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LOGGING EQUIPMENT ABUSE

The use of all types of equipment for purposes other than that which it was designed for could easily set you up for an accident. The use of binding chains for pulling stuck vehicles out of the mud could set you up for an accident. The following is an actual accident that happened to an experienced log truck driver, but the same type of accident could occur to other truckers in similar situations. This accident also points out the importance of properly fitting Personal Protective Equipment. In this case an improperly fitted hard hat added to the trucker's injuries although it may have saved his life.

Earlier in the day, the trucker cut a corner too close and got his rig stuck which then needed to be pulled out. Neither he nor the trucker he flagged down had a tow sling, so they attempted to pull the truck out using a 5/16" binding chain. During their attempt to pull the truck, the chain broke. Eventually, the driver got a skidder operator to pull his truck free. After loading the truck with a load of tree length spruce and fir, the driver pulled the rig down the road to leave room at the loading area for other trucks. Due to his destination, he needed to secure his load with 4 binders. The truck only had four to start the day with and now one of them was broken. The trucker decided to tie the chain in a "granny" knot and use it to make the fourth binder. He was using a three-foot cheater pipe to close the chain binder. With the binder almost closed, the driver ended up with the pipe directly over his head. At that point, the knot slipped out of the chain and caused the pipe to slam down hard on his head (with hard hat on) while the loose end of the chain whipped across, striking him on the side of the face and shoulder.

The driver sustained a deep cut across his face from the ear to the chin. The pipe struck the hard hat with enough force to drive it down on the trucker's head, lacerating his head with the head band. Although alone at the time, he was able to get back to the cab and radio for help. The result was that he spent three days in the hospital recovering from the accident and the ensuing surgery. He also missed an additional nine days of work before returning.

How can you prevent this from happening to you? Follow the recommendations below:

• Chains and cables used to secure loads are not designed for towing large vehicles. Don't use them for that purpose.
• Inspect chains regularly for stretched links. If any are found, the chain should be replaced or repaired with the proper sized links or hooks.
• Chains should never be tied together or used under tension with twists or knots in them.
• When securing loads with binders, do not position yourself in line with any possible snap back.
• Carry additional chains, cables, or straps in case one breaks or cannot be used.

Finally, the injury to the head in this accident could have been prevented by proper adjustment of the headband. The hat should fit snugly and be comfortable but stay on the employee's head for all types of movement. In this case, the hat was perched on the driver's head, and evidently was not his normal hat and he didn't think to adjust it to fit.