Heavy Equipment Struck-By Program
Spotter procedures, exclusion zones, high-vis requirements, and backing alarms.
What this document is
This document is a written Heavy Equipment Struck-By Program that meets OSHA requirements for construction sites. It gives employers ready-to-use policies and procedures that protect workers from being struck by heavy equipment.
The regulation that requires it
29 CFR 1926.601(b)(4) states that no employer shall permit the use of earthmoving or construction equipment with an obstructed rear view unless the vehicle has a reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise level or the vehicle is backed only when an observer signals that it is safe to do so. The same requirements appear in T8 CCR Section 1593. These rules mandate audible alarms, spotter use, and safe backing practices on all construction sites where heavy equipment operates.
Who needs it
General contractors, subcontractors, and any employer operating heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, bulldozers, or dump trucks need this program. It applies to road work, site preparation, trenching, and demolition trades. California contractors must comply with the stricter Cal/OSHA requirements under Title 8 CCR while still meeting the federal 29 CFR 1926.601 baseline.
What happens without it
OSHA and Cal/OSHA cite employers for struck-by violations during routine inspections and after incidents. Serious violations currently carry penalties from $16,131 up to $161,323 for willful or repeated violations per the published OSHA penalty schedule. Multi-employer worksites often result in citations to both the controlling contractor and the equipment operator employer. The absence of written procedures and training records increases the likelihood of citations and raises the classification to serious or willful.
What's included in the generated document
- Purpose and scope statement
- Key responsibilities for supervisors, operators, and spotters
- Spotter qualification and signal procedures
- Exclusion zone and high-visibility clothing requirements
- Backing alarm and equipment inspection protocols
How to implement it at your company
- Talk to Guy first. Describe your operation, trade, and location — Guy draws from 300,000+ verified OSHA and state regulatory citations to build a compliance plan specific to your company. Your answers shape every section of the document you receive. Takes about 10 minutes.
- Download the PDF and edit the company name, site-specific contact information, and any project details.
- Have the safety manager or competent person review the document with equipment operators and spotters.
- Distribute copies to field supervisors and keep the signed acknowledgment forms on file.
- Post the program summary and spotter signal chart at the jobsite trailer or equipment staging area.
- Incorporate the procedures into daily safety meetings and equipment operator training sessions.