From 2005 through 2015, thirty-eight (38) Pennsylvanians lost their lives in incidents involving skid steers or forklifts (12 incidents) and during bush hogging activities (26 incidents). Although the 2015 data is incomplete, it appears that the same activities that have proved fatal in the past have continued.
Skid steers and forklifts provide maneuverability for those tasks where the farm tractor is too large. Since they can fit into smaller spaces, the work area is limited. Many of the fatalities are the result of a child or on-the-ground helper being run over. Collapsing buckets or lift arms during repair or maintenance have led to deaths as well.
Bush hogging activities often lead operators to “clean up” rough terrain. The past three years have seen 50% (13 of the 26) total fatalities involving bush hog work. Most disturbing are the several reports of the tractor operator being thrown from the tractor and run over by the bush hog.
Noting this trend, Penn State Ag Safety and Health Specialists suggest these precautions.
- Understand that a farm tractor without a ROPS and buckled seatbelt is hazardous at all times, but even more so when used over rough or uneven terrain.
- Be aware of blind spot hazards. Not only do we have limited peripheral vision, but the skid steer and forklift have built in blind spots. An operator concentrating on the job at hand may not be aware of the child or fellow worker who has entered the blind spot.
- When repairing or maintaining loading equipment always use lift arm or boom locks. Bat-wing type bush hog hydraulic systems can also fail and no worker should be beneath the machine unless it is securely blocked to prevent sudden, unexpected drops.
- Communicate with fellow workers as to what work you are doing and what direction you will be moving the machine.
- Scout the work area and fields for obstructions that can lead to blind spots or uneven operation.
Source : psu.edu