News
Release No.: 2018-77
Date: September 20, 2018
Cal/OSHA Issues Citations for Fatal Waste Collection
Truck Accident
Fremont—Cal/OSHA
has issued citations to GreenWaste Recovery Inc. after a waste collection
worker was fatally run over by his own truck in San Jose. An investigation
found that the employer failed to ensure the truck’s safety restraint was in
working order and did not ensure it was being used by workers driving from the
right-hand side of the truck.
On
March 2, a GreenWaste Recovery worker was driving a waste collection truck to
gather recyclables in San Jose. The worker was making a turn while operating
the truck from the right-hand side when he fell out and was run over.
Cal/OSHA’s inspection determined that the waste collection truck had a safety
chain for the truck cab opening that could not be used because a part was
missing.
“Collection
vehicles with the option to operate the truck from the right-hand side must be
equipped with an occupant restraint system such as a door, locking or latching
bar, safety chain or strap,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “To prevent
serious and fatal injuries, employers must maintain occupant restraints in
working order and ensure the restraints are used by workers.”
Cal/OSHA
issued two general and two serious accident-related citations totaling $46,270
in proposed penalties to GreenWaste Recovery. The serious accident-related
citations were issued for the employer’s failure to ensure that occupant
restraints were being used by workers driving from the right-hand side of the
truck and failure to identify and evaluate the unsafe work practice of workers
not using occupant restraints. In addition, the employer received two general
citations for not maintaining vehicle safety equipment.
Cal/OSHA
conducted inspections of GreenWaste Recovery involving three separate worker
injuries in 2016 and 2017. Over the last three years, Cal/OSHA has opened at
least 186 inspections with solid
waste collection and material
recovery employers. Those inspections include a fatal incident
last year in La Jolla when a waste collection worker was crushed by his
unsecured truck that rolled forward and pinned him against a wall.
A
citation is classified as serious when there is a realistic possibility that
death or serious harm could result from the actual hazard created by the
violation. Citations are classified as accident-related when the injury,
illness or fatality is caused by the violation.
Cal/OSHA
offers a guide
to developing an Injury and Illness Prevention Program and model programs for
employers in both high
hazard and non-high
hazard industries. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation
Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to
employers to improve their safety and health programs. Employers should call
(800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.
The
California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA, is the
division within the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) that helps protect
California’s workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every
workplace.
Employees
with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in
English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). Complaints can also be
filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
Members of the press may contact Peter Melton or
Frank Polizzi at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe
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updates.