Operator Dies Exiting Falling Lift

DATELINE: Pennsylvania, 11/11/11

The operator of a 30,000-lb. "Pettibone" lift was killed when he jumped to exit his falling machine. He was hit in the head by its falling arm. A nearby worker motioned for him to run toward him.

• Belted in the operator's seat is the safest place to be.
• TRAIN your employees to believe this.
• If his coworker had known this, would he have motioned for him to stay in his seat?
  

Two Hurt wehn Boom Lift Topples

DATELINE: Delaware, 11/10/11

Two men were critically injured when the boom lift they were in toppled over as it hit an incline. Both workers were thrown out of the basket onto a gravel surface. Both were wearing harnesses that may not have been attached to anything.

• Operate mobile lifts ONLY on level ground.
• There's a reason to tie off in an elevated basket.
  

Two Die in Sewer

DATELINE: Texas, 11/3/11

Two workers were killed after they were apparently overcome by fumes while finishing up work in a sewer line. They were not wearing any protective gear. The second man was killed trying to rescue the first.

• Sewer lines are death traps.
• Monitor air quality and take appropriate action.
• Does your company have a Confined Space Entry Policy?
  
• TRAIN and EQUIP!
  

Man Loses Hand, Foot in Forklift Mishap

DATELINE: Minnesota, 10/18/11

A forklift operator lost his right hand and right foot when his machine turned over on a sandy berm. The door of the forklift possibility was open, allowing the man to fall out and become pinned.

• Always operate on firm, level ground.
• Seat belts are designed to keep you in the ROPS.
• Use them.
  

Worker Dies in Fall Through Hole in Roof

DATELINE: Ohio, 10/11/11

A worker was killed when he fell through a hole in the roof of a building under construction. The hole was one being used to bring materials to the roof.

• Cover, secure, and label openings.
• If left open, use fall protection - guardrails or harnesses, for example.
• ALWAYS assume someone will lose their balance. What do you do to counter?
  

Photo Credit: Shaughn Butts.

Worker Killed by Backing Loader

DATELINE: Canada, 9/30/11

A construction worker was killed as he exited his pickup truck. He was pinned between his truck and a front-end loader in reverse.

• This is a sad but all-too-common event.
• The operator obviously didn't expect the truck to be there.
• Should he have looked before backing? YES!
• Never insert you or your vehicle into a busy site without getting the attention of the operator(s).