A driver for Mail Contractors of America (MCA) died on July 6, the day after he was run over by his truck at the Des Moines Network Distribution Center. Carl Magee, 46, apparently jumped onto the truck in an attempt to stop it after it began to “roll away,” but fell and was run over.
Reports from the Des Moines BMC Local, which represents MCA drivers, indicate that there has been an increase in the number of incidents involving roll-away vehicles since 2009, when the Postal Service began allowing private-contract drivers to bring trucks to the dock at NDCs. Prior to the change in policy, trucks driven by contractors were parked in a queue, and then brought to the dock by USPS Tractor-Trailer Operators (TTOs). The Des Moines BMC Local challenged the change in policy, asserting that it created unsafe working conditions.
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is investigating the incident, and the Des Moines Area Local, the Des Moines BMC Local, and the national union are working closely with the agency to assist in the investigation.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident,” said APWU President Cliff Guffey. “We extend our deepest sympathies to Carl Magee’s family and co-workers.”
Magee is survived by his wife, Tammy, and two children.
There was a fatality involving a private contract driver in Springfield Mass. It is dangerous. This departure from trained career Postal emplyees needws to be looked into. In central Mass the service was fined thousands by OHSA. Cost should not be above the value of life. However it is obvious this is a serious issue that will not be correctwed until the policy and practice is stopped.
How many other postal facilities in the area have had these type of run-a-ways,which has caused serious injury? How many other facilities are allowing over the road drivers/ contract drivers to spot their trailers to the dock doors at bulk mail centers / N.D.C.s
How many other postal facilities in the area have had these type of run-a-ways,which has caused serious injury?
In an effort to curb costs contract drivers are allowed to pull from the doors at The Dallas NDC. This has caused problems in the past as trucks have been pulled from dock doors on the red light and resulted in spills of mail in the yard. Trucks have also been pulled with personnel inside. The system with TTO’s and Vehicle Control ,though not perfect, offers more protection than independents pulling from dock doors. Theses people are always in a rush to make schedule and once you get in a rush safety suffers!