MEC&F Expert Engineers : 09/19/17

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Dean Seivert, 66, of Sheldon, IA died after being pinned under a John Deere 2500E riding lawn mower that rolled onto its side into the Floyd River at the Sheldon, Iowa Golf & Country Club





WARNING: 

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. Don’t mow near a pond. The first 6 to 10 feet of turf by the water’s edge is water-logged and your mower will sink in and tip over.

SHELDON, IA—A 66-year-old Sheldon man was killed in an accident at the Sheldon Golf & Country Club on Monday morning, Sept. 18.

Dean Seivert, who worked as a maintenance man at the privately owned course, died after the John Deere 2500E riding greens mower he was operating went into the Floyd River, which winds through the course, at the eighth green.

Seivert was working on the course on a gray morning, with a slight rain. Since it is late in the season, few golfers were out.


Sheldon police, the Sheldon Fire Co. and the Sheldon Community Ambulance Team responded to the course, located north of Sheldon, around 9:30 a.m.

According to the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Department, Seivert was “pinned under the machine.” A fellow employee attempted to keep his head above the water.

Emergency responders were able to free Seivert and he was rushed to Sanford Sheldon Medical Center, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead.

A sheriff’s department staffer said she was not sure if an autopsy would be performed or if there would be an investigation to determine the cause of death.

At least two golfers were at the course Monday morning, but the clubhouse at 3040 Next Ave. was locked up after the fatal accident. The course did remain open, however, and was open on Tuesday morning.


The golf course board of directors were “deeply saddened” by Seivert’s death, according to board member Joel Bousema. Seivert was an “avid golfer” who also worked at the course at times for several years, Bousema said.

He said Seivert was “just all-around great guy, friendly, outgoing. Always cheerful. This is a tragic accident and we express our deepest sympathies to the Seivert family.”

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.

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Worker dies in lawn mower rollover at Sheldon Golf & Country Club
 

By Al Joens, Anchor 

September 19, 2017

A tragic accident has claimed the life of a worker at the Sheldon, Iowa Country Club 


SHELDON, Iowa (KTIV) -

A tragic accident has claimed the life of a worker at the Sheldon, Iowa Country Club.

The O'Brien County Sheriff's Office says 66-year-old Dean Seivert of Sheldon died after being pinned under a riding lawn mower that rolled onto its side into the Floyd River.

A country club worker came upon the accident scene shortly before 9:30 Monday morning.

That worker tried to hold Seivert's head out of the water.

When first responders arrived, they freed Seivert from the river, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

He was pronounced dead at the Sheldon Hospital.



Sheldon Golf And Country Club in Sheldon provides 9 holes of challenging golf for the beginning golfer, as well as the low handicapper
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Sheldon, IA (KICD) — An equipment rollover at the Sheldon Golf & Country Club has claimed a life of a Sheldon man.

On Monday morning, Sheldon Police, Fire Company and Ambulance Crew responded to the incident. 66-year old Dean Seivert was operating a low slung tractor at the eighth hole of the course. The unit then rolled into the Floyd River, pinning him underneath.

A country club employee had found the unit and Seivert, and went into the water to try to hold Seivert’s head above the water. First responders then freed Seivert from the water, and transported him to the Sheldon Hospital. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and Seivert passed away.

It was determined that he apparently was in the water for some time before being noticed.
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SHELDON, Iowa | Authorities have identified the victim of Monday's fatal accident at the Sheldon Golf & Country Club.


Dean Seivert, 66, of Sheldon, was killed after a lawn tractor overturned and trapped him in the Floyd River, according to the O'Brien County Sheriff's Office.


The sheriff's office was notified at 9:27 a.m. that Seivert, an employee at the golf course, had been found trapped beneath the John Deere riding mower. A co-worker found Seivert and was attempting to hold his head above the water.


Emergency personnel were able to free Seivert from the water and transported him to Sheldon Hospital. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.


