BERKS COUNTY, Penn. — Jose A. Tirado Zamot, a 46-year-old tow truck operator from Reading, tragically died Oct. 19 in a workplace accident in Ontelaunee Township.
Zamot’s body was found just before 9 p.m. on Berman Truck Group property, located at 83 Ashley Way off Route 61 near Leesport, according to a local news article.
The Matos Towing & Recovery employee had been using one of his employer’s heavy-duty tow trucks to haul a truck tractor to the property when the accident occurred, according to authorities.
Officials said they believe the truck tractor started to roll backward when Zamot disconnected it from the truck, and he was run over while trying to place a brick under one of the back tires of the truck to halt its movement.
There were no witnesses to the accident, which could have occurred up to two hours earlier.
Zamot was pronounced dead at the scene, and his death was ruled accidental.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified of the accident and is investigating the workplace death.
COMMENTARY ON WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS
I am saddened to learn of Mr. Zamot’s tragic on-the-job accident. Based on the information in the accident report, he was alone at night, just doing his job, when the truck tractor he had delivered rolled over him. How heartbreaking that his life has been cut short in his prime due to an unfortunate work-related disaster.
The motor vehicle towing industry is a more dangerous profession than we realize. Individuals in the towing industry are 15 times more likely to incur a workplace fatality than workers in all other private industries in the nation, according to a recent study by the National Occupational Research Symposium. The annual national average is approximately 2.8 deaths for every 100,000 workers while the rate for motor vehicle towing workers averages 43 deaths per 100,000 annually. With statistics like these, there is no question that additional training in procedures and in safety measures are needed in this industry.
I have seen much of the heartbreak caused by fatal work accidents over the last three decades in my profession, and I have represented many families in very similar situations to Mr. Zamot's. I will continue to do what I can to raise awareness about the dangers of workplace accidents and ensure these types of accidents don’t go unnoticed.
My heart goes out to the family and loved ones that Mr. Zamot has left behind.
Disclaimer: At Ammons Law, we are constantly seeking to improve the quality and safety of our roads and highways. We post these articles to help improve safety within our community. All of the information contained within this post was compiled from public sources or constitutes the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if you identify any false or misleading information.
