by MARK REUTTER
The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MOSH) is investigating the death of a Severstal Sparrows Point steelworker who fell backwards from a truck that was raised on hydraulic lifts.
Vance Dickson, 60, of White Marsh died on Feb. 15 at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Unit as a result of head injuries sustained from the fall on the previous morning, said Severstal spokesperson Bette Kovach.
Dickson operated a 32-wheel truck, known as a coil transporter, that was parked at a repair shop and was suspended about four feet above the ground while undergoing an inspection of possible snow damage, according to a source briefed on the accident.
The source said that Dickson was last seen inside the transporter cab. It is believed that he was climbing down the truck’s recessed steps when he fell. Between the steps and the ground was a roll-around ladder. The source said Dickson was found lying near the ladder by co-workers at about 9:35 a.m.
Bernie Kohn, spokesman for MOSH, confirmed yesterday that the agency was investigating the circumstances of the accident. An investigation usually takes between 30 and 60 days to complete, according to MOSH information officer Keith Owens.
Kovach did not respond to e-mail questions about the exact circumstances of the accident except to say that representatives of Severstal and the United Steelworkers were investigating the matter.
John Cirri, president of Sparrows Point Local 9477, did not answer e-mail questions about the accident.
Manufacturer’s photo of truck where worker fell. Note the recessed steps below the cab. (Paling Transporter Ltd.)
The coil transporter is equipped with two safety grips above the top step, but has no side handrails. The truck was manufactured by Paling Transporter Ltd. of Hamilton, Canada.
In a statement released to The Brew yesterday, Sparrows Point general manager Tom Russo said, “Mr. Dickson was a dedicated and experienced employee who will be missed by the entire Sparrows Point community. We are saddened by his passing and express our sympathies to his family.”
The accident was the first fatality at Sparrows Point’s cold mill unit, which opened in 2000. Dickson was a 32-year veteran of the plant.
Mark Reutter can be reached at reuttermark@yahoo.com
