PATIENCE ANYONE?

Background:
Hal was 31 years old and drove a “reefer” truck for a company that hauled meat products throughout the Northeast. He had 8 years experience and his company had a good safety program that included awarding safety bonuses for working safely. All drivers drove company-owned trucks.

Personal Characteristics:
Hal was well liked by management and usually performed his tasks safely.

Accident:
Hal left his house early on a Monday morning in freezing rain to be a to his first stop at 8:00 AM. When he arrived, he checked in with a security guard who warned him the lot was icy and was especially so at the only empty dock available. The guard recommended Hal wait until one of the other “safer” docks became available before he backed-in to unload his trailer. Hal chose to ignore this advice and backed into the empty slot next to a patch of ice. He exited his truck and began to walk to the receiving office when he slipped and fell on his buttocks.

Injury:
Hal suffers from permanent pain in his hips and legs. He is no longer able to sit or stand for long periods of time nor can he lift heavy objects.

Unsafe Act/Conditions:
Hal's disregard of the security guard's warning of ice patches in the dock area led to his injury.

Preventive Measure(s):
Hal needed to follow the security guard's advice and wait for a safe dock to open
Although the company that operated the docks ensured drivers were warned about the ice hazard, they also needed to de-ice the area using a snowplow or de-icing salt
If necessary, management could barricade the dock.

How would you handle this situation?