Washington Tire Technician Killed in Explosion, L&I Issues New Safety Alert
A state fatality investigation details how a tire exploded during inflation outside a restraining cage, prompting Washington L&I to warn shops to review training, procedures, and safe-inflation controls.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Dec 01, 2025
A fatal explosion involving a tire and rim at a Washington tire shop has been documented in a new report from the state’s occupational-safety agency, prompting renewed warnings about the dangers of improper tire inflation practices. The incident — part of the state’s SHARP / WA FACE fatality review series — highlights how a single misstep can turn routine maintenance into a deadly event.
According to the report, the victim was killed when a tire on a single-piece wheel exploded after being inflated without proper containment, sending the rim assembly out at dangerous velocity. Investigators found that the shop’s standard safety protocol called for inflation in a restraining cage; however, the employee inflated the tire on the shop floor — a shortcut that eliminated critical protection. The swing-out wheel struck the technician, causing fatal injuries.
The state’s review found several contributing factors: lack of training specific to that tire and wheel type; failure to follow required procedures; and the absence of a restraining device during inflation. The report stresses that even experienced technicians can face catastrophic risk when procedures are ignored or bypassed.
In response, the safety alert urges all employers and workers who service single-piece or large-rim tires to:
- Use restraining devices or safety cages when inflating or seating tires.
- Ensure workers are trained for the specific type of tire and rim they are servicing, including proper equipment and methods.
- Never inflate a tire on an unsecured rim or wheel assembly outside of a protective cage or bolted-on configuration.
- Enforce supervisory oversight and routine checks to confirm compliance with inflation procedures.
The alert also notes that Washington law requires employers to report any work-related fatality or inpatient hospitalization within eight hours. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.
L&I said the case serves as a stark reminder that tire inflation remains a high-risk activity — and that safety protocols exist for a reason. The agency encourages employers across the state to review their tire-service procedures immediately and ensure compliance with containment, training, and equipment requirements.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.