Load Of Logs Buries Worker

On a winter morning, a truck left a logging camp loaded with 50 tons of logs. At the same time another worker was returning to camp in a pickup truck. The two drivers acknowledged one another on their truck radios. As expected, they met along a spur road about half way between the camp and the main logging road.

The pickup driver applied the brakes, and slid off the road into deep snow. There was room for the log truck to pass, and it did. The driver halted the logging truck, intending to pull the pickup out of the snow bank by hooking on to it with a chain. The road was on a grade, and conditions were icy.

The pickup truck driver got out and started to walk toward the cab of the log truck. All 16 wheels of the log truck were on full brake when the truck started to slide backwards and toward the pickup in the ditch. The truck driver remained in the cab. The other driver stood by, watching the log truck push the pickup deeper into the snow.

He suddenly realized that the loaded trailer was also sliding toward him. The trailer was about six feet away from him when he started to run. When the logging truck hit soft snow, it rolled onto its side, spilling its load of logs. The pickup driver was unable to get out of the way. His body was found under the logs.

Be alert to situations and changing conditions around you. Look ahead and be aware of what could happen. Take appropriate actions to protect yourself by getting into a safe position.