OSHA, Daytona Intl Speedway settle safety issues in worker's death: Daytona International Speedway track workers will have written guidelines, hands-on training and a definitive chain of command during racing events as part of a settlement agreement with the federal government signed Tuesday. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration withdrew its most serious citation against the track -- failure to have a written protocol for workers stepping onto the track -- in the case involving the death of track worker Roy Weaver during a 2004 race. In return the Speedway agreed to develop a written safety and training policy for cleanup personnel who are "exposed to the hazard of being struck by moving competition vehicles while performing their duties on or near the competition area during a motorsports competition event." The track will also train its safety teams at least once a year and strengthen radio communication between the control tower and those on the ground tending to accident situations. Weaver was killed instantly on Feb. 8, 2004, when struck by a racecar traveling in excess of 100 mph during the IPOWER Dash Series 150. He was on the racetrack surface during a caution period to retrieve debris in Turn 2 of the Speedway. The Weaver family found little solace in the OSHA-Speedway settlement. "It's amazing that a multi-million dollar company engaged in such a dangerous business didn't have comprehensive safety procedures in place until the federal government forced them to," said attorney Rob Clarke, speaking on behalf of the Weaver family. "For Roy and his family, it's too late." Tuesday's agreement stipulates that the citation and settlement "are not intended to be admitted in any action in state court or federal court as evidence of negligence or lack of due care" by the Speedway. Weaver, 44, of Ormond Beach was the first track worker killed since the Speedway opened in 1959. His widow, Linda Weaver, has said she is considering a wrongful death lawsuit. There were 12 additional violations and fines the Speedway did not contest. The Speedway will pay the other fines which total $4,875. Other minor citations dealt with issues including a security employee without hearing protection and a track worker without a helmet.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-23-2005)