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Be Safe:

  • On steep slopes, GO SLOW.
  • Side hill mowing, watch the front uphill tire to verify it’s making a solid depression in the grass. If it isn’t, SLOWLY turn downhill.
  • Alway have an escape route when in rough ground so if the machine kicks out of gear or the brakes fail or both you can steer to safety.
  • Keep the brakes properly adjusted and maintained.
  • Be very, very aware that going up a steep slope how quick and easily a tractor will flip back on you. If the front end does come up, the rear wheels provide the motive force to flip it back.
  • Generally speaking brakes are for stopping, NOT slowing down in tractor usage, that’s what the trans is for. If you step on the left pedal you set the parking brake and the rear wheels will lock. In most cases this will not hold you on the hill, instead you will slide down the hill.
  • The “GO SLOW” mentioned above means regulate your speed with the transmission.  Choose a lower or lowest gear, with a hydro do the same, keep the RPM’s (engine speed) up.
Can a tractor mow this hill? NO!
Can a tractor mow this hill? NO!
Zero-Turns are not weighted to mow up hill. Especially older zero-turn mowers. They will tip over backwards.
  • If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it with a ride-on machine.
  • Mow up and down slopes with a lawn tractor, not across.
  • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
  • Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop or shift while on a slope.
  • Do not mow on wet or damp grass. Tires may lose traction.
  • Do not mow on drought-dry grass. Tires will lose traction.
  • Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
  • Avoid starting, stopping or turning on a slope.
  • Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
  • Use extra care while operating the machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they affect the stability of the machine. Do not use them on steep slopes.
  • Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
  • Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
46 inch 2 bladed decks on lawn tractors do not have the clearance between the rear of the deck and the rear tires to install tire chains.
If you have a Walk Out Basement the angle is too steep to mow side to side or up hill. Mow down the hill, drive around to the top of the slope and mow down. Yes, you may have to drive around the house a dozen times to do this, but it is the only way. Never attempt to mow or drive up the hill
Don’t even consider using a rear mounted bagger on hills. On both tractors and zero-turns that makes them too heavy in the rear.
Don’t even consider a leaf/lawn vac on slopes. The transmissions in lawn tractors are not heavy enough and you will destroy the trans. On garden tractor there may be too much weight on the rear hitch. Blow the leaves to the bottom of the hill with a hand held blower or back pack blower, then pick them up with your vac.
1556081_G
Tip-over from water logged turf
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. Don’t mow near a pond. The first 6 to 10 feet of turf by the water’s edge is water-logged and your mower will sink in and tip over.
Follow the rules in your operator’s manual. But remember, an unseen hole on the down-slope or a bump or stick of wood on the uphill side can increase your slope quickly and cause an accident.
P1000024 Seatbelts and ROPs won’t save you if there is water

What is available today For the Homeowner:

FCA12
Notice the dual wheels on the ATV?
roughfloatkit3
The ATV is out of the water logged turf
There are very few residential mowers specifically designed to mow slopes. Here are a few that work:
Acrease Wing and Rough-Cut Mowers: Acrease Mowers are able to mow slopes. They use full pressure engines on the commercial models that won’t blow up on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Be aware these mowers are heavy and you will need a heavy tractor to pull them. I actually used 2 in tandem to mow a 10 foot road ditch FCA14(Swisher T-60 Trailmower 14.5hp. is only designed for 15 degree slopes. The engines are splash lubricated and will blow up on slopes greater than 15 degrees.)
Craftsman 4WD walk-behind. Craftsman will have a 4WD walk-behind for 2014.
Husqvarna:
Walk-Behind Husqvarna HU800AWD All Wheel Drive
Husqvarna Rider: Husqvarna R322T AWD
There are a few tractors with rear differential lock that give you better traction going up and down slopes, but they are still only rated for 15 degrees.
There are other mowers that will handle slopes but all of them are commercial rated.  Standon Mowers, 60 inches and larger like the Wright Stander are capable of mowing greater than 15 degrees. Toro Walk-Behind commercial mowers with the T-Bar steering also work well. Of course there are the dedicated slope mowers like the KutKwick and the new robotic mowers.

