Health & safety bulletin
Contractor Hit By Car
29th May 2008
Please see below a recent accident where a contractor working on behalf of Esso was hit by a car. Vehicle traffic on our sites is one of our greatest hazards, always be sure to watch out for oncoming vehicles and wherever possible position your vehicle to act as a barrier.
Technician Hit by Car
Description:
A Landscape Technician was preparing to edge and mulch a landscape planter when a vehicle struck him. He was approximately 12 feet from the road (see re-enactment pictures below). This occurred due to an automobile collision in the intersection approximately 120 feet south (behind the photographer) of where the technician was working. The driver of one of the vehicles involved in the collision lost control of their vehicle which then proceeded to leave the roadway and drive into the landscape area where the technician was working.
(Note tire tracks behind and smashed bushes in front of technician in re-enactment picture). The technician was pushed/carried approximately 60 feet to the north and came to rest on the sidewalk. The vehicle that struck him veered to the west and stopped in the median. The technician said that he heard the noise from the collision and when he turned to look in that direction the car was already on him and he didn't have time to move.
The technician sustained lacerations, scrapes, cuts and bruises to his extremities including his face, hand, knee, and ankle. He was examined at a local hospital. X-Rays and CT scans showed no broken bones or internal injuries. He received 4 stitches in his left hand and sprained his ankle. He was given prescription pain medication and antibiotics and told to rest at home for several days.
Image shows where the contractor was working when the car hit him.
Image shows where the contractor landed after being carried on the hood of the car.
Learning's:
While incidents like this are difficult to prevent it reminds us to think about all the possible outcomes when we ask ourselves "what could go wrong" and be alert at all times. Position your body for quick visibility of potential dangers (vehicle collision).
REMEMBER - SAFE BEHAVIOUR, HAZARD RECOGNITION AND PROPER PPE.
Esso Safety Alert - April 2008