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814 Heavy Equipment Safety
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Real-life Accident

Worker Struck

A worker was cutting concrete along the white center line on a four-lane highway. Orange reflective barrels closed the left lane to traffic, which was routed to a single lane from approximately 8 miles.

Worker cutting cement
When workers are not able to focus on their surroundings, additional precautions should be taken to reduce hazards.

To accommodate the worker, three to four barrels had been moved into the active traffic lane, and a flagger was slowing down traffic and directing it slightly onto the berm area.

An approaching semi-tractor and trailer rig were exceeding the speed limit when the driver hit the guardrail and lost control of his vehicle.

The tractor and trailer bounced back through the barrels and struck the worker from behind, killing him.