MECHANIC CRUSHED UNDERNEATH FOUR-TON WOOD CHIPPING MACHINE
A
54-year-old male mechanic at a tree trimming and removal company died after
being crushed underneath an 8,000-pound wood chipping machine at a maintenance
yard.
On
the day of the incident, the decedent and another worker were attempting to
change the brakes on the wood chipper. They
were using a telescopic hydraulic jack to lift the chipper in order to remove
the wheels. After one side of the wood chipper was lifted, a single jack stand
(rated for three-tons, used in a pair) was placed under that side.
The
decedent went underneath the machine attempting to properly position the
hydraulic jack on the axle to lift the other side. The jack slipped, the jack
stand broke, and the wood chipper fell on top of the decedent, killing him.
Contributing
Factors
·
Working under a load/ overhead hazard
·
Proper load considerations
·
Work practices
Our
investigators recommend that these safety guidelines be followed to prevent
similar incidents:
·
The machine should be lifted one side at a
time, and then cribbed and blocked to prevent movement.
·
Jack stands should be selected according to
the appropriate loading capacity, and are used and rated in pairs.
·
An expander should be used on the floor
jack saddle to avoid having the worker going underneath the machine.
·
A safety and health plan based on a job
hazard analysis should be developed by the employer and followed where workers
are assigned tasks.
ALWAYS REMEMBER:
WHEN AN EMPLOYEE IS KILLED
OR INJURED BY A PREVENTABLE WORKPLACE HAZARD, THIS IS NO ACCIDENT. IT MEANS THE EMPLOYER FAILED TO PROTECT
WORKERS FROM DANGERS THAT CAN CAUSE INJURY, ILLNESS OR, NEEDLESS DEATH