A Hispanic laborer died when he was crushed between the forks and cab of a trash truck with front loader hydraulic forks. The victim was standing facing the cab when the truck operator lowered the forks. The truck operator standing outside the trash truck was using the side mounted controls to lower the forks and did not see the victim. The operator did not check in front of the trash truck before lowering the forks. Workers were instructed not to enter the area of the forks. The CA/FACE investigator determined that in order to prevent future occurrences employers, as part of their Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), should: (1) Ensure truck operators check in front of trash trucks before lowering hydraulic forks; (2) Ensure employees stay clear of the arc of the trash trucks forks; (3) Consider installing concave mirrors on trash trucks with side mount controls; (4) Ensure employees are trained on trash truck operation and safety and their knowledge of their duties and responsibilities is verified through a testing program.
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for California: A Laborer Died When Crushed Between the Forks and the Cab of a Trash Truck
2003
6 pages
Report
No indication
English