Men Hit by Car in Mashpee Was a Work Zone Safety Hazard

One man was killed and another seriously injured after being hit by a car while working as part of a clean up crew in Mashpee yesterday. According to the Cape Cod Times, the two men, both in their 30s, were picking up trash as part of a community service program and contract with the state highway department.

The state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Public Health Department issued an alert last year to draw attention to the substantial number of injuries and deaths caused by work zone accidents. Massachusetts experienced seven deaths and numerous injuries between 2000 and 2006. According to the Federal Highway Administration, work zone fatalities nationwide have increased over the last decade by nearly 50 percent. In 2006, 1,010 workers and motorists were killed in work zones.

It's truly tragic that one man lost his life and another was injured by yet another work zone accident. There are a number of essential and well-established safety measures that must be in place to prevent these tragedies from occurring - from proper signage and traffic control to safety training.

This terrible event should work to highlight the need for more protective measures, including training for people working on or near the roadways. In particular, it’s also a warning for anyone who works in the line of traffic, including corrections officers, police officers and firefighters responding to roadway incidents.

If this roadside operation had been conducted by a private company, an OSHA investigation of the fatality would have ensued. These cause-finding investigations can result in a potential citation and fine. While fines are no substitute for prevention of injury or death, they are a motivating tool to insure the proper adherence to recognized safe work procedures. Hopefully this incident will be investigated regardless and immediate steps taken to protect anyone involved in the dangerous business of working on a major road.

Whitney Soenksen is the Membership and Communications Coordinator for MassCOSH - the Mass. Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health.