By Ken Robinson
FireRescue1 associate editor
EATON, Colo. — Apparatus cab design and lack of seat belt use were key factors in the death of a Colorado firefighter who was ejected from a fire truck, according to investigators.
Volunteer Captain Shane Stewart, of the Eaton Fire Protection District, was killed February 23 last year when he drove off the edge of a road, overcorrected and rolled his tanker-pumper rig.
He was ejected from the apparatus and pronounced dead at the scene, according to a NIOSH firefighter fatality report released Tuesday.
Police investigators theorize Captain Stewart may have been reaching to switch the apparatus radio to the fireground channel, but his movement would have been restricted by use of a seat belt.
Releasing the seat belt and reaching for the radio could have caused him to lose control of the vehicle, according to investigators.
As he was alone in the apparatus, NIOSH recommends fire departments configure cab layouts to reflect scenarios in which only a driver is present, such as minimal staffing.
“If apparatus drivers will be routinely called upon to respond solo to incidents, departments should ensure that all controls and switches that are expected to be operated by the driver while the apparatus is in motion, are within safe reach for the driver and should consider purchasing hands-free communication devices suitable to the department’s specific needs,” the report said.
Investigators also say the death could have been prevented had Captain Stewart been wearing a seat belt.
“The fire department involved in this incident had a SOP requiring the use of seat belts and there is evidence of seat belt enforcement; however the victim was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash,” the report said.
The report recommends fire departments ensure the use of seat belts at all times that an apparatus is in motion, though fire department members and family close to Captain Shane Stewart said he was “religious” about wearing a seatbelt.
Investigators also suggest governing municipalities consider enacting or enhancing legislation to mandate seat belt use in fire department vehicles.