Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Alaska: Truck Driver Dies From Asphyxiation After Entanglement in Dump Truck Power Take-Off (PTO).

摘要

On December 22, 1992, a 36-year-old, male dump truck driver (the victim) was asphyxiated as a result of becoming entangled in the vehicle's power take-off driveline. The victim was attempting to clear a jam in the transmission linkage, which had become stuck in one gear. He climbed beneath the truck (on the driver's side) while the dump bed was rising and the power take-off engaged. His hair and clothing were caught by the PTO, and his body was wrapped around the driveline. Subsequently, chest compression prevented proper breathing, and the victim was asphyxiated. When the driver failed to return within a reasonable time, his supervisor drove to the last known work site, where he discovered the victim in the truck's driveline. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene. Based on the findings of the epidemiologic investigation, to prevent similar occurrences, employers should: (1) ensure that all employees are aware of the potential dangers associated with power take-offs and that prior to engaging in any work process that exposes them to PTO's, workers should ensure that the PTO is disengaged and the engine is shut off. (2) ensure that all workers avoid wearing loose clothing or long hair (without proper precautions) that could become caught in machinery. (3) ensure that a written hazard communication program is developed which clearly outlines potential work hazards and processes, as well as recommended preventive measures. (4) ensure that an employee safety training program is developed and conducted on an ongoing basis, using relevant safety information for the work processes carried out; and (5) consideration should be given to engineering machine guards for truck power take-offs.