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Equipment Operator Fatally Crushed by the Bucket of a Front-End Loader at a Scrap Yard
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2019/09/12
[PDF-2.35 MB]
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Description:On May 26, 2018, a 27-year-old equipment operator at a metal recycling company was crushed and killed by the bucket of a front-end loader at the company's scrap yard. At the time of the incident, the operator was using the front-end loader to consolidate a ferrous scrap pile. At 9:17 a.m., while the loader was backing away from the pile with the bucket in the raised position, some of the scrap slid down the pile. A piece of scrap became wedged between the bucket lift cylinder and the right front wheel (from the driver's point of view). The operator exited the loader without lowering the bucket. The manufacturer specifes that a lift arm lock must be installed to prevent the bucket from falling before a worker enters the "danger zone" under a raised bucket to troubleshoot or do maintenance work. The lift arm lock was not installed. The operator positioned himself underneath the raised bucket between the two front wheels, and he wiggled the jammed piece several times, trying to free it. The movement of the jammed metal pulled the pressurized hydraulic cylinder hose from its ftting. The bucket, which weighed over 2,000 pounds, fell to the ground immediately due to a sudden and complete loss of hydraulic pressure, crushing the operator. The yard staf called 911, and fre department paramedics arrived within minutes. A grapple (a material handler) was used to lift the bucket and free the operator, who was pronounced dead at the scene. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: Key contributing factors identifed in this investigation include: 1. Procedures for controlling hazardous energies, i.e. lockout/tagout or "LOTO were not established for front-end loader operations. 2. Operators were not trained on installation of the lift arm lock. 3. The loader's front wheel fenders were removed without consulting the manufacturer. 4. Yard management was not available at the time of the incident. 5. No training on hazard identifcation was provided. 6. No job hazard analysis was conducted. RECOMMENDATIONS: NY FACE investigators concluded that, to help prevent similar occurrences, employers should: 1. Develop and implement a LOTO program for front-end loader operation to control hazardous energies and prevent crushing injuries. 2. Ensure that all equipment operators receive proper and adequate training on LOTO procedures. 3. Ensure that all equipment operates without missing parts, and that all equipment modifcations are approved by manufacturers. 4. Ensure that hydraulic hoses and threaded couplings on front-end loaders are in safe and working condition. 5. Develop and implement an equipment inspection program to ensure that front-end loaders are inspected daily and needed repairs and maintenance are done timely. 6. Conduct a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) to identify high risk jobs and to determine appropriate employee training on recognized hazards and safe work procedures.
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Pages in Document:1-9
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NIOSHTIC Number:20059228
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NTIS Accession Number:PB2022-100314
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Citation:Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, FACE 18NY019, 2019 Sep; :1-9
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Contact Point Address:New York State Department of Health FACE Program, Bureau of Occupational Health and Injury Prevention, Corning Tower, Room 1325 Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12237
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Federal Fiscal Year:2019
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Performing Organization:New York State Department of Health/Health Research Incorporated
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Peer Reviewed:False
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Start Date:2005/07/01
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Source Full Name:National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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End Date:2026/06/30
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Resource Number:FACE-18NY019
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