump truck safety guidance

Washington — Construction workers who operate dump trucks or work nearby are at risk from “multiple hazards, including struck-by, tip-over from loss of vehicle control, crushing, electrical and falls,” NIOSH says.

Newly released guidance from the agency states that more than 800 construction and extraction workers were killed in incidents involving dump trucks from 2011 to 2020.

When planning and preparing a construction project, employers should:

• Develop a written safety program that addresses the safety hazards to drivers and those who work on the ground near dump trucks.
• Require a competent person to inspect the work area for potential hazards before and during each shift to address changing conditions.
• Provide staging areas to minimize backing up distances.
• Create internal traffic control plans for areas involving dump truck travel.
• Anticipate ground conditions through preplanning and provide a stable surface for all dumping operations.
• Prepare and deploy signs and markers to show workers where to walk in high-traffic areas.
• Follow applicable OSHA regulations and elements of consensus standards concerning work zone safety for roadway construction and high-visibility safety apparel.

The document includes additional guidance on the use of new technologies, training and personal protective equipment.