Traffic controller fined over fall protection hazards in fatality

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Friday affirmed a prior order issuing two serious citations and a $12,675 penalty against a road construction company for its safety failures in the accidental death of an employee.

RoadSafe Traffic Systems Inc., a Chicago-based road construction company that provides traffic control, pavement marking and pavement striping services was found to have exposed workers to fall hazards while working from the back of a moving vehicle, according to documents in Secretary of Labor v. RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc. filed with the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

The penalties result from a 2017 OSHA investigation into a fatal accident involving four RoadSafe employees that left one staffer dead after he was struck and killed by a company vehicle while installing raised reflectors on a highway.

On Nov. 14, 2017, the crew of four was replacing damaged or defective raised reflectors near Devers, Texas, operating in a three-vehicle convoy designed to create a buffer between the convoy’s lead truck from which the installation work was performed, and passing motorists, documents state.

The accident occurred after one driver fell behind the lead truck and accelerated to catch up, colliding with the lead truck and striking the employee referred to as J.H., killing him. Following the investigation, OSHA alleged RoadSafe employees had been exposed to fall hazards while working from the back of a moving vehicle, which was proven to be an accurate and known risk recognized by RoadSafe leadership and in its employee manual, and were inadequately protected.

The order issuing a serious citation and $12,675 fine was affirmed on Dec. 10.