On November 6th, the Illinois Department of Labor's (IDOL) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (IL OSHA) unveiled the results of an investigation into a fatal incident involving a sanitation worker in October 2022, according to the Illinois.gov press release.
The investigation highlights the risks associated with operating large moving vehicles, a fact underscored by IL OSHA Chief Erik Kambarian. Affirming that the incident was due primarily to three factors: functional lack of hand signals training for the garbage truck driver, prioritizing audible signals over visual ones, and the absence of constant visual contact between the driver and worker during the vehicle's operation.
Even though the employer faced citations for violating the Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Act, it has since addressed the identified hazards, resulting in the closure of the inspection in October. With this, the investigation aims to ensure that by implementing safer practices, every worker returns home safely at each day's end.
- Implementing employer-mandatory training for safe operations before letting employees join operational teams.
- To provide initial and refresher education on safety guidelines, crew supervision, and how to execute corrective measures when said policies are violated.
- Emphasizing the importance of regular eye contact between drivers and on-foot workers during vehicular movement.
- Improving driver visibility with the installation of safety cameras on vehicles.
"Work around large moving vehicles is dangerous and unforgiving," stated Erik Kambarian. Safety protocols should be solid and reliable to ensure worker protection and save lives. Adopting the recommendations from IDOL's report and consistently focusing on safe practices, employers can take action to prevent these incidents, aiming to bring everyone "home healthy and safe."
The responsibility of enforcing occupational safety and health standards in Illinois is shared jointly by the U.S. Department of Labor (federal OSHA) and IL OSHA. Federal OSHA oversees all private-sector workplaces, while IL OSHA is responsible for all state and local government workplaces.
