We all know that driving can be a pretty dangerous job, but many people think that once a driver pulls over, they’re home-free. While a 50,000lbs mass of metal hurtling down a highway can indeed be dangerous, sometimes truly terrible accidents happen when you’d least expect it.
OSHA is currently looking at an investigation after a driver’s legs were crushed while he was attempting to hook up his tractor and trailer which was loaded with a 138,000 pound earth-mover. The incident, which happened at around 11:30 on Wednesday, February 13th, caused the driver to be airlifted to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston after being stuck for nearly 25 minutes.
The driver worked for J.F. White Contracting Co. of Framingham, MA. OSHA is currently looking in to whether or not the company should be held accountable for the accident.
“The purpose of the inspection is to determine whether there were any workplace safety violations,” A spokesperson for OSHA told Landline in an interview. “If the inspection identifies violations, citations and fines could be proposed for the employer.”
The company has had other safety violations documented by OSHA in the past. In 2006, they were cited by OSHA for four repeat citations for fall, drowning, and crane hazards related to a bridge construction project. They were also issued 10 serious citations for various safety violations. Two other contractors on the project were cited as well.
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Source: landline
Not just anyone can do flatbed work … it takes training and a certain amount of awareness!
OSHA needs to get its head out of its ” discriminative choosing” on what to investigate. They need to expand themselves and make themselves known they are for the drivers safety outside work site incidents. They need to be out there talking to drivers about fleet managers pushing unhealthy and illegal activities and the drivers need a fool proof way to be able to prove these allegations made by drivers…Names need to be given, results need to be made…I dont care whats said the trucking industry (offices) treat drivers horribly without any defense for drivers…16 year driving veteran here so Im not just blowing smoke…
Scott, 100% agreed. 40 years OTR experience here.
Outlaw, that is true. Flatbed, machinery hauling and so on takes a whole lot more common sense than drop and hook van!
Hotrod I to have over 40 years years in the industry. I was taught old school style, and it’s easier to say what I have not hauled than it is to explain what I have. I learned that when the truck leaves the yard I am that captain of that ship. You might even say I believe in the belt and suspenders method. Check and re-check and if it’s not safe don’t do it. Everyone also needs to keep in mind with today’s technology with cell phones, one can document with photos or voice recorded phone calls when a company try’s to bully them. So my advise to grow a set and say no if you think it’s unsafe or ask for help. Remember truck driver there are No Stupid Questions, Just Stupid People That Put The Mighty Dollar First!!!
When are they going to go after swift. They are taking they driver hard earned money.
Selling trucks for double and not giving the driver miles to pay they truck and home bills