monkeybreath
Silver Member
I don't really quite understand the dynamics of how this happened exactly, but I ran across it while searching for canopies, and thought I would share it - will try to attach it.
Industry: Agriculture Age: 63 years Area: Central Interior
Worker crushed to death between tractor canopy and backhoe A ranch worker was digging a trench using a backhoe attached to the rear of a tractor. The tractor was equipped with a canopy and rollover protective structure (ROPS). While the worker was positioning the backhoe/tractor equipment in a forward-moving direction, he was thrown from his seat and onto the operating control panel for the backhoe. The pressure of his body started the boom section hydraulic cylinder. As the cylinder stretched out, the boom section put pressure against the upright dipper stick section and bucket that was pressing against the ground. The backhoe lifted upward and buckled where it was attached to the rear of the tractor, pinning the worker between the backhoe control panel and the rear edge of the tractor’s overhead canopy.
An investigation discovered the cause of the accident to be a missing bolt that was required to secure the backhoe top link plate to the main backhoe frame. The missing bolt would have prevented the upward movement of the backhoe where it connected to the rear of the tractor.
Safe work practices:
Regularly inspect and perform maintenance on machinery and equipment to ensure that all the necessary parts are in place and secure.
Operate machinery and equipment in compliance with the manufacturer’s operating manual.
Read and follow safe work procedures.
FATALITY
03-01
The WCB has a wide range of health and safety information. For assistance and information on workplace health and safety, call toll-free within BC 1-888-621-SAFE (7233) or visit our web site at www.worksafebc.com.
Industry: Agriculture Age: 63 years Area: Central Interior
Worker crushed to death between tractor canopy and backhoe A ranch worker was digging a trench using a backhoe attached to the rear of a tractor. The tractor was equipped with a canopy and rollover protective structure (ROPS). While the worker was positioning the backhoe/tractor equipment in a forward-moving direction, he was thrown from his seat and onto the operating control panel for the backhoe. The pressure of his body started the boom section hydraulic cylinder. As the cylinder stretched out, the boom section put pressure against the upright dipper stick section and bucket that was pressing against the ground. The backhoe lifted upward and buckled where it was attached to the rear of the tractor, pinning the worker between the backhoe control panel and the rear edge of the tractor’s overhead canopy.
An investigation discovered the cause of the accident to be a missing bolt that was required to secure the backhoe top link plate to the main backhoe frame. The missing bolt would have prevented the upward movement of the backhoe where it connected to the rear of the tractor.
Safe work practices:
Regularly inspect and perform maintenance on machinery and equipment to ensure that all the necessary parts are in place and secure.
Operate machinery and equipment in compliance with the manufacturer’s operating manual.
Read and follow safe work procedures.
FATALITY
03-01
The WCB has a wide range of health and safety information. For assistance and information on workplace health and safety, call toll-free within BC 1-888-621-SAFE (7233) or visit our web site at www.worksafebc.com.