BACKGROUND: At a Western mill, a chip truck driver was loading chips from a clamshell bin.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: The chip truck driver had four years of experience in hauling chip loads. He had received a standard orientation of one week with an experienced chip truck driver and was attending three safety meetings per year, per his company’s policy, as well as an annual advanced training ride with a safety trainer.
UNSAFE ACT OR CONDITION: While the chips descended, fine particles became airborne. The driver was not wearing safety glasses or goggles.
ACCIDENT: Fine particles got into his eyes.
INJURY: Fortunately, the driver knew not to rub his eyes, but allowed natural tearing to wash the particles out.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTION:
- Although the trucking company had a policy requiring eye protection, it needs to review methods to enforce compliance.
- The trucking company requested receiving mills to require safety goggles on their own premises, to inform the trucking company of incidents of noncompliance by the trucking company’s employees, and to enforce the policy with respect to all personnel on the site.
- Trucking companies should review the training they provide their employees on appropriate personal protective equipment to wear on mill woodyards and steps to be taken if airborne particles do enter an employee’s eyes.
Courtesy of the Forest Resources Association: https://www.forestresources.org/