Forklift reversing accidents are prevented by reducing the need to reverse near people, keeping pedestrians out of reversing areas, and giving operators an automatic warning when someone is behind the truck. Plan one-way routes and turning space so trucks reverse less, mark pedestrian exclusion zones around loading and stacking areas, and enforce slow reversing speeds. Operators must look in the direction of travel, so seats and controls should make that easy. Rear-facing cameras with person detection, or tag-based sensors, alert the driver, and on compatible forklifts can slow the truck. Backup alarms alone are often tuned out.
OSHA 1910.178 requires the operator to look in the direction of, and keep a clear view of, the path of travel, which applies in reverse as much as forward. Mirrors and backup alarms help but depend on attention: forklift backup alarms explains why people stop hearing them.
When assessing rear detection, check the zone shape behind the counterweight, how the system behaves as the truck turns during a reverse manoeuvre, and whether it warns the pedestrian as well as the driver. Forklift mirrors and rear visibility covers the passive options.