ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 15
| Accident Type: |
Crushed by Dump Truck Body |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear, Warm |
| Type of Operation: |
General Contractor |
| Size of Work Crew: |
N/A |
| Collective Bargaining |
Yes |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
Yes |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
Yes |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Yes |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Truck Driver |
| Age & Sex: |
25-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
2 Months |
| Time on Project: |
2 Weeks at Site |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
A truck driver was crushed and killed between the frame and dump box of a dump truck. Apparently a safety "overtravel" cable attached between the truck frame and the dump box malfunctioned by catching on a protruding nut of an air brake cylinder. This prevented the dump box from being fully raised, halting its progress at a point where about 20 inches of space remained between it and the truck frame. The employee, apparently assuming that releasing the cable would allow the dump box to continue up-ward, reached between the rear dual wheels and over the frame, and disengaged the cable with his right hand. The dump box then dropped suddenly, crushing his head. The employee had not received training or instruction in proper operating procedures and was not made aware of all potential hazards in his work.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Following its inspection, OSHA issued one citation for one alleged serious violation of its construction standards. Had the required training been provided to the employee, this fatality might have been prevented.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
Employees must be instructed to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions associated with their work (29 CFR 1926.21 (b)(2)).
SOURCES OF HELP
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction. OSHA-funded free consultation services.
- Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (listed under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs).
NOTE: The case here described was selected as being representative of fatalities caused by improper work practices. No special emphasis or priority is implied nor is the case necessarily a recent occurrence. The legal aspects of the incident have been resolved, and the case is now closed.
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