Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) for Michigan: Unrestrained Custom Spray Applicator Died When Ejected from a Self-Propelled Sprayer After Sprayer Struck an Oncoming Semi-Truck Trailer

摘要

On July 19, 2006, a 53-year-old male custom applicator for a farm cooperative died when he was ejected from a front-boom, self-propelled sprayer he was operating after the sprayer struck a semi-truck trailer at an intersection. The decedent was the driver of the sprayer and was not wearing a seat belt. The decedent was traveling westbound and ran a stop sign. A semi-truck traveling southbound had the right of way. The sprayer struck the trailer of the truck. After striking the trailer, the decedent was ejected from the sprayer and landed in a ditch by the side of the roads southbound lane. Emergency response was called and transported him to a local hospital where he died an hour later. Recommendations: (1) Employers should require employees to wear seat belts or seatbelt/shoulder harness restraints when the equipment is equipped with these personal restraint systems. (2) Employers should include the seat belt requirement in their safety manual and safety training programs. (3) Employers should develop a fleet safety program specific to the vehicles driven on-the-road by employees. (4) Each farm cooperative should form a joint Health and Safety (H&S) Committee.