Every year, maintenance employees are seriously injured or killed when wheel components fail, causing a sudden release of air pressure or “blow-out.” Most of these incidents occur due to over-inflating the tire or improperly seated tire/rim components. Anyone standing within the blast zone could be seriously injured by debris.
According to OSHA, at a minimum, employees must be able to demonstrate the following tasks, and all are to be included in the safe operating procedures established by the employer:
- Wear safety glasses or goggles.
- Read and follow manufacturers’ instruction manuals.
- Handle wheels with mechanical lifting and moving devices.
- Demount and deflate tires.
- Inspect and identify wheel components, pressure limits and condition of tires.
- Mount and safely inflate tires inside a retaining device (tire cage), behind a barrier, or when a single piece rim is solidly bolted/mounted on the vehicle.
- Never leave an air line unattended when inflating a tire.
- Stand outside of the trajectory area of any parts or explosive air blasts that might be released during inflation or post-inflation inspection.
Also, employers must furnish tire safety cages or barriers for inflating single piece wheels/ tires unless the wheels are solidly bolted to the vehicle before inflation. Also, the employer must provide the manufacturer's recommended tools to service the wheels including a clip-on air chuck, an in-line valve or pressure regulator, and sufficient hose to allow the worker to stand in safe areas clear of the trajectory areas during inflation.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company and is part of the Value-Driven® Company program. Value-Driven Company was created to help educate and inform insureds so they can make better decisions, build a culture that values safety, and manage risk more effectively. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your safety representative, or click below to find an agent.
Insurance Contracts are Underwritten, Administered, and Issued by: Great West Casualty Company, Old Republic Life Insurance Company, and Old Republic Union Insurance Company.
One or more Old Republic companies may provide the products and/or services described. Information presented is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a contract or advice, including employment advice or advice to motor carriers. Please refer to the relevant insurance policy for actual terms. Products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. © 2026 Old Republic International Corporation. Old Republic® and the Old Republic Circle of Stars monogram are registered trademarks. All Rights Reserved.
