Photo Credit: Rebecca Catlett.

Safety Harness Does its Job

DATELINE: New York, 8/30/10

A construction worker lost his footing on a damp morning while working on the roof of a university residence hall under construction. His safety harness prevented him from falling five stories to the ground below. He was treated, but his injuries were not serious.

• Fall arrest equipment works when used properly.
  
• END OF STORY
  

Forklift Falls, Killing Worker

DATELINE: Minnesota, 8/21/10

A construction worker was killed when the forklift he was using tipped over. He was in the basket with the boom extended about 40 feet when it fell. The operator of the boom was on the ground and was unhurt.

• This equipment uses a LOAD CHART.
• Can your people read one?
  

Worker Run Over by Scraper

DATELINE: Oklahoma, 8/16/10

A worker on foot was run down by an earthmoving scraper. The equipment apparently lost power on a hill and couldn't stop before running over the man.

• Formula for Fatality = Mobile Equipment + People on Foot
• Visibility and communications are critical
  

Man Killed by Own Front End Loader

DATELINE: Nevada, 7/26/10

A man who was standing between his loader and its shovel apparently reached into his machine and accidentally hit a control, causing the shovel to pin him against the body of the machine. The rescue team had to use the Jaws of Life to extract him. He died later at the hospital.

• DON'T PUT YOURSELF BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE!
• Shut down equipment if nobody is in the seat.
  

Photo Credit: Jason Whong.

Dump Truck Tips Over onto Another

DATELINE: New York, 7/21/10

A 10-wheeled dump truck tipped over onto another when the driver pulled forward after he thought he had finished dumping. Leftover dirt in his bed caused the truck to become unbalanced and flip over. The other driver was trapped, and suffered a probable broken leg.

• Just when you thought you'd seen everything ...
• What's the hurry?
• Did he ASSUME his bed was empty?
  

Man Falls 7 Stories to Death

DATELINE: Virginia, 7/21/10

A worker fell 7 stories to his death from the balcony of a hotel. He fell through the atrium. He was working on a balcony replacing railings and reportedly had detached his harness because it was bothering him.

• UNCOMFORTABLE = ALIVE
• When working at heights, take NO chances.
• Do you think he wants a do-over?