On April 9, 2023, an employee died while mounting off road truck tires on rims. The employer was in the process of mounting a tire on its rim when another tire’s outer lock ring dislodged, became airborne and struck the victim in the head.
Best Practices:
- Use a tire safety cage (or other tire restraint device) when inflating a truck tire that is not on the truck. Stand away from the inflating tire and out of the wheel and air blast trajectory during the inflation process.
- Check tires and rims for damage and defects before performing work.
- Before repairing tires, completely deflate the tires by removing the valve core and checking the valve stem to make sure it’s clear.
- Follow the manufacturer’s procedures and make sure tire and rim components are compatible.
- Train employees who service tire and rim components.
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