The Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched an investigation after the death of an employee in Polk County recently. The man, who was 60, was killed during a forklift accident while setting up light towers at his part-time job. It's the kind of incident that could raise questions of premises liability.
]]> The tragic accident occurred at Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, which is northeast of U.S. Highway 27 and 4. The company is the world's largest auctioneer of industrial equipment, according to the Orlando Sentinel.OSHA will determine whether the facility owners and operators maintained a sufficiently safe work environment. Safety depends upon the number and type of hazards, training the employees receive and the state of the property.
The company issued a statement regarding the fatality, noting that it was cooperating with investigators who were looking into the tragedy. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers also conducted its own investigation. OSHA apparently had no history of investigating the company.
Forklifts and similar machines can be among the most dangerous in the workplace, most often causing injuries at manufacturing facilities, construction sites and trade facilities. Many injuries result from the forklift tipping over, but operators are often crushed between the vehicle and the ground or struck by a forklift as well. Extreme caution should be used while operating forklifts.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "OSHA probe launched: Clermont man killed in accident involving forklift," Kevin Connolly, Jan. 23, 2012
]]>The pileup involved at least six semi tractor trailer trucks and dozens of other vehicles. Four of the fatalities were thought to be from one passenger car. Most of the names of the victims have yet to be released. In the meantime, authorities are asking two big questions: What started the fire, and why was the road allowed to re-open after it had already been closed due to poor visibility?
]]> The crash, which happened on Interstate 75 near Gainesville, was likely caused by the poor visibility due to a brush fire that authorities believe may have been set intentionally hours earlier. According to CBS News, there were no other burns in the area and no reports of lightning strikes.At least six victims were still in trauma units while others waited in emergency rooms. All six lanes of the interstate were closed for a time. While the northbound lanes have since re-opened, the southbound lanes had not. Authorities say the accident, during which several vehicles burst into flames, left much of the road's asphalt melted.
A man who escaped injury in the accident says the scene was like a nightmare. He could apparently hear people screaming and cars hitting each other. With all the smoke, no one could see much of anything. He tells CBS News, "People were crying. People were screaming. It was crazy."
Source: CBS News, "Cause of deadly Florida crash sought," Jan. 30, 2012
]]>A 27-year-old man who had apparently suffered a brain injury earlier in the day was involved in a single-car crash that took place around 11 p.m. one evening last week. The driver was traveling near Orange Avenue in Altamonte Springs when he blacked out. After driving through a fence near the playground, the vehicle crashed into Spring Lake Elementary School. Luckily, this happened during the evening when no students or faculty were in the building.
]]> The driver of the car was treated for serious injuries at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Medical officials say that the driver had sustained a previous head injury earlier the same day, which likely resulted in the black out that led to the accident. Witnesses say the driver asked bystanders to call his mother following the crash.Police were investigating the accident, but no charges were immediately filed against the driver. It is not believed that alcohol was involved in this accident.
The crash left the fence of the school partially destroyed, as well as a large hole in the side of the school where the vehicle crashed. The brick building is being repaired but the school reopened less than a day after the accident. It makes one shudder to think what could have happened if the man had crashed into the school during the day. Many lives could have been at risk.
Source: ClickOrlando.com, "FHP: Driver blacks out, crashes into Altamonte Springs elementary school," Jan. 18, 2012
]]>Ford is introducing what it calls "lane-keeping technology" as an option for its 2013 models of the Explorer and the Fusion. While it is not officially green-lit by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are other companies that use similar technology.
]]> Toyota, for example, uses a system called "lane keep assist." Similar language is used in systems for Lexus and Mercedes.This is how Ford's technology works: A camera is attached to the rear-view mirror. When a driver surpasses 40 mph with the system switched on, the camera tracks road markings to determine whether the driver is veering out of the lane. If the driver does, a warning vibration will be sent to the steering wheel. If that is ignored, the car will automatically correct back to the center of the lane.
It's not a perfect system, however. Some have noted that the cameras might not always work properly if there is heavy precipitation, the sun is at a low angle or there is some other condition to impede the camera's work. A spokesperson for the NHTSA says that more testing and evaluation is needed before it can be recommended to the public.
