Using Backing Cameras to Prevent Work Zone Accidents Involving Mobile Equipment

Abstract

Interactions between project personnel, passing motorists, and mobile equipment in a restricted area make work zones risky for construction workers. In addition, the pressure on workers to maintain a high level of production can often lead to increased exposure to hazards. An analysis of reports on occupational fatalities in work zones in the United States indicated that the most common accident involving mobile equipment was workers being struck by backing dump trucks. This paper evaluates strategies for reducing accidents involving mobile equipment using different systems of backing cameras on dump trucks. An ordered probit model with random effects was developed to evaluate the factors that influence the identification of a worker (represented by a mannequin) in the path of a backing dump truck. Results of the analysis of this model indicate that the position of the mannequin, similarity in colors of the safety vest used and that of some construction equipment, and the presence of glare in images reduced the likelihood of identifying the mannequin at a safe distance from the truck. This paper concludes with recommendations for implementing strategies to reduce the occurrence of accidents involving backing dump trucks.