On January 26, 2010, a 59 year-old purchasing manager with 5 years of experience was fatally injured at a cement operation. The victim was struck by an over-the-road tandem trailer truck. The truck had been waiting to unload. When the truck pulled forward, another truck driver observed the victim under the second trailer of the truck and immediately stopped the driver. The victim was holding a cell phone at the time of the accident.
Best Practices
- Train all persons to stay clear of mobile equipment.
- Be aware of the location and traffic patterns of mobile equipment in your work area.
- Communicate with mobile equipment operators and ensure they acknowledge your presence.
- Never approach mobile equipment until you receive confirmation from the operator indicating awareness of your presence.
- Wear high visibility clothing when working around mobile equipment.
- Avoid distractions, such as cell phones, when exposed to hazards.
- Before moving mobile equipment, look in the direction of travel, use all mirrors, cameras, and installed proximity detection devices to ensure no persons are in the intended path.
- Sound the horn to warn persons of intended movement and wait to give them time to move to a safe location.
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