Final Thoughts

Many people don’t read the operator’s manual or feel these warning statements are “just guidelines.” Even staying under 15 degrees there are still ways to tip your lawn tractor or zero-turn over. Mowing commercially for many years I have had too many close calls and I still use my “Pucker-meter” all the time.  The seat of your pants is the best gauge – really. It is a long, slow, careful learning experience. You have to get to know your machine and how to best approach various terrian. Going slow and low is always good.
If is feels wrong, if the hill feels too steep, if the tractor doesn’t feel right, I don’t mow it.

(This Last From Consumer Reports)

What we tested, what we found. We compared several zero-turn-radius riding mowers marketed to consumers with a lawn tractor on slopes ranging from roughly 5 to 20 degrees. We used a typical 4.5 mph mowing speed over both dry and wet grass, going up and down as you should with most ride-on machines. So far, so good.
The trouble began when we made a hard turn down 10- to 15-degree slopes. The zero-turn riders lost most of their steering control, skidding straight into our simulated hazards. All could stop in time when the brake was applied, though stopping entails manipulating two levers that also do the steering. That’s less intuitive than a tractor’s foot brake. And while the zero-turn models steered controllably at slower speeds, time savings is a major selling point for zero-turn machines.

The rollover risk

51de9b758a64a.preview-620  Rollovers are another concern with all ride-on mowers, contributing to the more than 15,000 injuries and 61 deaths associated with those machines for 2007, according to estimates based on CPSC data. Commercial tractors and riding mowers often include a roll bar, called a rollover protective structure (ROPS), and a safety belt. Both are supposed to work together to protect and confine the operator if there’s a rollover. But even that approach leaves lots of room for error.
  • Choose a front-steering tractor over a zero-turn-radius rider if you’re mowing slopes 10 to 15 degrees or greater. (A 10-degree slope rises roughly 20 inches over every 10 feet.) If you already own a zero-turn-radius riding mower, be sure to mow slowly on hills. And mow only on dry grass to maximize traction.
  • Give yourself time to learn the controls on any ride-on mower, especially a zero-turn mower’s levers for steering and speed.
  • Mow straight up and down slopes with a tractor or rider unless the manual says otherwise. And mow side-to-side with walk-behind mowers, start at the bottom and work up-hill. Always turn uphill.

Two tree cutters were seriously injured when their Genie S-60 telescopic boom lift made contact with a power line in Wethersfield, CT causing them to fall 20 feet




Wethersfield, CT 
 
Two tree cutters were seriously injured when their Genie S-60 telescopic boom lift made contact with a power line Saturday afternoon, knocking out electricity to hundreds of customers for several hours.

Firefighters were called to 320 Prospect St. around 5:15 p.m. and found arcing wires on the ground and both workers badly hurt, according to Lt. James Ritter of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department.


Firefighters couldn't tell whether the workers had been injured by electrical contact, a fall from the platform about 20 feet above ground level, or both. Ambulances took both victims to a hospital; firefighters said their injuries did not appear to be life threatening.

The two victims are employees of a private contractor that was removing a large tree on the property.

The accident left hundreds of Eversource customers with no power. Crews worked Saturday evening to restore service. As of 10:30 p.m., power had been restored.




At 1716 hours, the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department was called to 320 Prospect St. for the report of a tree removal contractor that struck the power lines and a fall from the elevated platform. Upon arrival Firefighters found arcing power lines on the ground and two of the work crew with serious injuries. The injured work crew members were moved to a safe location and EMTs began medical care. Both victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment.

Power is currently out in the general area however, Eversource is on the scene and working on restoring power as quickly as possible. Prospect St. in the area of Only Rd., remains closed at this time for the investigation.

Captain James Ritter - WVFD


Illinois tollway worker, 47, picking up debris along the right shoulder was killed by a semi-truck pulling a trailer on I-294 southbound in Alsip



Tollway worker struck, killed by semi-truck in Alsip


Mike Nolan




An Illinois Tollway maintenance worker was struck and killed Monday by a semi-truck pulling a trailer on the Tri-State Tollway in Alsip, according to Illinois State Police.

