OSHA Puts Focus on Struck-By Vehicle Hazards
Thirty-five workers have been killed in struck-by incidents in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri.
OSHA has renewed its Regional Emphasis Program in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri in order to increase industry outreach and inspections to reduce worker injury and illness rates involving vehicles, powered industrial trucks, and motorized equipment in construction, general industry, and maritime.
The decision to renew the program likely comes from the fact that more than 198 workers died in fatal struck-by vehicle incidents in 2014, according to the press release.
"Struck-by vehicle fatalities and injuries are 100 percent preventable. Yet, since 2012, of all fatalities OSHA has investigated in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri, 20 percent have involved struck-by vehicle hazards," said Marcia Drumm, regional administrator for OSHA. "Employers must do more to prevent these tragedies including evaluating their workplaces to identify and eliminate hazards, and training employees to recognize hazardous conditions."
Educational materials are available from local OSHA offices.