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DATE:
January 4, 2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Roller Accident (Caterpillar
Roller CB-434D)
LOCATION:
District 4
TYPE
OF WORK ACTIVITY: Paving
THE
ACCIDENT: A Caltrans crew was paving a Maintenance
Facility when this accident occurred. A CT Equipment
Operator II was operating a Caterpillar CB-434D hydrostatic
drive roller. The operator was rolling the asphalt mat
As he approached a loading dock another CT Equipment
Operator II (on foot) was directing him off the mat
onto the dock driveway. This employee was standing directly
in front of the roller, against the dock railing and
didn't move to the side. The roller operator, as he
approached the dock, shifted the roller into neutral.
The roller continued forward, crushing the employee's
legs. The roller operator tried to shift the roller
into reverse, but some how shifted the control lever
into forward and struck employee a second time.
CONCLUSIONS:
The roller operator was inexperienced and had not
operated this roller before. The roller operator should
not have operated the roller with out prior training
on that specific roller. If the roller operator had
been trained he would have known that this roller has
a slow stop of several feet once the roller is shifted
into neutral. The employee on the ground SHOULD NOT
have been standing in front of the roller while the
roller was in operation.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Specific Training on Caterpillar Model CB-434D Rollers
with special attention to the slow stop characteristic
of this model roller once the roller is shifted into
neutral. Proper training should always be given to any
employee on any new or unfamiliar equipment. Supervisors
are responsible to make sure employees are trained and
familiar with equipment before they are used at any
work site. Review manufacturers manual with emphasis
on any safety precautions. Review Code of Safe Operating
Practices, Equipment General Code of Safe Practices
and Rollers, Towable, Powered & Hand Operated. Review
Chapter 8 Protection of Workers, 8.01 Managers' and
Supervisors' Responsibilities, 8.02 Work Site Safety,
and 8.34 Operationg Maintenance Equipment. Have tailgate
safety meetings every 10 working days and before any
new work assignment go over any hazards of the work
operation including new equipment.
HEADQUARTERS
OFFICE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES
(916) 227-2640
For
individuals with disabilities, documents may be obtained
in alternative formats and other assistive services
are available. To obtain such services, please call
(916) 227-2640. TTY users may also call: 711 or 1-800-735-2929.
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