1926.602(a)(9)(ii): Backup Alarms on Earthmoving Equipment
Construction employers must not allow earthmoving or compacting equipment with an obstructed rear view to be used in reverse unless it has a working reverse signal alarm distinguishable from the surrounding noise, or a worker signals that it is safe to back up.
Key takeaways
- 1926.602(a)(9)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 31 times in the last 3 years, in 31 inspections, with $45,944 in current penalties.
- Most citations: SC (6), NY (5), MI (5).
- Related part: 1926.602(a) Earthmoving equipment; General (75 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.602(a)(9)(ii) is one requirement inside 1926.602 Material handling equipment, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart O). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(ii) No employer shall permit earthmoving or compacting equipment which has an obstructed view to the rear to be used in reverse gear unless the equipment has in operation a reverse signal alarm distinguishable from the surrounding noise level or an employee signals that it is safe to do so. 31 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.602.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: SC (6), NY (5), MI (5), TX (4), IN (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MGC CONTRACTORS INC. | SCOTTSDALE, AZ | $11,823 |
| KMI INC | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $8,276 |
| 76147 - COASTAL ASPHALT LLC | CONWAY, SC | $3,500 |
| 77244 - COOGLER CONSTRUCTION CO INC | ORANGEBURG, SC | $3,500 |
| EL AMIGO CONCRETE & CONSTRUCTION, LLC | EDMOND, OK | $3,476 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.602(a)(9)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Permissible methods of operating trucks in reverse on construction sites. (2010-03-02)
- Whether "discriminating [back-up] alarms" may be used to meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.602(a)(9)(ii). (2007-09-20)
- Alternatives to common back-up alarms on construction motor vehicles; use of other effective technology or observers/signal persons. (2004-09-27)
- Equipment reverse signal alarms must be audible above surrounding noise level. (2004-05-27)
- "Obstructed view to the rear" relative to use of back-up alarms. (1987-01-21)
- Requirements for back up alarms. (1982-06-25)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.602(a) Earthmoving equipment; General 75 citations
- 1926.602(a)(9) Audible alarms 56 citations
- 1926.602(a)(9)(i) 25 citations
- 1926.602(a)(3)(i) 10 citations
- 1926.602(a)(3) Access roadways and grades 10 citations
- 1926.602(a)(2)(i) 5 citations
- 1926.602(a)(2) Seat belts 5 citations
- 1926.602(a)(4) Brakes 3 citations
- 1926.602(a)(1) 1 citations
- 1926.602(a)(6) Rollover protective structures (ROPS)
- 1926.602(a)(2)(ii)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When is a backup alarm required?
When earthmoving or compacting equipment has an obstructed view to the rear and is used in reverse.
What if there is no working alarm?
The equipment may back up only if an employee signals that it is safe.
How loud must the alarm be?
It must be distinguishable from the surrounding noise level.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.602 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.