APWU, OSHA Investigate Employee Death at Des Moines NDC

A driver for Mail Contractors of America (MCA) died on July 6, the day after he was run over by his truck at the Des Moines Network Distribution Center. Carl Magee, 46, apparently jumped onto the truck in an attempt to stop it after it began to “roll away,” but fell and was run over.

Reports from the Des Moines BMC Local, which represents MCA drivers, indicate that there has been an increase in the number of incidents involving roll-away vehicles since 2009, when the Postal Service began allowing private-contract drivers to bring trucks to the dock at NDCs. Prior to the change in policy, trucks driven by contractors were parked in a queue, and then brought to the dock by USPS Tractor-Trailer Operators (TTOs). The Des Moines BMC Local challenged the change in policy, asserting that it created unsafe working conditions.

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is investigating the incident, and the Des Moines Area Local, the Des Moines BMC Local, and the national union are working closely with the agency to assist in the investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident,” said APWU President Cliff Guffey. “We extend our deepest sympathies to Carl Magee’s family and co-workers.”

Magee is survived by his wife, Tammy, and two children.