SAFETY BULLETIN

FATAL ACCIDENT
DRIVER CRUSHED BY THE TRUCK WHEEL

GENERALITIES

Accident Location: Project Menzel Ledjmet East Gas Field - Algeria

Date of the accident: 13th August 2010
Type of activity: Loading of truck with excavated soil
Personnel involved: Subcontractor truck driver

ACCIDENT BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The truck driver (Injured Person) was preparing for loading the truck with excavated
soil. In order to do that, he had to park his truck in the position advised by the
excavator’s operator, but when the driver tried to move the truck the engine did not
start.
Therefore the driver got off from the cabin to check the engine starter. In order to
reach the starter (see the picture no 2) he positioned between the truck wheel and the
arch of the truck wheel (see the picture no 1). After several failed attempts to start
the engine the driver used an iron wire to shortcut to the engine electrical terminals.
The starter turned on the engine and the truck moved because the first gear was
inserted pushing him at ground. The truck wheel passed with its edge on the right side
of the victim’s body.
The truck driver was transported to the clinic where he was stabilized and operated on
14th of August. He died on 15th of August due to internal injuries.

Picture no1. Driver position to access to Picture no 2. Position of the starter

the truck starter (simulation) behind the wheel

For further details contact Saipem QHSE Department – HSE Reporting Page no. 1
 SAFETY BULLETIN

CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENT

• Lack of knowledge: the truck driver was not aware of the safety system installed on
the truck, which did not allow to start the vehicle’s engine when the gear was on first
position. The investigation team checked the truck and the engine started
immediately with the gear on neutral position.
• Inadequate hazard recognition: Even though the driver had 9 years of experience
as driver he left the vehicle on first gear and then he accessed the truck electrical
system by placing himself between the wheel and the arch of the wheel.
• Lack of communication system. Even though the vehicle was in good condition and
the maintenance done there was no communication system in place in case of truck
malfunction between the drivers and maintenance workshop.
• Lack of safety intervention or STOP the work for wrong safety behavior. Nobody
stopped the truck driver even though he was observed taking the unsafe position by
the excavator operator.

CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

• Safety inductions shall be provided to all subcontractor personnel.

• The vehicles operators shall receive a specific training for operating their
equipments. The training shall include information regarding the safe systems /
protections of the vehicles/equipments they operate.
• Enforce the safe behavior and “STOP the work” of the subcontractor personnel
when unsafe behaviors and unsafe conditions are noted. Implement STOP
Observation cards procedure.
• Develop and implement a procedure to ensure a proper log of planned maintenance
to equipments and vehicles in maintained and followed.
• Define a procedure of communication the vehicles malfunctions between
subcontractor drivers and contractor maintenance workshop.

Scaffolding tubes
used as ladder

For further details contact Saipem QHSE Department – HSE Reporting Page no. 2