Mechanic Injured While Repairing Tracked Feller-Buncher

PERSONAL CHRACTERISTICS:
The mechanic was in his early 50s and had been a mechanic for over 13 years. He had worked for this employer for two months prior to the incident. He was experienced in the task at hand, and he was wearing a hard hat, safety glasses, high visibility vest and steel-toed boots.

UNSAFE ACT OR CONDITION:
The hose was deep inside the hydraulic compartment of the feller-buncher, and the track only offered limited room for access to the area. The mechanic decided to work from the ground while another individual helped while lying on the track. When the mechanic realized he could not reach the hose from
he ground, he decided to stand on a 5-gallon bucket of hydraulic fluid to gain extra height to reach the hose. The bucket was an unstable work platform, and due to water and oil residue, the surface was slippery.

ACCIDENT:
The mechanic had reattached the hose when he slipped off the bucket and fell to the ground.

INJURY:
His left arm caught the track on his way down, and he dislocated his shoulder.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTION:
Use proper tools for the job. A stepladder or work platform should have been used. All work surfaces should be free of fluids or loose particles.

Courtesy of the Forest Resources Association: forestresources.org

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