Rear-view visibility for construction motor vehicles

December 10, 1984

Dear Mr. Sims:

This is in response to your letter of November 15, requesting clarification of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standards for motor vehicles.

The standard, 29 CFR 1926.601(a), applies to vehicles which are used for both highway and off highway purposes on a jobsite, which is not open to public traffic.

One ton flat bed trucks and some other motor vehicles which have rear view mirrors on each side and a window in the rear of the cab may or may not have an obstructed view to the rear of the vehicle. The position of the mirror, the size and location of the load, and the size and location of a window in the rear of the cab must be checked by the employer to ensure that the driver is provided unobstructed view (good visibility) of the rear of a motor vehicle, before allowing employees to back a vehicle without a reverse signal alarm or an observer.

If we may be of further assistance, please let us know.

Sincerely,
John B. Miles, Jr., Director
Directorate of Field Operations

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]