Standard Operating Procedures

Develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive safety and training program in the workers' primary language and at the appropriate literacy level.

To carry out an effective training program, employers should complete the following tasks:

• Plan - Create a written framework for safe practices.
• Organize - Create a training schedule, presenting best practices in an easily accessible format.
• Implement - Train employees, monitor the effectiveness of the training, and reevaluate and adjust the training as needed.

Plan

Employees should be well-versed in first aid procedures for the hazards associated with the use of construction equipment. It is a good idea to include first aid procedures in a written plan for potential hazards associated with operating construction equipment in the workplace.

Organize

It is important to conduct a risk assessment of the workplace. A trained person designated by the employer should conduct a basic hazard assessment for the worksite and an assessment of the job classifications required in the activity area. This safety professional should determine whether engineering, administrative, or personal protection measures should be implemented. Backover can be reduced or eliminated by applying a hierarchy of controls, as follows:

• Eliminating hazards
• Using emergency action plans
• Taking administrative measures

Implement

Employers should supervise all workers, especially new workers who may be unfamiliar with the employer's emergency action plan. Supervision is important for ensuring proper use and maintenance of appropriate PPE. It is also important to make sure new workers are familiar with safe work procedures.

To learn more about Backover Safety visit our Construction Backover Safety Online Training web page.