Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Michigan: Horse Breeder Falls 11-12 Feet From Hayloft When Throwing Hay Bale, FACE-12-MI-218.

摘要

In fall 2012, a male horse breeder in his 70s died when his coat became entangled in the twine of a bale he was physically throwing from the hayloft. He fell 11-12 feet from the loft onto hard packed dirt. The decedent was working alone up in the loft. His spouse was feeding the horses below. She heard a "thud" but thought it was a bale landing on the ground. She went to investigate a few minutes later. She saw her husband lying on the ground. She ran to their home to call emergency response. Emergency response arrived and transported him to a local hospital where he died the next day. Key contributing factors identified in this investigation include: (1) Old, frayed clothing. (2) No fall protection while working near open loft door. (3) Work practices - throwing the hay bale instead of pushing the bale. (4) Hay on floor contributing to slip hazard. (5) Possible fatigue from throwing hay bales.