Frequent Skid Steer Accidents
An employee at a tractor implement dealership was cleaning debris from a wash bay using a skid-steer loader. This particular skid-steer loader was equipped with a manual seat bar as well as a pressure switch in the seat to detect the presence of an operator. The operator was able to leave the cab to wash the skid-steer loader bucket while it was still operational. The bucket was left sitting on its nose which prevented the loader arms from resting against the body of the vehicle as it was designed to do. This position made it difficult to enter and exit the cab. As the employee attempted to get back into the cab, he slipped and fell face-first into the cab seat. The loader arms dropped and caught him between the body of the skid-steer loader and the loader arms, and he was killed.
The two most commonly reported skid steer accidents are:
- Crushed by moving parts
- Rollover accidents
Other common skid steer accidents:
- Burn hazards
- High pressure fluid ejecting from the loader, causing injection injury
- Getting caught in rotating parts
Although skid steer loaders aren’t typically the largest piece of equipment on a jobsite, they are some of the most commonly used, which increases opportunities for hazards and accidents. In addition to their more frequent use, these “little loaders” have many features that can pose additional risks, like wheels that lock on each side so as to enable the loader to turn quickly and in small spaces. Because skid steer loaders are heavy, however, locking their wheels and maneuvering in small areas can easily tip them over. And because they are powered by diesel engines, they are also noisy and emit exhaust fumes, endangering ’ hearing and respiratory health (Farm Injury Resource Center).
To avoid these accidents, proper training is key! Here are some additional steps one should take to protect against frequent skid steer loader accidents:
- Operators should run a pre-operation safety check,
- take the time to verify that the attachment is securely locked onto the coupler and that it is the right size attachment for the job, and
- manage load limits properly (Compact Equipment).
More resources
For more on reporting and accident to OSHA click here.
If you need help to avoid these accidents check out our safety consulting page here, or our free resources page with monthly and weekly safety talks here.
Since 2009 we have provided expert safety consulting, inspection, staffing, and training services. We currently service over 100 cities teaching the EPA RRP Lead Renovator Certification Training. If you can work around our schedule we can typically deliver our services for near or the same price you would pay right here in Cincinnati, OH. Our mission is to reduce workplace accidents and injuries. We believe that these free safety meetings help us achieve that goal. The best compliment you could give us is to forward these along to another company.
We are here to help! Please feel free to reach out by dialing 877-209-9648 or email sales@pasafety.com.
Click here to learn about our 10th Anniversary Safety Compliance Package!
How can proActive Safety Services help us achieve our safety goals?
We have experience assisting companies with less than 5 employees to working with giant corporate companies like DHL. We have found that every situation is a little bit different. We offer a free safety assessment that can help us determine the gaps in your current program. From that assessment we are able to work together to develop a strategy to meet your goals. We have a team of 10 safety professionals and access to a network of over 5 senior safety directors within our community.
Does proActive Safety Services Offer Private Training Courses?
We specialize in delivering private training courses. In fact, we have sold more custom training courses that OSHA Outreach Training courses. Complete custom classes can get pretty expensive. However, it is easy to add in photos of your facilities, videos you may currently use, or any other custom content you feel is necessary. The best way to develop a custom course is to create Job Safety Analysis for each job type. It is simple for us at that point to develop a training program that covers the hazard your employees will face.