The 48-year-old man was struck just before 12:30 p.m. as he walked back to his vehicle after picking up debris along the shoulder, police said in a news release.

The truck driver side-swiped the worker and his vehicle and did not stop, police said.


He was pronounced dead at 12:43 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

State police said the incident remains under investigation.

The Tollway said it was not releasing any personal information about the worker pending notification of his family.



Interstate 294 is the main by-pass around the Chicago-Metro Area. Starting on the southside near South Holland, IL and heading west and north to near Deerfield, IL on the northwest side of Chicago. This is also a major north-south artiery in the Chicago Highway System. The entire length of I-294 is maintained by the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. It carries the name "Tri-State Tollway".==================

Toll Worker Killed Near Alsip in Hit-and-Run Accident: ISP

By Trina Orlando

A day at work on the Tri-State Tollway in Alsip ended in tragedy Monday.

About 12:30 p.m. two tollway workers were collecting debris on the shoulder of the road when one of them was struck by a semi-trailer.

"While he was outside his vehicle and walking back to his vehicle he was struck by a semi-truck pulling a semi-trailer," said Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Don Orseno.

It's not clear how fast the semi was traveling, but it didn't stop. The tollway worker was pronounced dead at the scene.


"There were witnesses as well as partner he was out there working with that called in that tollway worker was struck," Orseno said.

A tollway spokesperson declined to provide any information about the worker, saying in a statement:

"The Illinois Tollway extends its deepest sympathy to his family and friends."

Signs along the tollway remind drivers to yield to workers.

"They're encouraged and obligated to slow dawn," Orseno said of drivers on the tollway. "Change lanes when applicable to avoid tragedies like this."



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Tollway worker struck and killed on 294 near Alsip

WGN Web Desk and Tom Negovan
September 18, 2017



ALSIP, Ill. -- A tollway worker was struck and killed by a vehicle on I-294 on Monday, officials said.

The 48-year-old man was killed on I-294 southbound at 127th Street at about 12:23 p.m. Monday. Two right lanes were blocked in the area due to the incident.

Illinois State Police said the man was outside of his vehicle picking up debris along the right shoulder. As he walked back to his car, a semi-truck pulling a trailer side swiped the worker and his car.

The truck driver did not stop.

Authorities did not release a description of the suspect vehicle, just that it was a tractor-trailer.

Traffic in the area was delayed for hours as police investigated.





Postal worker Robert McGeehan, 59, of Lower Township in Cape May County, was charged with second-degree theft by deception and third-degree insurance fraud, after Facebook posts showed that he was not disabled!



A postal worker who had been collecting federal worker's compensation is now facing charges after an investigation that began following a Facebook post.

Robert McGeehan, 59, of Lower Township in Cape May County, was charged with second-degree theft by deception and third-degree insurance fraud, the New Jersey Attorney General's office said.

According to authorities, McGeehan had been on worker's comp since he slipped on ice and fell in 2008, injuring his wrist.

Then, in July 2015, McGeehan allegedly posted Facebook photos that showed him zip lining and rappelling while on vacation.

Investigators say he allegedly left an electronic signature on a waiver for activities including "zip lines, rope swings, cargo net traverses, mechanical rappels, and climbing."

He was also allegedly recorded by United States Postal Services investigators performing strenuous yard work in June and July of 2016.

A news release from Attorney General Christopher Attorney General Porrino said McGeehan, who lived in Philadelphia until April, 2013, was found to be fit to return to light duty by the postal service.

However, investigators say, McGeehan refuted that by providing examination findings by his personal doctor.

McGeehan is accused of stealing $75,000, the amount of worker's compensation he allegedly received between July 2015 and June 2017.




