Even older, wiser, more experienced family members and solid waste company owners are vulnerable.
Another unnecessary tragedy as a front loader backs over a pedestrian at a transfer station. Although we teach GOAL: Get Out And Look, we realize that is not an option when running yellow iron. This is a good example of an opportunity to use engineering controls, but not just a backing alarm. Over time, the constant beeping becomes ubiquitous with the environment and no longer serves its purpose. In this situation, multiple back up cameras and good training will prevent a re-occurrence. Please be sure your heavy equipment is outfitted with full-range backing cameras. They are inexpensive. Then provide your operators with continuous training.
PASCO, WA
A 63-year-old man was killed Friday afternoon at Basin Disposal outside of Pasco after a frontloader accidentally ran him over.
David Dietrich was guiding a customer back into one of the transfer station’s ports, said Franklin County Coroner Dan Blasdel.
A Basin Disposal frontloader didn’t see Dietrich and knocked him over, Blasdel said.
The driver of the frontloader kept going, running over Dietrich with a back tire.
First responders were called about 12:50 p.m. Friday, Blasdel said. He ruled the death accidental.
Dietrich is a member of the Dietrich family, which founded Pasco Garbage Service in 1948. The company later became Basin Disposal.
