DATE: April 9, 2003
INCIDENT TYPE: Serious
Injury
LOCATION: District
7
TYPE OF WORK ACTIVITY:
Litter Removal
THE ACCIDENT: On Thursday,
March 20, 2003, on the northbound 405 freeway between Avalon and Main,
a Caltrans Special Program Personnel (SPP) Crew had set up a shoulder
closure for litter removal and manual weeding. At approximately 12:30
p.m., a SPP was standing at the rear of a Porta-Potty trailer when he
was struck by an errant vehicle and severely injured. He sustained amputations
of both legs above the knees. He was transported to Harbor General/UCLA
Medical Emergency Room, where he underwent surgery and was later transferred
to the ICU unit in critical condition. Also injured was another SPP
that was standing next to the van when the impact of the accident threw
him to the ground. He was transported to the hospital where he was treated
for multiple contusions and lacerations then released. Two other SPP
sustained minor injuries. One was treated for a contusion to right thigh
caused by flying debris. The other sustained a cut hand, back pain and
rib contusion that occurred while trying to run out of the way of the
impact. The driver of the adverse vehicle was seriously injured.
CONCLUSIONS: This
accident is currently being investigated by the CHP. No preliminary
findings as to the cause of this accident have been released.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Always
face oncoming traffic and don't stand or work near the back of vehicles.
Before beginning new planned activities, review the appropriate portions
of Chapter 8 of the Caltrans Maintenance Manual and the Maintenance
Program Code of Safe Operating Practices.
