Fatality Alert
On August 8th, the driver of a loaded log truck was seriously injured when his truck went off a resource road in the Mackenzie area. The truck was travelling down a muddy hill when the trailer went off the road, taking the tractor with it. The driver was transported to hospital but passed away on August 18th.
Our condolences go out to the family and co-workers of the deceased.
WorkSafeBC, the RCMP and the Coroners Service are investigating this incident.
This is the fourth fatal incident involving a log truck in 2016. Previously reported fatalities as follows:
- January 26: A 22-year-old log truck driver died in a logging truck incident between Princeton and Merritt (see alert: /node/2755)
- January 31: A 23-year-old man died after the empty logging truck he was trying to repair ran over him near Fraser Lake. (See alert: /node/2761)
- One associated fatality on August 15: A logging truck was driving along the Lougheed Highway near Harrison Mills when it tipped, sending logs rolling into the street. One of the logs struck a pickup truck and the female driver died at the scene. The driver of the logging truck was uninjured in the crash.
Although the details of this incident are still unknown, review the following safety information:
- As a driver, ensure you have the proper training and are competent to perform the work. If you are a supervisor, ensure that log truck drivers are competent. Professional log truck driving is a high risk occupation with advanced skill and knowledge requirements.
- Be cautious when there are sudden shifts in the weather. Road conditions can go from dry and solid to muddy and slick even after a short rain storm.
- A thorough orientation is needed for all workers who are new to a job. Even if they have a lot of experience doing the job in a different location, a good orientation will give them the local knowledge needed to be productive and safe.
- Seatbelts will protect drivers in rollover situations by keeping them in the seat and not thrown around in the cab, which can lead to fatal or serious injuries. Even a low speed log truck rollover can cause serious injury. The loaded trailer going over will “whip” the tractor over violently.
- Pay attention to the details of your job. Often it is a small change in the road conditions, weather, or the setup of the job that can create increased risk. Evaluate the conditions on an ongoing basis, change your driving inputs (speed, steering) to compensate for the increased risk or stop work if conditions become too dangerous.
Safety Resources:
- Log Truck Rollover and Seat Belt Safety Video
- Professional Log Truck Operator Competency Assessment.
Contact BCFSC Transportation Safety Department: 250-562-3215
- Printable version of this Safety Alert
/files/BCFSC-FatalityAlert-2016-08-08.pdf
