Could This Have Been You?

On average, 5,000 to 6,000 workers are killed each year. Learn from the following reports of real workplace fatalities to avoid a similar fate.

A delivery driver who was changing a flat tire on the side of the road died when he was struck by another vehicle.

The incident occurred on an asphalt two-lane road, where the speed limit was 45 mph (72 km/h) near an interchange for a major expressway. The roadway was dry and visibility was good in mid-morning.

There were three vehicles involved in this incident: the victim’s cargo style delivery van (vehicle 1), a light duty truck (vehicle 2) and a passenger car (vehicle 3).

What happened:
The victim, heading north, pulled his delivery van (vehicle 1) off the road onto the paved shoulder. He exited the van and opened the two split rear doors. Vehicle 2 was traveling northbound at approximately 54 mph, while vehicle 3 was traveling southbound at approximately 14 mph. Just south of the where the delivery van was parked, vehicle 3 appeared to make a U-turn to travel north. While making the U-turn, vehicle 3 struck vehicle 2 on the driver’s side door. The collision caused vehicle 2 to uncontrollably slide to the right toward the delivery van. Vehicle 2’s passenger side truck bed struck the victim who was standing at the rear of the delivery van. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Recommendations:
• Employers who have delivery vehicles should develop a written vehicle safety management procedure that includes a vehicle inspection checklist.
• When changing a tire, choose a safe location out of the flow of traffic and use hazard warnings, such as emergency flashers, flares or reflective triangles to alert other drivers.