|
DATE:
July 18, 2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Bicycle Accident
LOCATION:
District 5
TYPE
OF WORK ACTIVITY: Inter-Office Commuting
THE
INCIDENT: On June 27, 2007 a District 5 Caltrans
employee was traveling from the District Office to a
nearby Caltrans facility using his personal bicycle.
While crossing the street next to the District Office
the Caltrans employee was struck by a vehicle and received
minor injuries.
CONCLUSIONS:
Bicycles may be used for transportation on Official
State business and employees may be reimbursed for using
their privately owned bicycles. District 5 encourages
bicycle commuting to nearby offices and even has several
bicycles available at the District Office for this purpose.
The employee that was injured in this accident was not
wearing a bicycle helmet. Had a bicycle helmet been
worn the injuries received by the employee probably
would have been lessened.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Employees who use bicycles on State business shall comply
with the following safety and health guidelines. State-owned
and privately owned bicycles shall have appropriate
safety equipment as required by the California Vehicle
Code (21201 CVC). The safety equipment shall include
brakes, reflectors, and headlamp if operated during
hours of darkness. Supervisors shall ensure that all
employees who operate a bicycle on State business posses
reasonable knowledge and understand the provisions of
the California Vehicle Code governing the operation
of a bicycle upon the highways, (21200-23675 CVC) knowledge
and understanding of traffic signs and signals, including
the bikeway signs, pavement markings and delineation,
and traffic control devices as established by Caltrans.
Employees who are authorized to use a bicycle for Official
State business shall use appropriate personal protective
equipment as directed by his/her supervisor. Personal
protective safety equipment shall include an approved
bicycle helmet, vest, shirt, or jacket of appropriate
color equipped with reflective material for periods
of darkness, safety glasses, and other appropriate bicycle
safety apparel.
HEADQUARTERS
OFFICE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES
(916) 227-2640
For
individuals with disabilities, documents may be obtained
in alternative formats and other assistive services
are available. To obtain such services, please call
(916) 227-2640. TTY users may also call: 711 or 1-800-735-2929.
|
