NIOSH Alert: Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths from Moving Refuse CollectionVehicles

摘要

This Alert described six fatal incidents involving moving refuse collectionvehicles and offered recommendations for preventing such incidents. Between 1980 and 1992, 450 workers aged 16 or older died in incidents related to refuse collection. Of these, 303 (67%) were vehicle related deaths, 110 occurring when the worker slipped or fell from a refuse collection vehicle, was struck or run over by the vehicle, or fell and was struck or run over by the refuse collection vehicle. Eighteen percent occurred while the refuse collection truck was backing up. Safety procedures include maintaining visual contact beteen the driver and workers on foot, checking both side mirrors repeatedly when backing, using standard hand signals when backing, stopping the truck if the spotter must change positions, immediately stopping the manuever if visual contact with the spotter is lost, and remaining clear of the rear of the vehicle when the back up lights are on or alarm is sounding.