A load of wooden beams fell from a flatbed trailer and killed a person who was standing by to help hook the trailer to a transport tractor.

The victim and another worker were hired to haul two trailer loads of the beams to a building site. The loads were not secured, other than with upright two-by-four boards used to guide the load into place. The two men arrived at the site, hooked up the first trailer and secured the load with chains before delivering it. They had been drinking before the first trip and consumed more beer before returning for the second load.

The owner of the beams asked the victim to secure this second load with chains, but he refused. The other worker then rapidly backed up the tractor. It struck the trailer and the load fell on the victim.

The role of alcohol in this death cannot be overlooked. Drinking does not belong at a worksite or during working hours. Don’t jeopardize your life or the life of another by working under the influence of alcohol or any drug. In addition, the workers were taking risks by failing to secure the load and backing unsafely.

Make sure you understand how to do your job safely and do your job sober!