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MSHA's Accident Prevention Program Safety Idea Rough Terrain Forklift Safety |
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Recently, a miner was fatally injured when exiting a rough terrain forklift. The miner set the parking brake and with the engine running, attempted to exit from the right side of the cab under the raised boom. As he was exiting the cab, he became entangled in one of the hydraulic control levers and the boom lowered onto him resulting in crushing injuries. MSHA suggests barricading the access into pinch point areas similar to these. One method to consider is bolting or welding mesh across the opening on the boom side of the cab. This would prevent anyone from entering or exiting through a hazardous point, and would also prevent the operator from accidently getting his arm or head in a pinch point during operation. This mesh could be used on continuous mining machines, shuttle cars, crawler excavators and backhoes, or other equipment that has a door on the side of the operator's compartment.  A Post Script. There is
another safety concern with these types of machines. When the cabs are provided with windows, it is extremely risky, possibly fatal, to wash the boom side window while under the raised boom. Always lower the boom all the way down, or securely block it before performing any maintenance or repair activities.
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| Reissued: | 04/30/2002 |
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| Tag # | AP2002-S038 |
