“I can’t imagine the incredible loss this man’s family and friends felt when his first day on the job ended tragically,” said an OSHA official regarding a worker who was crushed to death by a mobile trailer.
Kathy Webb, OSHA area director in Calumet City, IL, said his death could have been prevented by using simple safety devices.
OSHA determined another worker inadvertently cut a hydraulic line that allowed the trailer to fall on the 58-year-old electrician as he worked beneath it at Advanced Mobility’s Monee, IL, facility. Investigators say the company failed to ensure the use of safety pins on the trailer’s front two hydraulic leg stands and the use of rear stationary jacks to prevent the trailer from falling.
OSHA issued one serious violation of the General Duty Clause to Advanced Mobility with the maximum $12,471 fine. The citation states:
“The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death of serious physical harm to employees exposed to crushing hazards while working under unsupported and unsecured equipment.”
Advanced Mobility should have followed the trailer manufacturer’s manual which addresses proper use of safety pins and rear jack stands to ensure the trailer is secured and before employees are required to work under the trailer.
The death at the Monee facility prompted a second inspection in response to a complaint of unsafe working conditions at Advanced Mobility’s University Park location. OSHA cited the company for six serious violations, including:
- lacking a lockout/tagout program
- allowing workers to be exposed to lead
- failing to implement engineering controls to prevent lead exposure, and
- not training workers about lead exposure, hazardous chemicals and powered industrial trucks.
The University Park fines total $46,321. The company is on the hook for $58,792 for both inspections.
The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings to the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Advanced Mobility is a subsidiary of Kentucky Trailer.