OSHA Investigates Accident that Killed Construction Worker

Another accident, another OSHA investigation... These accidents can be avoided with the proper safety training and safety awareness. The construction worker was backed over by a truck at night which means there wasn't enough or proper lighting, the driver wasn't properly trained for backing trucks (or wasn't paying attention) or the construction worker wasn't properly trained to avoid being behind the truck. Compared to a hefty OSHA fine in addition to workers death compensation, safety training is a steal! Check out awesome safety programs and deals from Wumbus Corporation!

OSHA investigating accident that killed construction worker

FAIRFIELD TWP. — An accident that killed a construction worker at Bypass Ohio 4 Friday, Sept. 24, is being investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Officials were on site Saturday investigating the J.R. Jurgensen Co., said Barb Marcum, assistant director of the Cincinnati office of OSHA.

Terry D. Garrison, 38, of West Union, was pronounced dead at the scene after a dump truck backed over him around 10 p.m., said Fairfield Twp. Police Chief Richard St. John.

“Obviously it was night work and we’re probably be looking into that aspect of it,” Marcum said.

The accident occurred about 150 feet north of Hamilton-Mason Road on the northbound side of the bypass in a construction area beyond a concrete barrier off the roadway. Construction work was halted Friday night at the accident site, where a red tarp was draped across two Fairfield Twp. fire engines to block the scene from motorists’ view.

Nearly 150 fatal workplace accidents in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin were reported to the OSHA since Oct. 1 of last year.

Accidents similar to this particular case are not common, Marcum said.

The Hamilton-Mason Road intersection will become the site of the state’s first superstreet — a design configuration that eliminates left turns and is expected to ease congestion and limit accidents — which is costing $5.1 million to build, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. The project received federal stimulus funding.

Reposted from JournalNews