Working Around Dump Trucks and Haul Roads

Why it matters

A loaded dump truck weighs 25 tons and the driver cannot see a person standing behind the tailgate or beside the right front wheel. Most struck-by deaths on earthwork jobs involve trucks backing or turning where workers on foot did not expect them. Today we set the traffic rules between boots and trucks: where trucks run, where people walk, and who controls the backing.

Hazards

• ⚠ Backing trucks with workers in the blind zone behind the box
• ⚠ Right-side blind spot on turns catching workers and laborers
• ⚠ Raised beds contacting power lines or collapsing on people during maintenance
• ⚠ Haul road edges giving way and rolling trucks near excavations
• ⚠ Dust clouds hiding workers from drivers
• ⚠ Workers riding equipment or beds they should not be on

Controls and safe practices

• ✓ Separate people and trucks: marked walking routes, and stay off active haul roads.
• ✓ Backing only with a spotter using agreed signals, or into a controlled dump zone with no foot traffic.
• ✓ Make eye contact before approaching any truck. If you cannot see the mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
• ✓ Keep haul roads graded, watered for dust, and bermed at edges near excavations and drop-offs.
• ✓ Never walk or work under a raised bed; block it before maintenance.
• ✓ High-visibility vests for everyone on foot near equipment, every day.
• ✓ Drivers: lights on, horn at blind corners, windows clean, and obey the site speed limit.

Crew discussion questions

1. Where do trucks run on this site, and where is the walking route?
2. Who spots backing trucks at our dump zones?
3. Where are the blind corners and choke points here?
4. What is our site speed limit and does everyone drive it?

Applicable OSHA standards

29 CFR 1926.601, 29 CFR 1926.602

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