Report summary and highlights
On September 11, 2018, a 59-year-old municipal foreman died after falling from the bed of a dump truck. At the time of the incident, the foreman and a co-worker were using wood planks as a ramp to unload a sod cutter that was located on the truck’s bed. When the foreman fell, his head struck the ground.
| Incident Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Date | September 11, 2018 |
| Time | 8:56 a.m. |
| Victim | 59-year old male foreman |
| Industry/NAICS Code | Landscaping services/561730 |
| Employer | Municipal public works/forestry division |
| Safety & Training | Some safety training, no comprehensive program |
| Scene | Side of the road in a residential area |
| Location | Massachusetts |
| Event Type | Fall |
Contributing factors
Key contributing factors identified in this investigation include:
- Not using appropriate ramps or transport vehicle for the task;
- Not performing a job safety analysis prior to beginning work; and
- No health and safety program.
Recommendations
Massachusetts FACE Program concluded that, to help prevent similar occurrences, employers should:
- Ensure the appropriate equipment is available and used for each assigned task.
- Ensure that a job safety analysis is performed prior to the start of each project.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive safety and health program that addresses hazard recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions.
In addition, employers should:
- Work towards creating a positive safety culture and safety climate in the workplace.
- Ensure that all workers assigned to tasks where they will spend time along roadways wear high visibility, reflective clothing.
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| Date published: | August 12, 2019 |
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