FACTS
- Never rely on the jack or system that was used to lift or operate the load to securely support the load vehicle you are under.
- Review the complete Standard Operating Practices for this work every year or at the start of the season when you will be using this type of equipment.
- Machines and equipment should be supported with the manufacturer’s safety bracing system. If it is not available, use solid wood blocking on solid work surfaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Freight should be blocked when loading or unloading a trailer. Do not use other freight as a block. Use proper materials for blocking.
- Use larger blocks on the bottom. Make the platform as wide as possible.
STATS
- 65 fatalities were attributed to pinning between the bucket and frame or between the loader lift arms and frame, but no loader type was identified. A number of these fatalities may have involved skid steer loaders.
- 37 work-related fatalities involving skid steer loaders. These fatalities resulted from the following types of incidents:
- Pinning between the bucket and frame of the machine or between the lift arms and frame 29 (78%) of victims.
- The 29 fatalities involving pinning between the bucket and frame or between the lift arms and frame resulted from the following activities:
- 10 victims by working or standing under a raised loader bucket
- 8 victims by leaning out of the operator’s compartment into the path of the moving lift arms (pinned against frame)
- 5 victims by entering or exiting (pinned between bucket and frame)
- 20 work related fatalities involving skid steer loaders. Of these 20 fatalities, 14 (70%) involved pinning between the loader bucket and frame or between the lift arms and frame.