On February 23, 2008, a 33-year-old male volunteer captain (the victim) was fatally injured when the engine he was driving to a medical emergency left the roadway and rolled one-half time onto its top. The victim was ejected from the apparatus and was pronounced dead at the scene. Key contributing factors identified in this fatality include, lack of seat belt use, failure to maintain control of the apparatus, and the location of the radio in the cab. NIOSH investigators concluded that, to minimize the risk of similar occurrences, fire departments should: (1) ensure that all persons responding in emergency apparatus are wearing and belted securely by seat belts at all times the vehicle is in motion; (2) ensure apparatus cab layouts enable drivers to safely access switches and electronic devices while remaining seated and secured by seat belts; (3) provide training to driver/operators as often as necessary to meet the requirements of NFPA 1451, and incorporate specifics on rollover prevention into their standard operating procedures (SOPs). Additionally governing municipalities (federal, state, regional, and local) should consider enacting new, or enhancing current legislation to specifically mandate seat belt use by operators and occupants of fire department vehicles.


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    Title :

    Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report: Volunteer Captain Dies in Engine Rollover in Colorado


    Contributors:
    V. Lutz (author)

    Publication date :

    2010


    Size :

    14 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English