Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1563685.015 - Rosas Corporation

Inspection Information - Office: Bakersfield District Office

Investigation Summary

At 6:10 p.m. on November 9, 2021, Employee #1, a forklift operator, was working in a lemon orchard near the intersection of Hwy 166 and Old River Rd, loading bins full of lemons onto a flatbed truck. Employee #1 finished his work for the day. His personal vehicle was located in a nearby field, north of the field he was working in. Employee #1 was driving the forklift (Harlo HP5000) northbound on Old River Rd. While on that public road, approximately 1 mile north of Hwy 166, he was struck from behind by a Peterbilt semi trailer truck towing two trailers full of carrots. The accident occurred after sunset. The forklift had a rear facing white light on. Employee #1 was pronounced dead on site. Employee #1 sustained fatal blunt force trauma injuries. Employee #1 was rear ended by a semi truck while operating a forklift on a public road, resulting in his death.

Keywords:blunt force trauma, forklift, motor vehicle, road, struck by, trailer truck