By Ken Robinson,
FireRescue1 Staff
ELIZABETH, N.J. — Driver distractions and the loss of direct communications between driver and spotter contributed to the death of a New Jersey firefighter during fire apparatus backing, according to investigators.
Possible failure of the automatic reverse breaking system was also key factor identified in a NIOSH firefighter fatality report released Tuesday.
Firefighter Gary Stephens, of the Elizabeth Fire Department, was killed on the fireground when the fire truck he was spotting ran over him on January 2, earlier this year.
The apparatus driver was distracted during backing when he momentarily focused his attention on a tow truck driving past him, breaking eye contact with the victim who was spotting the apparatus from the rear on the officer’s side.
As a result of the fatal distraction, NIOSH investigators recommend fire departments develop, implement and enforce SOPs on safe backing of fire apparatus.
“Drivers need to make sure they maintain visual contact with the spotter(s) and stop backing immediately when visual contact is lost,” the report says. “Backing should only be resumed when visual contact is reestablished and the designated spotter gives appropriate direction to continue.”
The report also points out that automatic sensing devices do not substitute for visible spotters.
“This type of device does not prevent the crash but only minimizes potential damage from striking an object,” the report said.
Investigators found that the last documented service test of the after-market reverse breaking system on the apparatus was more than eight months prior to the fatality.
“The manufacturer recommends the system be checked daily or weekly to insure proper operation,” the report said. “The system was found to be not working when examined by New Jersey Fire Safety Division investigators.”
While investigators could not yet determine if the system failed at the time of the accident, they maintain that malfunction of the system cannot be ruled out as a potential contributing factor in the incident.