Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/185325
out Tear this with are and shr crew you safety watch | by Amy Materson AMaterson@randallreilly.com Work zone worries The accident: A worker was picking up centerline lane reflectors in a work zone when a dump truck loaded with asphalt backed into him. When notified by radio to stop, the driver moved the truck forward approximately 20 feet, dragging the worker, who had been caught under the vehicle. The worker was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple traumatic compression injuries. The bottom line: Although an internal traffic control plan had been developed, a post-accident investigation determined the driver had deviated from the established entry and exit pattern in the work zone specifically to get the victim's attention because he thought he was standing in an unsafe location. The driver said he thought he had adequately alerted the victim that he would be backing into the work zone. Upon striking the worker, the driver did not realize he had backed over the victim, and dragged him in both the reverse and forward direction before coming to a stop. Illustration by Don Lomax Tear along perforated edges Don't assume a driver will see you Safe steps Being run over in a work zone is an entirely preventable accident. Make sure you follow these steps to avoid injury or death: Follow the plan – For any work zone project, an internal traffic control plan will have been established. This plan ensures that workers on foot are never in the path of moving equipment or vehicles. Familiarize yourself with vehicle entry points, travel patterns and exit points, and stay clear of these areas. Keep your eyes and ears open – Stay alert to your surroundings at all times. If you become too absorbed in a task to notice what's going on around you, you might miss a truck backing up near you. Construction sites are noisy areas; try to stay attuned to the noises around you. If you hear a backup alarm, immediately identify the source of the alarm and assess the vehicle's proximity to you. Always use a spotter – In the event you're the one doing the driving, make sure you know exactly where you're supposed to be at all times, and avoid areas designated for foot traffic only. Use a spotter for assistance whenever you're backing up in a work zone to make you aware of problem areas or blind spots. EW1013 Information for this Safety Watch was taken from an accident report and from the Center for Disease Control's NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program. It is meant for general information only. Sponsored by Date of safety talk: Attending: EW1013_Safety Watch.indd 74 Leader: 9/30/13 4:35 PM