BACKGROUND: It was lightly raining on a mid-March day just before noon. A contractor’s employees were using a skidder to remove a hardwood log from a loaded log truck. A mechanic had been operating the winch of the skidder and began to exit the cab.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: The 39-year-old mechanic was considered fully trained in the operation of the skidder. Proper mounting and dismounting procedures had been discussed by the contractor during safety meetings.
UNSAFE ACT OR CONDITION: The handholds and steps of the skidder were noted to be in good condition. However, due to the light rain conditions, the mechanic’s boots were muddy. He was also wearing gloves that had a small amount of oil on them. It was also noted that he felt hurried.
ACCIDENT: As he began to exit the cab, the mechanic either lost his footing or his handgrip and fell backward out of the skidder’s cab. The man struck the ground with his back and hip, landing on a rock. He did not lose consciousness but told other employees that he thought his back was broken, and all proper procedures were followed. He was airlifted to the nearest hospital.
INJURY: Luckily, his back was not broken as first suspected. He sustained a hairline fracture to his pelvic bone and bruised his back. He was hospitalized for two days.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTION: The logging contractor should review proper mounting and dismounting procedures for all equipment during safety meetings. The use of three points of contact should be emphasized, and the point should be made that muddy conditions require extra caution. Contractors should also be sure to keep all handholds and steps on all equipment in proper condition. It is important always to take the time required to do every job safely, including dismounting equipment.
Courtesy of the Forest Resources Association: https://www.forestresources.org/