09 April 2009
Jocelyn Dorrell

The HSE has issued a safety alert in response to a recent incident in which a worker was fatally crushed by the lift-arm of a skid-steer loader.

The bulletin outlines the dangers of defective interlocks combined with unsafe operating practices.

The alert explains that the arms and bucket tilt mechanism on skid-steer loaders can present crushing hazards to operators as they lean out of and exit the cab. People in the vicinity and those carrying out maintenance may also be at risk.

To safeguard against crushing risks, loaders are fitted with an interlock to prevent operators inadvertently operating the arms or tilt mechanism. This usually requires the operator to raise a restraint bar. But the HSE's investigation into the fatal incident revealed that the restraint bar on the skid-steer loader involved in the fatality left the foot pedals active if the pedals hadn't quite returned to their neutral position before the restraint bar was raised.

"When using any skid-steer loader it is essential that operators are properly trained and that they operate the loader safely in accordance with the manufacturers operating manual," the HSE warns. "However, if a skid-steer loader is identified as having this particular type of interlock (i.e. direct link to a hydraulic valve), operators also need to be made aware of the potential for it to fail to engage..."

The alert, which sets out advice for employers, operators and maintenance staff on the actions they need to take, is available here.

Categories:
HSE, News, Workplace transport



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