Truck Driver Dies while Rotating Tires Mounted on Demountable Multi-piece Rim Wheels - Massachusetts

Massachusetts Case Report: 11MA044
Release Date: March 1, 2013

The following report is the product of our Cooperative State partner and is presented here in its original unedited form from the state. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the individual Cooperative State partner and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

SUMMARY

On October 19, 2011 a 39-year-old male truck driver (victim) was fatally injured while rotating the tires on a rear tandem axle dual wheel truck. Although the incident was not witnessed, it appears that the victim was struck in the head by a wedge clamp from the multi-piece demountable rim wheel when a rim released. A co-worker found the victim on the ground in the company’s garage and placed a call for emergency medical services (EMS). Personnel from the local and state police departments, fire department and EMS all arrived within minutes of the call. The victim was pronounced dead at the incident location.

Truck Driver Dies while Rotating Tires Mounted on Demountable Multi-piece Rim Wheels - Massachusetts [PDF 296 KB]