A Florida man has died after being sucked into the mechanism underneath a street sweeper at the weekend.
News outlets in the area reported that the street sweeper operator was killed early on Saturday, after he became entangled while trying to clear something from the machine.
Witnesses say the unnamed man could be heard crying for help, but by the time rescuers had arrived at the car park in Jacksonville he was already dead.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office say they believe the street sweeper ran over the operator when he tried to remove something from under the vehicle.
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Credit: WJXT News
"Businesses in the area have some surveillance. We'll be reviewing that to see exactly what occurred," Sgt. Mark Musser told WJXT News.
"No foul play, it just appears to be a terrible accident at this point."
Jay Maust showed up shortly after the incident. He too works in a profession with risk. He said seeing the scene hit him personally.
Maust told WJXT News: "I own a roofing company, and to see these types of things happen, it's horrific. It's awful.
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"God, I just can't believe it'."
Credit: WJXT News
Working with any sort of heavy machinery can be extremely dangerous.
In March a man in the UK died after becoming trapped in factory machinery, reports the Express and Star.
Jamie Peacock, aged 40, from Oldbury, suffered serious injuries and died in hospital. The incident took place at steel firm Camtrex in Birmingham.
A spokesman for Camtrex said: "We can confirm an accident occurred on March 22 involving Jamie Peacock.
"Tragically, Jamie later died as a result of his injuries. We are fully co-operating with the HSE's investigation of the circumstances of the accident.
"We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Jamie's family."
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers the following advice for staying safe when using heavy machinery:
Do...
- Check the machine is well maintained and fit to be used, appropriate for the job and working properly and that all the safety measures are in place.
- Use the machine properly and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Make sure you are wearing the appropriate protective clothing and equipment required for that machine, such as safety glasses, hearing protection and safety shoes.
Don't...
- Use a machine or appliance that has a danger sign or tag attached to it. Danger signs should only be removed by an authorised person who is satisfied that the machine or process is now safe.
- Wear dangling chains, loose clothing, rings or have loose, long hair that could get caught up in moving parts.
- Distract people who are using machines.
- Remove any safeguards, even if their presence seems to make the job more difficult.
Source: WJXT News, Express and Star
Featured Image Credit: WJXT Channel 4Topics: Death