Richard Errico, a 54-year-old sanitation worker with the New York City Sanitation Department, tragically died on the job in Queens on September 21.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m. while Errico, a 19-year veteran of the Department of Sanitation, was attempting to make a U-turn with his 65,000-pound sanitation truck.

While making the turn, Errico fell out of the cab and was run over by the truck, despite the efforts of paramedics at the scene.

This marks the first on-the-job fatality for the Department of Sanitation since 2014, highlighting the inherent dangers faced by sanitation workers.

City Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch expressed her condolences to Errico's family and acknowledged his dedication to serving the community.

Errico is survived by his wife Carol and their three children, Brooke, Paige, and Tommy, and was looking forward to retirement.

The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is conducting a routine investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The Department of Sanitation has been contacted for further details regarding the incident.

Mayor Eric Adams visited the scene to meet with Errico's relatives and expressed his condolences, praising Errico's commitment to keeping the streets clean and safe.

Support and legal guidance are available for those affected by similar accidents, as injured workers or their families may pursue legal action under New York Labor Law 200.

Harry Nespoli, president of the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association, emphasized the dangers of sanitation work and the vital role these workers play in public safety.

In 2022, 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, underscoring the risks associated with truck-related accidents.