Death Of Caltrans Worker Prompts Safety Review
SACRAMENTO (KCBS) --- The death of a Caltrans worker in Southern California Monday morning has prompted the agency to issue a statewide safety stand down, as agency officials are emphasizing safety procedures to its workers.
Caltrans maintenance technician Richard Gonzalez died Monday morning after being hit by a pick-up truck while picking up litter along a highway in the San Diego area, and as a result, the agency is stopping such work to review safety procedures with its maintenance workers.
"We have to make sure that all our practices and procedures are followed," said Caltrans Acting Director Malcolm Dougherty. "We're taking everything we can possibly do into our hands as far as keeping our employees safe."
KCBS' Melissa Culross Reports:
Dougherty said the agency's maintenance staff will resume work Tuesday, and other field staff and employees will have a four hour safety stand down later this week.
Gonzalez's death was third death of a Caltrans worker in less than two months, and Dougherty said that while the agency is doing what it can to educate and protect its employees, drivers can help.
"The motoring public has to stay attentive, and they have to slow down," he said.
KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:
California's Move Over law requires motorists slow down and, if safe, move away from an adjacent lane when they see a Caltrans vehicle flashing warning lights.
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