What Injured Workers
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Construction Injuries
- Amputation
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- Herniated Disc
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Caught in Machinery: Fatal Fact #34
Construction Company Type: Well Drilling
Accident Description:
Two employees were attempting to adjust the brakes on a backhoe. The victim told the backhoe operator to raise the wheels off the ground with the front bucket and the outriggers, put the backhoe in gear at idle speed and step on the brakes. The victim then crawled under the machine and began to adjust the brakes. There was a 36-inch space from the ground to the drive shaft. Five minutes later another employee discovered the victim limp under the backhoe with the hood of his rain jacket wrapped around the drive shaft. The employee's neck had been broken by the jacket wrapping around the backhoe drive shaft.
OSHA Recommendations:
- Before adjusting backhoe brakes, turn off the machine and set the controls in neutral and the brake and cut-off pedals in the uppermost position. Block the wheels, except for the one to be adjusted, as recommended by the operator's manual.
- Train employees to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions associated with their work (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)).
- Develop and implement a training program for employees on the proper procedures for adjusting and bleeding backhoe brakes.
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 consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (listed under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs).
Accident Details: Caught in Machinery |
|
| Company Type: | Well Drilling |
| Crew Size: | 2 |
| Union/Collective Bargaining? | No |
| Weather: | Clear |
| Worksite Inspection? | No |
| Designated Competent Person on Site? | Yes |
| Employer Safety and Health Program? | Yes |
| Training and Education for Employees? | No |
| Craft of Deceased Worker(s): | Company Vice President |
| Age / Sex of Deceased Worker(s): | 30; male |
| Experience or Time on Job: | Unknown |
| Time on Project: | 5 hours |
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