To offer an opinion against their use......

From a racking safety point of view, I have found that they COULD potentially be dangerous. The operators will tend to use them as a means of knowing when they are in the proper distance by going in until they hit the backstop. When they do this they are pushing against the rack, and could, underline COULD, cause damage or ultimately cause the rack to overturn.

Response to: InventoryOps.... I was hoping you would see this post and respond, the info from your post is good to know, This is the reason why I appreciate this forum. We have the opportunity to learn from others!!

I agree that cost is an issue. Unless they are required, a lot of businesses aren't interested in the added cost.
Somewhat related, since most companies do not buy them, I think a lot of racking reps neglect to mention them when bidding a project. Therefore a lot of warehouse managers may not even know they exist. I hardly ever see them in use in the Midwest, nor do I ever recall a racking rep promoting their use to me.
I should mention that another benefit to the back stops is that they prevent pallets from encroaching on the flue space mandated by fire codes.

Ive been training at a warehouse the last couple of weeks where the racking is up to 37 feet no backstops and no cameras on the forks. Can be a bit worrying sometimes when a trainee atempts this level for the 1st time. I think what they should bring out is a remote advise for the Instuctor to have and any problems you could press a button for the truck to stop,because when the trainee is on the truck it is very much in his/her hands.

I would imagine cost is the factor, You are correct, It would be safer. In the past people who have been on opposite side of a rack were seriously injured and even killed because a pallet of goods came down on them because of operator loading rack and catching front of pallet.