BACKGROUND: A Lake States trucking firm had two of its log trucks on the same job. The woods roads were snow-covered and slippery in places and both trucks pulled into an area away from traffic in order to secure chains on their tires. It was New Year’s Eve day, and the men were in good-natured moods because of the Holiday Season and the anticipation the New Year’s Eve celebration.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Both men were considered fully trained and had their Commercial Driver’s Licenses.
UNSAFE ACT OR CONDITION: The trucks were situated side by side as both drivers maneuvered under their rigs and began putting snow chains on their tires. One of the drivers completed the installation and immediately slid under the other truck to assist his fellow trucker. Meanwhile, the other trucker decided to move his truck to smoother ground in an attempt to ease the installation of his snow chains. He got out from under his vehicle, jumped in the cab, shifted the gears and started moving the truck. The man under the truck was caught in an awkward position as the vehicle began to move. He quickly grabbed an axle as the truck started to move and let himself be dragged, in order to avoid being run over.
INJURY: In the process of being dragged under the log truck, the helper fractured three ribs and badly bruised his chest. He was unable to return to work for about one month.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTION: Communication is the key to preventing such accidents. First, the good-intentioned driver who went to help should have made his intentions known to the other driver. Secondly, the vehicle’s driver should have communicated his intentions to his fellow worker who, he thought, should have been under the other truck.
Courtesy of the Forest Resources Association: https://www.forestresources.org/