Citation

No Author(s) Listed. Accid. Reconstr. J. 2010; 20(5): 39-42.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Accident Reconstruction Journal)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article presents a summary of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) report on the January 2009 death of a 57-year-old male firefighter as a result of being backed over while spotting a fire truck apparatus on the scene. The subsequent investigation of this accident included interviews with the officers of the victim's fire department; review of the photographs, investigative findings, and safety and health standards for fire department personnel; an on-site visit to the accident location; meetings with representatives from the local firefighter's union; and review of law enforcement's investigative photographs and reports, the autopsy report, and training records of the victim and driver. The apparatus involved in the incidence was a 1996 enclosed cab engine with an automatic transmission, diesel engine, and an air brake system; it was also equipped with an automatic reverse braking system mounted to the rear step of the apparatus. This automatic reverse braking system is an additional safety feature that locks the rear brakes when the system comes in contact with an object. The article reviews the vehicle, timeline, personal protective equipment, weather and road conditions, investigation, and contributing factors. Contributing factors to the accident were: loss of direct communication between the driver and victim, driver distractions at a crucial time in the incident, possible loss of footing by the victim, and possible failure of the automatic reverse braking system to actuate the rear brakes. The article concludes with a set of recommendations from the NIOSH report.