S E P T E M B E R 2 014 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m 2 3
THE ACCIDENT: A
23-year-old crewmember is
working with another laborer
on a residential project to
prepare the site for a concrete
slab. The laborer is operating
a skid steer, which is carry-
ing gravel and sand, while the
crewmember directs him. The
skid steer operator raises the
bucket 6 feet so he can see
the crewmember, which is
standing in front of the house.
The crewmember signals the
operator to stop at the edge of
the excavated form and then
directs him to dump the load.
When the operator begins to dump the materi-
als, the skid steer rolls into the slab's depres-
sion and tips forward toward the crewmember.
The crewmember is pinned against the building
by the bucket. The operator lowers the bucket,
backs away from the building and calls 911. The
crewmember collapses and dies shortly after at
the hospital.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Operators should keep
the loader's bucket as low as possible when
traveling and should only lift it as high as neces-
sary for dumping a load, since weight shifts to
the front axle when the bucket is loaded. The
victim also should not have placed himself in
front of the machine and in an area that limited
his retreat.
Here are more safety practices to prevent
similar skid steer accidents.
s Equipment operators should load, unload and
turn on level ground when possible, and they
should avoid slippery surfaces.
s Establish a safe distance and position for the
signal person from the loader.
s Don't leave the operator's seat while the
engine is on, and keep your hands, arms, legs
and head inside the operator's compartment.
s Lower the bucket or attachment so it is fl at on
the ground before exiting (unless using a lift-
arm support device).
s Never modify or bypass safety devices.
s Operators should receive training on how to
safely use the equipment.
For more Safety Watch articles, visit
totallandscapecare.com/safetywatch.
No Escape
BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Skid steer tips forward and turns deadly
ILLUSTRATION BY DON LOMAX
