Oregon Case Report: 04OR023 |
May 18, 2006 |
Summary
On September 30, 2004, a 52-year-old ranch hand, working as a bulldozer
operator in a logging operation, was killed when the D4E Caterpillar tractor
he was operating slid backward over the top of him. The ranch hand was
an experienced logger. With the engine left running, gear in reverse/neutral,
parking brake set, and front blade raised about 1 ft off the ground, the
ranch hand had exited the cab and was busy setting chokers to logs behind
the bulldozer to haul them to a landing. The bulldozer evidently did not
slip into gear, but the front blade was elevated, and the bulldozer was
on a slight incline and the tracks rested on branches and other woody
debris, which may have contributed to instability. The victim was pinned
under the bulldozer, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
|
The final resting position of the bulldozer
shows the front blade was raised about 1 ft off the ground when
parked. |
Recommendations
- Before exiting a bulldozer, the machine operator must apply the brake
and lower the front blade to the ground.
- Never rely solely on the brakes of a bulldozer to prevent movement.
- Be aware of conditions where bulldozer tracks may be unstable.
- Develop a site-specific safety plan that includes an assessment of
hazards and plans to minimize the risks.
Introduction
On September 30, 2004, a 52-year-old ranch hand, working as a bulldozer
operator in a logging operation, was killed when the D4E Caterpillar tractor
he was operating slid backward over the top of him while he was setting
chokers to logs. This report is based on findings and reports from OR-OSHA,
the medical examiner, and the Coos County Sheriff’s office.
The employer was a cattle rancher who had logging equipment to harvest
timber on his property. The rancher employed a crew of up to three workers
to operate the logging equipment. At the time of the incident, one coworker
was onsite operating the loader on the landing. The rancher did not have
a written safety and health program, had no documentation of site planning,
and no safety committee.
The ranch hand was an experienced logger, with most of his work history
in the logging industry. He usually set his own chokers behind the bulldozer,
and operated the bulldozer to pull logs to the landing. With a small work
crew, the ranch hand performed a variety of work activities, including
heavy equipment operator (bulldozer and loader), choker setter, and chaser
(unhook logs at landing and other odd jobs).
Investigation
The logging operation was hauling logs to the landing from a hillside.
The ranch hand in the Cat and a coworker operating a loader on the landing
were working within sight of each other. The ranch hand backed the Cat
down the hill to set chokers on a turn of logs. The coworker noticed the
bulldozer stopped for a longer than usual amount of time, but thought
the ranch hand may have stopped work to visit with the timber cutters.
When no work activity resumed after a few minutes, the coworker decided
to go down the hillside to check on the situation. He noted that the bulldozer
was still running. As the coworker walked around the right side, he found
the ranch hand pinned beneath the bulldozer. He knew immediately the victim
was dead.
The sheriff’s department conducted an inspection of the Caterpillar
and determined the brakes were in good working condition. It was also
noted that the Cat’s brakes were set, the gear box was in reverse/neutral,
and the bulldozer blade was raised 12-18 in. off of the ground. The tracks
were setting on top of tree branches which appeared to have contributed
to the Cat skidding or sliding backwards until it came to a rest against
logs and a standing tree. It appeared the victim had been standing behind
the cat, bent over, and looking away when the incident occurred.
Cause of Death
Multiple blunt trauma
Recommendations/Discussion
Recommendation #1: Before exiting a bulldozer, the machine operator
must apply the brake and lower the front blade to the ground.
According to employer and employee interviews the victim’s work
practice was to “Always lower the blade to the ground before exiting
the operator’s seat.” This incident emphasizes that the rule
allows no exceptions. Lowering the blade to the ground effectively stabilizes
the machine from movement, more so if the blade is pushed down into a
penetrable surface rather than simply floated to a resting point.
Recommendation #2. Never rely solely on the brakes of a bulldozer to prevent
movement.
The brakes on bulldozers can release unexpectedly, particularly on older
machines where the emergency brake ratchet becomes worn or defective.
Repair worn or defective brakes immediately. Some older machines rely
on hydraulics to assist the operator when applying the brakes, and if
the motor were to shut off, the brakes may fail to hold. In a work situation
where the operator or another worker must work close to the machine, be
sure to take additional measures to ensure safety, such as dropping the
blade to the ground.
Recommendation #3. Be aware of conditions where bulldozer tracks may be
unstable.
Bulldozer tracks have great motive traction, but on hard surfaces, such
as rock, ice, logs, branches, and other built-up debris, tracks can act
just like ice skates. It is imperative to take necessary precautions when
working under these circumstances, particularly on an incline. Some precautions
include, but are not limited to clearing the area of debris to reach penetrable
soil and give the tracks something to hold, and change the work pattern
to avoid precarious inclines or conditions. The victim in this case may
have been able to park the bulldozer farther up the hill and pull more
drumline to work at a safer distance from the machine.
Recommendation #4. Develop a site-specific safety plan that includes an
assessment of hazards and plans to minimize the risks.
Any logging or construction site should always be inspected before work
begins to develop a site-specific plan that includes a safety assessment
to detect and correct hazards. Daily inspections should be continued throughout
the operation. Identified hazards and safe practices should be communicated
to all workers onsite.
Employers involved in logging activities, even those with 10 or fewer
employees, are required to hold safety meetings with all employees. In
addition, small employers are encouraged to implement a written safety
and health program on the job to meet the same standards as required in
Oregon for larger employers. An effective written program should define
management commitment, supervisory responsibilities, accident investigation,
employee involvement, hazard identification, training, and an annual review
of the program.
References
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2004). Preventing
injuries when working with ride-on roller/compactors [Publication
No. 2005-101]. (April 20, 2006)
- Oregon OSHA. (2005). Innovative safety committees: A guide for
workplaces with 10 or fewer employees. Available online: http://www.cbs.state.or.us/osha/pdf/pubs/3124a.pdf
(April 20, 2006)
- Forest Activities Safety and Health Management Pocket Reference Card
http://www.orosha.org/pdf/pubs/2967.pdf
(April 20, 2006)
Oregon FACE Program
CROET at OHSU performs OR-FACE investigations through a cooperative agreement
with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH),
Division of Safety Research. The goal of these evaluations is to prevent
fatal work injuries in the future by studying the work environment, the
worker, the task, the tools, the fatal energy exchange, and the role of
management in controlling how these factors interact.
To contact Oregon
State FACE program personnel regarding State-based FACE reports, please
use information listed on the Contact Sheet on the NIOSH FACE web site.
Please contact In-house
FACE program personnel regarding In-house FACE reports and to gain
assistance when State-FACE program personnel cannot be reached.
Oregon FACE reports are for information, research, or occupational injury
control only. Safety and health practices may have changed since the investigation
was conducted and the report was completed. Persons needing regulatory
compliance information should consult the appropriate regulatory agency.
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