What do you think? Is such technology a win-win? Should all cars come equipped with it in the future?
Source: New York Times, "Trying to nudge drowsy drivers," Randall Stross, Jan. 21, 2012
]]>A sheriff's deputy suffered serious injuries in a car accident involving three vehicles earlier this week. According to the Orlando Sentinel, a 61-year-old man was driving along Lakeside Drive near the intersection of Boggy Creek Road. He apparently drove his Kia sedan through a flashing red light.
]]> Another driver, a 45-year-old woman, also drove through the intersection on a green light in her BMW sedan, she says. She swerved to avoid the other driver coming at her and hit a third vehicle nearly head-on. That was the deputy's vehicle.The 29-year-old man suffered injuries, including damage after glass was sprayed into his eyes. He was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center where his condition was not immediately reported. The driver of the BMW suffered minor injuries and was treated at Florida Hospital in Kissimmee. The driver who allegedly set off the collision, but avoided coming into contact with any vehicles, was not injured.
That driver was issued a ticket for failing to yield the right-of-way. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the light at the intersection is set to flash yellow and red until 6 a.m., which is just about when the accident occurred. It's possible that the crash happened just as the light was changing to the full cycle of green, yellow and red lights. The trooper says he remember seeing a flashing yellow light just before the crash.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "Osceola deputy hurt in crash," Henry Pierson Curtis, Jan. 19, 2012
]]>The case has made headlines across the state due to the unusual circumstances. After nearly 14 years of fighting, the $10.75 million settlement agreement to cover the victim's life care was reached by his family with the sheriff's office, as well as its former insurer. The deal must still be signed off on by the Florida Legislature. The process began in the Senate earlier this month with a 37-2 vote, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
]]> The man, who was high school student at the time of the accident in 1998, was in his vehicle when he was hit by a speeding deputy on his way to work. A jury later decided the sheriff's office should pay $30.7 million.There are Florida laws, though, protecting government agencies from paying more than $200,000 in damages. In order for victims to receive more than that, a claims bill must be passed and signed by the Legislature ordering the state or local government to make payment. Some lawmakers refused to pass the victim's claim bill, which led to a battle among lawmakers that lasted for years.
A representative of the family says they would have liked to see more money, but are grateful the settlement was finally reached. It was also noted that the victim's medical care, vocational training, possible recreational activities, and living expenses would be paid by the settlement, which he will receive from the insurance company pending final approval by the Legislature.
Source: Sun-Sentinel, "Eric Brody, left brain-damaged in accident, set to get $10.75 million," Kathleen Haughney, Jan. 10, 2012
]]>The Volusia County Beach Patrol has started using utility task vehicles, and now Daytona Beach officials announced that they will soon replace the majority of its 20 large pickup trucks, instead using smaller utility task vehicles for most patrol functions. A few of the larger trucks will be maintained for specialized functions such as prisoner transport or towing vehicles.
]]> The move was intended as a safety measure and was motivated, in part, by an incident in July where the driver of a large patrol truck failed to see a sunbather lying on the beach and struck the unsuspecting beachgoer with the vehicle while attempting a U-turn.County officials concluded that the visibility of beach patrons was poor for drivers sitting behind the wheel in the large trucks. They believe that the use instead of the smaller UTVs will help reduce both the number of accidents and the seriousness of the injuries suffered in accidents which do occur.
The small UTVs, they assert, have better visibility, lighter mass, and a lower center of gravity than the big trucks. The new vehicles also come outfitted with padded bumpers, similar to boat bumpers, which are designed to lessen the impact and reduce injuries.
What do you think? Does this sound like a smart move? And what else could be done to prevent injuries on Florida's beaches?
Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal, "Smaller vehicles should improve beach safety," Jan. 3, 2012
]]>A 26-year-old drum major died after suffering serious injury a football game last November, and his death was ruled a homicide. Trustees at the school voted 9-1 recently to form a blue ribbon committee to decide how to stop hazing with the school's famed marching band.
]]> Sources say the committee is designed to investigate how other universities handle hazing problems, what best practices of the marching band should be, and ways to get students to avoid hazing.The recent victim is not the first person to be injured in alleged hazing incidents in recent years. Other injuries among band members apparently include blood clots, a broken leg and kidney failure.
