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Speedway on track to improved safety following settlement

One year after a track worker was killed, Daytona International Speedway has committed to improving safety following a settlement agreement with the federal government signed Tuesday. Track workers will now have written guidelines, hands-on training and a definitive chain of command during racing events as part of the settlement, according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

OSHA 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. He was on the racetrack surface during a caution period to retrieve debris.

Weaver, 44, was the first track worker killed since the Speedway opened in 1959.

In addition to the written guidelines, the Speedway must actively train its staff at least once each year and "to the extent feasible, will include a simulated incident response." The Speedway must also perform workplace hazard assessments and put them in writing.

Part of the training for safety workers will include a structured chain of command during racing events in which tower officials have the final say on when workers can step onto the track.

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