Broken Line Whiplashes And Hits Driver

An experienced logging truck driver, known to have a hearing disability, was waiting for his truck to be loaded. He had been requested to get out of his truck during the loading operation because of the danger of logs rolling down from the hillside above. He stood waiting with two other workers at a warm-up fire.

The main cable being used to move the logs snapped. The broken end then whipped around the landing where the loading was taking place. It hit the driver in the face and threw him 50 feet. He died instantly.

Just before the fatal incident, the cable had become caught behind a stump. A heavy pull on the cable to free it could have caused it to break as the investigation showed some deterioration in the line before the incident. The victim’s companions recognized the sound of the line breaking and took cover. The deceased apparently did not hear the line break.

Faulty equipment can be deadly on any kind of job site. Any equipment you use must be in good repair and free of defects. Someone’s life could depend upon it. Look out for visitors or other workers who may be on site and who are not familiar with the hazards.