Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Massachusetts: Refuse Collector was Fatally Injured when Struck by a Backing Refuse Collection Truck

摘要

On July 12, 2011 a 28-year-old male refuse collector (victim) was fatally injured when he was struck by a backing refuse collection truck. The victim had just finished stopping traffic on a main roadway to allow the truck to back down a dead-end side street. After stopping traffic, the victim ran along the driver's side of the backing truck and then stepped behind the truck to climb onto the loading sill section of the hopper. While climbing onto the truck, he slipped off the truck, fell to the ground and then was struck by the driver's side rear wheels. When the victim fell, the two co-workers, who were standing on the truck's rear riding steps, yelled stop multiple times and the truck driver stopped the truck. Multiple co-workers called for emergency medical services (EMS). Personnel from the local and state police departments, fire department and EMS all arrived within minutes of the calls. The victim was pronounced dead at the incident location. The Massachusetts FACE Program concluded that to prevent similar occurrences in the future, employers should: (1) Ensure that employees never climb onto a refuse collection truck, including the rear loading sill and riding steps, while the truck is backing; (2) Develop, implement and enforce backing procedures that includes designated spotters to direct backing trucks and prohibits employees from being located behind backing trucks; (3) Provide and ensure that employees wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including high visibility vests when working along roadways; and (4) Develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive safety and health program that addresses hazard recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions.