Wheeled Loader Overturn
ACTIVITY:
WORKER INVOLVEMENT
TITLE
Wheeled Loader Overturn
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
An operator, of a Volvo L150F front end loader was fortunate to avoid serious injury following the overturn of his wheeled loader. On noticing a plant fault, which could have led to a potentially serious production delay, the operator had to quickly shut off the main feed conveyor. In order to do this, the operator had to travel a relatively short distance to a lower plant area, and activate a stop button. In the act of reversing, and manoeuvring to carry this out, a combination of events occurred which acted together to cause the wheeled loader to overturn:
? The bucket, which had not been fully emptied, was in the process of being lowered as reversing and turning was taking place.
? The section of road onto which the wheeled loader reversed had a cross fall gradient.
? The reversing and turn manoeuvre was sufficiently severe so as to cause a toppling momentum due to a change in the centre of gravity.
? The loader wheels travelled over the tapered end of the material bund.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
Given a combination of unsafe acts and unsafe conditions the potential for overturns is always present.
? Has a traffic management risk assessment been completed to identify possible hazards associated with overturning i.e. slopes, edge protection, field drains, soft ground and gullies? Is this reviewed on a periodic basis?
? Is the edge protection, suitable and sufficient? Are seat belts fitted and worn at all times? Are the site speed limits adhered to?
? Do Injury Prevention tours identify unsafe practice? Do we discuss this with operators in order to influence a change in behaviour, attitudes and perception?
? Is there a standard operating procedure, and equipment to facilitate emergency stopping and plant shut down?
? Do our operators report poor conditions, or deteriorating conditions by way of hazard alert?
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
ACTIVITY:
WORKER INVOLVEMENT
Go Back to Search Critera