Skid-steer Loaders – Landscaping Stats and Facts

FACTS

The primary hazards and types of injuries associated with skid-steer loaders

Rollovers: Skid-steer loaders can tip over, particularly when operating on uneven terrain or slopes.
Crushing and Pinching: Operators and bystanders can be crushed or pinched between the loader and other objects.

Incidents where operators are trapped in the cab due to mechanical failure or rollover.

Falls: Falls can occur while mounting or dismounting the loader which can result in sprains, fractures, and other serious injuries.
Struck-by Incidents: Operators or bystanders can be struck by the loader’s bucket, arms, or other attachments.
Overexertion and Musculoskeletal Injuries: Operating skid-steer loaders for extended periods can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, including back pain, neck pain, and repetitive strain injuries.
Electrical Hazards: Skid-steer loaders can accidentally contact overhead power lines, leading to electrocution hazards.

USA

Between 2015 and 2019, there were 244 reported injuries involving skid-steer loaders, with 66 of these being fatal. The primary causes of these injuries include being pinned by the loader’s arms or bucket, rollovers, and being struck by the machine.
In Michigan, 32 workers died from skid-steer loader-related injuries between 2001 and 2021, and 99 were injured from 2015 to 2021
A study identified 312 injuries related to skid-steer loaders reported to OSHA, along with an additional 68 agricultural injuries documented during the same period.
Skid-steer loaders kill more than 70 people each year around the country.

Canada

In Canada, skid-steer loader incidents are also a significant concern, particularly in construction and agricultural sectors. Although specific national statistics are less readily available, the trends mirror those in the USA, with crush injuries and rollovers being primary concerns.
In September 2019, a construction worker in Alberta was killed by crush injuries while operating a skid-steer machine.