Alert of the Month
Within three years, there have been three fatalities that have involved people working underneath vehicles that have moved unexpectedly. These incidents involved logging, service and pick-up trucks that had mechanical problems and the workers were attempting repairs. See links below to each of the fatality alerts for more details.
Safe Practices for Working Under Vehicles
- Pre-trip inspections are required for all vehicles. A thorough inspection will identify mechanical problems that could be hazardous and slow down production. Pick a safe location for the inspection with adequate lighting, flat ground, and not crowded with other equipment or workers.
- An upset condition is any event that is unplanned. This can be a mechanical breakdown, unexpected weather, or a change in the work plan. Most incidents happen when there is an upset condition. Pause and plan your work carefully before trying to fix these conditions.
- When performing maintenance work, follow all appropriate lock out procedures to secure the vehicle from moving. This includes parking in a level location, chocking wheels, putting the vehicle in gear and engaging the emergency brake. When performing extensive maintenance, or disassembling machinery, be aware that the regular lockout procedures and tactics may not be effective.
- Working under a vehicle is a high risk activity. Follow the jack and vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for safe jacking. Don’t rely on the jack alone. Place additional supports under the vehicle, such as blocking, in case the jack fails.
- Do not work alone during upset conditions or high risk activities. Having a work partner present will help with identifying hazards and thinking of safe solutions to the problem at hand.
Resources
- Safety Alert – "Chock it – Block it – Lock it" Immobilize your equipment
/node/1337
- Lock Out Resource Package
/files/res_Lockout.pdf
- Links to Fatality Alerts
/node/2727 – worker fatally injured working underneath a service truck
/node/2761 – worker fatally injured while working on a logging truck
/node/3195 – worker fatally injured while working on a pick-up truck