The panel also plans to dedicate a memorial to the 26-year-old victim. The family's attorney, according to Reuters, says, "We don't need a statue; we need change."
The family's representative also says the panel's actions serve as more of a boon for public relations than any real help. He says they are "appalled" by the school's lack of urgency in trying to help solve the hazing problem.
The one trustee who did not go for the plan is the president of the faculty senate, who views the committee's plan as too simplistic.
Source: Reuters, "Florida college plan to stop hazing called a stunt," Barbara Liston, Jan. 3, 2012
]]>The toddler was hospitalized after she was accidentally shot in the head by a cousin. The 21-year-old cousin was in the other room when his gun accidentally went off, he says. The bullet from the gun traveled through the wall and struck the girl in the head. This sent the family into a panicked rush to get her to a hospital in order to seek medical treatment.
]]> According to WESH TV's website, doctors have apparently declared the young child brain dead and encouraged the victim's family to give them clearance to remove her from the machines that are keeping her alive. The girl's mother says she cannot bring herself to do that.Meanwhile, the cousin was placed under arrest, but not because of the shooting itself. Following the shooting, there were some discrepancies regarding the man's true identity and whether he is living in the country legally. Police placed him under arrest when he allegedly provided them with false information. The name on his driver's license does not match up with the name he gave police.
Police believe that the cousin did not mean to fire the weapon or harm the child. But the incident shows how dangerous firearms in the home can be if they are not properly handled.
Despite the odds, the family continues to believe that the child still has a chance at making a recovery.
Source: WESH, "Family of toddler shot not ready to give up hope," Dec. 28, 2011
]]>The truck accident occurred on Interstate 95 South last week. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Fed Ex tractor trailer was traveling in the outside lane behind a man driving a car-carrier trailer.
]]> The Fed Ex driver apparently attempted to move to the center lane, but encountered another vehicle. He allegedly didn't slow down enough when he moved back to the outside lane. As a result, he drove the truck straight up the ramp of the car-carrier trailer.The two trucks remained that way -- one sitting on top of the other -- heading in a southwest direction on the highway until the drivers were able to slow down and the driver of the car-carrier trailer was able to guide them off the roadway. Miraculously, neither driver was injured. They were both wearing seatbelts and police say alcohol was not a factor in the crash.
The accident certainly caused a few headaches, however. Both trailers sustained over $10,000 worth of damage. In addition, the outside lane of the interstate was closed for over an hour.
The 35-year-old driver of the Fed Ex truck, who is from West Palm Beach, was charged with careless driving, according to the St. Augustine Record.
If anything, this accident serves as a reminder for truck drivers to slow down and be cautious when changing lanes.
Source: St. Augustine Record, "Trailer accidentally drives up ramp of car carrier on I-95," Dec. 29, 2011
]]>The vehicles crashed at about 3:30 a.m. this morning on Interstate 95 in Volusia County, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The trucks involved in the crash include a logging truck, a U.S. Postal Service truck and a double-semi carrying a dangerous chemical, methyl bromide, which is a colorless and odorless gas.
]]> The impact caused a huge explosion described by witnesses as a "towering fireball." Sources say firefighters battled flames that were at least 30 feet high. Nearby residents were advised to stay indoors while hazardous material crews could neutralize the chemical danger.One man says he drove to a local school and shot video of the blast, and said he felt heat and pressure "stun him into stupefaction," the Orlando Sentinel reports.
The crash left one of the truck drivers dead. One person was airlifted to a local hospital, while three others were taken to Halifax Health Medical Center. The Florida Highway Patrol says that some injuries were serious, while others were minor.
The fire and impact of the wreck left one truck gutted. Logs were also strewn about the scene. Due to the size of the wreckage, northbound lanes of the highway were still closed this morning as the investigation into the cause of the accident continued.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "1 dead, 4 injured in fiery I-95 crash," Arelis R. Hernandez, Dec. 29, 2011
]]>The accident occurred at the intersection of Maitland Boulevard and Gateway Drive, reports the Orlando Sentinel. The deputy was on his motorcycle, apparently trying to catch up with a speeding vehicle, and was headed west on Maitland Boulevard. Sources say it was not a high-speed chase, and the officer had his lights and siren activated.
