ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 38
| Accident Type: |
Caught in or between |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Clear, dry |
| Type of Operation: |
Highway, street construction |
| Size of Work Crew: |
4 |
| Collective Bargaining |
Yes |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
Yes |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
Yes |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Yes |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Equipment Operator |
| Age & Sex: |
38-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
11 Months |
| Time on Project: |
1 Hour |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
An employee was driving a front-end loader up a dirt ramp onto a lowboy trailer. The tractor tread began to slide off the trailer. As the tractor began to tip, the operator, who was not wearing a seat belt, jumped from the cab. As he hit the ground, the tractor's rollover protective structure fell on top of him, crushing him.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Following its inspection, OSHA cited the employer for two serious violations and one other than serious violation. Had the front-end loader been equipped with seat belts and had the employee worn them, he might not have been killed.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Provide seat belts in material handling equipment which has rollover protective structures (29 CFR 1926.602(a)(2)(I)).
- Instruct employees to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions associated with their work (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)).
- Permit only employees qualified by training or experience to operate equipment and machinery (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(4)).
SOURCES OF HELP
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction.
- OSHA-funded free onsite consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (listed under the U.S. Labor Department or uner the state government section where states administer their own OSH programs).
NOTE: The case here described was selected as being representative of fatalities caused by improper work practices. No special emphasis or priority is implied nor is the case necessarily a recent occurrence. The legal aspects of the incident have been resolved, and the case is now closed.
|
Back to Top
www.osha.gov
