Worker Killed at UPS Hub in Pennsylvania After Becoming Trapped Between Tractor-Trailer and Loading Dock

A worker died Friday afternoon at a UPS distribution hub in Horsham Township, Pennsylvania, after his head was pinned between a tractor-trailer and a loading dock, police said.

The incident occurred at the UPS facility at 700 Blair Mill Road. Emergency crews were called at approximately 12:36 p.m. According to Horsham Township authorities, the worker became trapped between the trailer and the dock while the truck was backing away from the dock. The worker was pronounced dead at the scene.

As of initial reports, the worker's identity had not been released.

How the Accident Happened

Loading dock operations — where workers move between the warehouse floor and the beds of trailers being loaded or unloaded — place employees in close proximity to large vehicles that can move unexpectedly. Authorities said the tractor-trailer was in motion, pulling away from the dock, when the worker became trapped.

Horsham Township police, fire, and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene.

Investigation Underway

Horsham Township police are investigating the incident. Under federal regulations, employers are required to report work-related fatalities to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration within eight hours of occurrence.

OSHA investigates all reported workplace fatalities to determine whether safety standards were met and whether any violations contributed to the death.

Loading-dock and vehicle-movement hazards recur across warehouse and distribution work; 411 Press has covered similar deaths, including a worker killed at a Rivian warehouse loading dock in Illinois. More is in our industrial accidents section.

This is a developing story. More details will be published as they become available.