Dive Brief:
- Johnny Tolliver Sr., 52, was involved in a garbage truck accident on Monday that left him pinned to a tree by his garbage truck. Tolliver passed away later that day due to injuries.
- Tolliver, who worked in the Zero Waste division of the city's Department of Public Works for 25 years, was collecting garbage when the truck appeared to have lost its breaks and hit him, according to Berkeleyside. When the fire department arrived at the scene, Tolliver was alive and talking. They transferred him to the hospital where he complained of rib pain, then died later in the day.
- According to City Spokesman Matthai Chakko, Tolliver's death-on-duty is the first "in a long, long time" for a Berkeley city worker who is not a police officer or firefighter. The incident is still being investigated.
Dive Insight:
Tolliver's death signifies the importance of promoting safety in the industry, especially involving garbage trucks and collections.
"This tragic incident is the first waste collection fatality of 2016, and sadly, won't be the only one," said SWANA CEO David Biderman. "SWANA will continue to work with its members and others to develop safety resources to help get the industry off the 'top 10' most dangerous job list. Nothing we do is more important."
According to Berkeleyside, local residents have remembered Tolliver on Facebook as "A sweet and hard working man" with a memorable smile, and are offering condolences to his family.
"I am deeply saddened by the death of one of our highly valued and esteemed employees," said Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates. "I join with many others here in extending our deepest sympathies for the immeasurable grief experienced by those who knew and loved him."
