A Traffic Controller is Killed When Backed Over by a Dump Truck

A 53-year-old female traffic controller died when a 10-yard dump truck backed over her. The truck was doing the initial compaction of a 25-foot asphalt patch that the crew had just applied to the highway. The victim was raking the asphalt directly behind the truck as the truck was backing. The victim’s assigned duties did not include raking the asphalt. Her assignment was traffic control and flagger. No one saw her go behind the truck. The CA/FACE investigator determined that, in order to prevent future occurrences, employers, as part of their Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) should:
Use a second person as a spotter when backing heavy equipment with blind spots.
Ensure that employees, when not operating equipment, stay out of the work area and in clear view of those who are operating equipment.
Consider educating employees on the concept of teamwork in safety as part of the documented safety-meeting program.
Consider using additional safety devices for heavy equipment to warn workers of a backing vehicle and to warn drivers when someone is in their blind spot.