Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Kentucky: Front End Loader Overturns on Seed/Fertilizer Store Owner

摘要

A 53-year-old farmer and partner in a seed and fertilizer business was loading fertilizer for a customer. He was driving the store's old front end loader, which had no roll over protective structure (ROPS) or seatbelt. After coming around to the back of the building where fertilizer was stored, he failed to turn the loader into the bin; instead it continued forward almost 50 feet to a ditch. When the front tire went over the edge of the ditch, the loader overturned, coming to rest on top of the victim. He died within minutes. In order to prevent similar incidents, FACE investigators recommend that: (1) all mobile loading equipment should be equipped or retrofitted with rollover protective structures (ROPS) and seatbelts; (2) equipment should be maintained in good working condition; and, (3) when possible, operators of heavy equipment should not work alone.