SAFETY ALERT
February 12, 2007 � Summerville, Truck shop; A truck shop technician reached into a vehicle and started the engine resulting in the truck crashing into several other vehicles and causing damage in the shop.
A truck technician was repairing a vehicle in bay 8 of the truck shop. The front tires were turned all the way left in order for the technician to better access the engine compartment. The technician needed to start the vehicle so he opened the driver�s door and while standing outside the door, reached in started the vehicle. The truck was in gear and due to the tires being turned, it moved from bay 8 into bay 5 and 6 striking two other trucks, the air/water/electrical station, technician�s tool box, and aqueous parts washer. All three vehicles sustained damage, no personal injuries resulted from the incident.
In order to prevent similar incidents: The operator must be in the cab of the vehicle when starting it to ensure the transmission is in neutral and the parking brake set. In addition, per our Control of Hazardous Energy/lockout policy EHS 7.07, the wheels are to be chocked or blocked and key removed from the ignition switch during repair work. These types of injuries are preventable by staying focused and alert and following Company rules.
2/15/2007
