A dump truck driver tragically lost his life in Florida after being struck by a reversing dozer on a construction site.
The 45-year-old driver from Jacksonville had completed a load of material around 9:39 a.m. on March 27. After parking the truck at the site in Middleburg, he exited the vehicle, as reported by the Florida Highway Patrol.
While standing at the back of the truck, the dozer began to back up. The operator of the dozer failed to see either the truck or the driver. Consequently, the truck driver was crushed between the dozer and his vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the patrol.
The identity of the victim has not yet been disclosed.
Previous Incidents in Florida
This fatality follows a previous incident that occurred on July 30, where a man was run over by a dozer in Martin County, Florida. In that case, a dozer was being utilized to free a truck stuck in the mud, and the driver found himself pinned between the dozer and the truck. The victim was rescued by Martin County Fire Rescue and subsequently airlifted to a trauma center in serious condition.
In another incident in 2022, a worker using a portable toilet was also run over by a dozer at a landfill in Polk County, Florida. Aaron Henderson, 40, was working for CertiTemp when the dozer crashed into the port-a-potty. Authorities indicated that the operator was maneuvering up an embankment while the blade was lifted several feet, obstructing his view. When he turned onto level ground, he heard a loud crash.
How to Prevent Struck-by Incidents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends several strategies to mitigate struck-by incidents on construction sites:
- Wear suitable protective gear (safety glasses, hard hats, face shields, etc.).
- Utilize pedestrian walkways and exercise caution in the vicinity of heavy machinery.
- Conduct inspections of all tools and equipment prior to use.
- Enhance the visibility of workers and machinery.
- Implement positive barriers between workers and traffic, heavy equipment, and potential falling objects.
- Adopt vehicle technologies for prevention, such as driver and worker warning systems, speed reduction measures, rollover protection, and seatbelts.
- Promote awareness through training and regular toolbox discussions focused on preventing struck-by injuries.
