NIOSH has made a number of recommendations-- including the use of seat belts -- following its probe of a crash of a modified track vehicle last June that claimed the life of a Washington fire chief.
Franklin County Fire District 4 Chief Chet Bauermeister was operating a 1960s era off-road track vehicle up a steep hill when it overturned sideways and rolled down the hill, according to the report.
Bauermeister, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected, and pinned under the vehicle for hours.
NIOSH investigators said among the contributing factors for the fatal incident were lack of seat belt use, limited experience in operating a rubber-tracked vehicle, operating the vehicle in loose rock in steep terrain and operating the vehicle in conditions beyond the vehicle's capability.
Following an extensive investigation that included examination of the vehicle, the terrain and the training of firefighters, NIOSH issued the following recommendations.
- Ensure that all vehicles are safe and suitable for their intended use
- Ensure that all vehicle retrofits are completed by a qualified source and that retrofits are designed and installed within the original manufacturers specifications
- Provide training on the safe operation of specialized vehicles
- Ensure that seat belts are properly worn at all times
- Be aware of programs that provide assistance in obtaining alternative funding, such as grant funding, to replace or purchase fire apparatus and equipment.
