A Mechanic Dies When He is Crushed by the Hydraulic Arm of a Recyclable Refuse Collection Truck

SUMMARY

A truck mechanic died from injuries received when he was crushed by a hydraulic arm on a recyclable refuse collection truck. The victim was troubleshooting an operational malfunction reported by the truck operator and placed himself between the hydraulic mechanism and the collection bin mounted on the front of the truck. The hydraulic mechanism activated and retracted, crushing the victim. The hydraulic arm and related components were purchased by the employer seven months prior to the incident. The specific training from the manufacturer on operations and servicing had not yet been given to the victim.

A Mechanic Dies When He is Crushed by the Hydraulic Arm of a Recyclable Refuse Collection Truck [PDF 406 KB]