On June 13, 2018, a 65-year old truck driver with 4 years of experience was fatally injured when his truck traveled over a berm and into an impoundment of water. Divers recovered the victim in 20 feet of water.
Best Practices
- Maintain control and stay alert when operating mobile equipment.
- Conduct adequate pre-operational checks and correct any defects affecting safety in a timely manner prior to operating mobile equipment. Maintain equipment braking and steering systems in good repair and adjustment.
- Operate mobile equipment at speeds consistent with the conditions of roadways, tracks, grades, clearance, visibility, curves, and traffic.
- Ensure that berms are adequate for the vehicles present on site, including but not limited to height, material, and built on firm ground.
- Consider storing personal flotation devices in equipment that is being operated near water.
- Ensure that all exits from cabs on mobile equipment, including alternate and emergency exits, are maintained and operable.
- Use seat belts when operating mobile equipment.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).