]]> Unfortunately, he collided with a Volkswagen Jetta driven by a 28-year-old man, who turned into the motorcycle's path at Gateway Drive. The impact of the crash apparently caused the car to flip over onto its roof.That driver was injured critically and was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. He remained in critical condition on Monday evening. The deputy was taken to the same hospital but he didn't make it. Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol are continuing to investigate the tragic accident.
The deputy's co-workers, meanwhile, say he loved working for the department and loved working in traffic. The 52-year-old man worked for the Seminole County Sheriff's Office for 24 years, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
The Seminole County sheriff gave a press conference outside the emergency room at Orlando Regional Medical Center after the deputy sheriff was pronounced dead. The sheriff says the loss is like losing a family member.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "Deputy Matt Miller killed: investigation continues after fatal crash," Stephen Hudak, Dec. 27, 2011
]]>That's not always the case. A fatal car accident in southern Orange County earlier this week claimed one man's life. The man, who was riding a scooter, was struck by a driver who police say smelled of alcohol.
]]> The 32-year-old victim was reportedly riding his scooter on southbound John Young Parkway near Whisper Lakes Boulevard. The driver of a Chevy Camaro then apparently struck the man, causing the moped to become imbedded in the hood of the car. The scooter driver died at the scene, according to the Orlando Sentinel.Instead of calling an ambulance or seeking help, the Camaro driver simply exited his car, looked at the crash site and then walked to his home about a mile away. Investigating officers say they found him at his home and returned him to the scene of the crash. They also say he smelled of alcohol and appeared to be intoxicated.
Orange County Fire Rescue responded to the crash, which occurred at about 4 a.m. one morning earlier this week. The Florida Highway Patrol says the crash remains under investigation, and charges are pending. The Camaro driver was arrested for leaving the scene of the fatal crash.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "FHP: Man, 32, killed in fatal hit-and-run on John Young Parkway," Bianca Prieto, Dec. 19, 2011
]]>Each year, millions of Americans suffer brain injuries that can be worse than initially meets the eye. The new device uses near infrared light to detect blood near the skull and tissue surrounding the brain, and can detect abnormalities or other issues. The data gathered by the device can be transmitted wirelessly to a hand-held computer.
]]> According to the Sacramento Bee, the device was approved for marketing after it was shown that the device detected as many as 75 percent of hematomas as a CT scanner would. Though the CT scan is still a vital part of dealing with brain injuries, it is thought that this device can help to detect bleeding in the brain quickly and effectively.The scanner can be used on those who have suffered blows to the head or other possible head injuries to see if they need further evaluation or testing, such as a CT scan, to rule out bleeding or other potentially fatal injuries.
It is hoped the new technology can make brain injury diagnoses quicker, which could lead to faster and more effective treatment.
Source: Sacramento Bee, "FDA permits marketing of the first hand-held device to aid in the detection of bleeding in the skull," Dec. 13, 2011
]]>The board points to numerous fatal car accidents over the last several years that can be traced back to distracted driving. It is the most far-reaching recommendation to date, but many question whether it could actually be enforced.
]]> The NTSB does not have the power to enforce the recommendation, but its recommendations are often followed. In this case, it may depend on how state lawmakers react to the move.The recommended ban would not only ban cellphones, but also hands-free devices, while drivers are operating their vehicles. A spokesperson for the NTSB says concern has been heightened by improving technology that makes handheld digital devices more and more tempting to use. Rather than just making routine phone calls, drivers are now checking their Facebook pages while they sit in traffic.
The agency admits that the ban will be unpopular, and many drivers are unlikely to want to give up their cellphones once they get in the car. But other groups, including many safety advocates, support the ban, and note that even drivers who continue to use cellphones often refer to such behavior as "extremely dangerous," according to the New York Times.
What do you think about the board's recommendation?
Source: New York Times, "U.S. Safety Board urges cellphone ban for drivers," Matt Richtel, Dec. 13, 2011
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