By Rich Lane
One of the duties of the IBEW 1245 Hold the Pull, Control the Pressure and Keep the Clearance peer to peer committees is to collect and archive incidents and events involving members throughout the year. Below are some of the significant reports collected during 2013 by Local 1245 and the peer initiative pertaining to Motor Vehicle Incidents.
Motor vehicle incidents were many in 2013, with the most significant report being the final report issued by the company relating to the fatality of a PG&E troubleshooter on Nov. 30, 2012. The company’s final report based on the findings of an accident investigation committee and the CHP was that distracted driving, vehicle speed and control were contributing factors in the fatality.
Other vehicle incidents in 2013 included three material handler trucks turned over on highways in the Central Valley, Central Coast and North Bay, two trouble vehicles damaged, one hitting a tree going down a steep decline and the other hitting a light standard in the corporation yard. Two incidents involving trailers under tow becoming detached, one going off of the roadway with no injuries and the second hitting a SUV with three occupants- no major injuries reported.
Two incidents of Ford F-550 troubleshooter trucks with Altec aerial lifts have experienced frame failure when the vehicles split at the mid-point between the cab and lift. Hold the Pull committee member John Kent has been following the incidents along with PG&E Fleet Services and since the initial report a vehicle with San Diego Gas and Electric has also split in the center.
Rich Lane is IBEW 1245 Business Representative for the peer to peer safety initiative