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Postal Worker Charged With Fraud, Theft After Zip-Lining While on Disability: Police

Robert McGeehan, of Lower Township, is accused of stealing more than $75,000 in federal workers' compensation benefits by falsely claiming an on-the-job fall rendered him medically unfit to work as a letter carrier.



A former postal worker who had claimed a wrist injury prevented him from working posted photos of himself zip-lining and rappelling, state authorities said Monday as they announced insurance fraud and theft charges.

Robert McGeehan, of Lower Township, is accused of stealing more than $75,000 in federal workers' compensation benefits by falsely claiming an on-the-job fall rendered him medically unfit to work as a letter carrier.

Postal service investigators said they also recorded him doing strenuous yard work, including using a chain saw and a hand saw and throwing large logs.

A telephone number for McGeehan could not be located Monday, and it wasn't known if he had an attorney who could comment on the accusations.

McGeehan, 59, injured his wrist in February 2008 when he slipped on some ice. He had arthroscopic surgery seven months later and eventually was deemed fit for light duty, but he disputed that finding and turned down several offers of less physically-demanding positions within the postal service, authorities said.

To corroborate his workers' compensation claim, McGeehan has consistently submitted examination findings by his personal doctor, authorities said.

McGeehan posted the vacation photos in July 2015. While traveling, authorities said he left an electronic signature on an agreement to accept risks and waive liabilities for certain activities, including "zip lines, rope swings, cargo net traverses, mechanical rappels and climbing."

He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on both counts, authorities said.




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Cox, McGeehan Honored as Seniors of Year


By Al Campbell
May 13, 2016



AVALON - Evelyn Cox and Robert McGeehan were honored May 12 as Cape May County Outstanding Seniors for 2016. Each received resolutions from county and state officials at the annual Senior Citizen Jamboree at Avalon Community Hall held to mark Older Americans Month by the county Department of Aging and Disability Services.


The Parish Nurse Program from Cape Regional Health System received the Outstanding Organization of the Year award at the event.


Several hundred seniors attended the gala. Its theme was “The Fabulous 50’s.” The event included a meal and music. Many were taken to the event by county Fare Free Transportation.


To ensure the event was multi-generational senior guests were served lunch by students from Wildwood Catholic High School.

Evelyn Cox



"Still young at heart" at 78, Cox is a 31-year volunteer in the Media Center at Cape May County Special Services School District.


As noted in a resolution read by Freeholder Kristine Gabor, Cox has "a spring in her step and a joke at the ready."


Spending four days a week at the center, Cox reports early and leaves late, according to the resolution. She knows all staff members by name and asks about their families and their health.


In her volunteer capacity, Cox shelves returned books in the center and arranges monthly displays. She is noted for knowing where items are located in the library.


"Even though she wants nothing to do with the computer system, she is indispensable in keeping the Media Center running smoothly," Gabor added.


She is "always willing to sit with a child who needs help with reading or just a little extra attention. She has a soft spot for the severely disabled students, having been the parent of a disabled son who was a student at the school in the early days of the district," Gabor continued.

Robert McGeehan




An Army veteran, McGeehan volunteers daily at Disabled American Veterans Chapter 44 in Del Haven, according to the resolution Gabor read.


He served the nation for 20 years in the Army and has been a 10-year member of the DAV.


He and his wife Karen enjoy traveling in their recreational vehicle which is kept in Pennsylvania.


Every Wednesday, McGeehan dedicates his time helping fellow veterans with whatever issues they may be experiencing. He helps them obtain benefits through the Veterans Administration, housing or by helping make transportation arrangements for physician visits.


Always an advocate for those who served, he attends meetings that focus on veterans' issues. He "looks out for his fellow veterans and sees to it that they have information on the programs and services that are available to them," Gabor read.


He also visits VA homes, such as the one in Vineland, to ensure veterans are being well treated and are getting the services to which they are entitled, "And most of all that they are not forgotten."


Joining to present the certificates in addition to Gabor was Sen. Jeff Van Drew, Assemblyman Bruce Land, and Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak, (all D-1st). Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton welcomed the seniors.