Abstract: Employee #1 was operating a Layton (equipment #4209) asphalt applicator. He was standing on a platform attached to the rear end of the applicator. A Ferguson roller, model SP-266, serial #165, equipment #2408, followed the applicator, compressing the asphalt as it was spread. According to witnesses, the paving operation had stopped. While Employee #1 was waiting for the paving operation to resume, the roller operator, a senior operator with approximately 20 years experience, decided to back up the roller. According to the operator, when he placed the equipment in what he thought was reverse, the roller went forward and rammed into the rear of the applicator, striking Employee #1 and causing leg lacerations. The accident was caused by operator error and lack of labeling on the control to indicate its direction.