On September 3, 2026, a contractor was injured when the rigging of an elevated truck bed liner broke, causing the liner to strike him. On September 18, 2026, the contractor died due to complications related to those injuries.
Best Practices
- Never work, travel, or stand beneath a suspended load.
- Securely block all materials against hazardous motion before cutting or removing components. Verify rigging is properly tensioned and anchored.
- Use properly rated rigging, straps, chains, and tools. Inspect rigging equipment before use and remove any damaged equipment from service.
- Conduct thorough pre-task risk assessments to identify hazards such as stored energy, hazardous motion, suspended loads, and line-of-fire positions.
- Ensure clear communication among crew members regarding load control, cutting sequence, readiness, and hazard changes.
Additional Information
This is the 24th fatality reported in 2026, and the second classified as “Handling Material.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)