Skid steer loader crushes worker to death

A worker repairing a skid steer loader was killed during a crushing incident in February 2019.

According to a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland incident alert, early initial investigations suggest that at the time of the accident, the safety prop was not engaged to ensure that the bucket arms could not be lowered.

The incident alert said the worker inadvertently activated the controls and was crushed by the arms. It appears the mechanisms which enable the hand controls to be isolated were inoperative due to general wear and tear on the machine. Investigations are continuing.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland said equipment that uses hydraulics to assist in its movement has the potential to cause serious injury or death. It is used in many industries for trucks and transport, construction plant and equipment, farming machinery, manufacturing equipment and amusement rides. The potential energy in hydraulic equipment can be extremely high as it is used to shift and support large loads.

The incident alert warns that serious crush injuries can result from normal movement of the hydraulic equipment, and when the hydraulic systems fail, falling loads or unexpected moving parts are extremely dangerous. Plant arms or equipment can cause injury through rapid or slow movement without the worker being aware of the danger.

PCBUs are reminded by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland that they must ensure all plant is safe and inspected and maintained by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

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