Transcript
Safety Event Report Summary
Health and Safety Program
Kawasaki Mule Tip‐Over
Date: 03/25/2016 Nature/Severity: Equipment tip‐over on sloped terrain with no injuries. Incident Summary: At approximately 2:00 p.m. on Friday March 26, 2016 an employee had an incident on the Canal ROW while operating a Kawasaki Mule. While boom spraying herbicides down stream of Check 4, the operator turned back to look at the boom and failed to notice the steepness of small slope the Mule was approaching. When the front right wheel went over the edge, the operator tried to turn back up the hill, resulting in the vehicle tipping onto its side. All PPE, including a helmet and seat belt as taught in training were worn and fortunately no injuries occurred. The Operator, Picture 1: Slope where event after the fact, acknowledged that they should have turned down occurred. Small slopes can pose just as great a risk a large slopes hill and went with it as taught in ATV/ UTV training. The Mule probably would not have tipped. Contributing Factors: Tall grass can camouflage the true steepness of a slope. No rearview mirror, requiring drivers to turn around while operating. Once steep slope was reached, driver turned wheels in the incorrect direction. Work on steep terrain will continue to be monitored for further safety improvements. Supervisors and HSM will evaluate need for different refresher schedule or annual tailgate for this type Picture 2: Kawasaki Mule after the of equipment. event Corrective Action Plan: - Review the sprayed area to determine if spraying, mowing, or other actions are best suited for weed abatement activities in this area (Completed) o Consider using a hand sprayer for small steep areas - Create tailgate refresher material so crews can easily review slope work hazards at intervals between formal training sessions (Completed. See next page) - Inspect Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) on vehicle and replace if recommended by the manufacturer (Completed) Page 1 of 2
Safety Event Report Summary
Health and Safety Program
Install side mirrors on vehicle
ATV/UTV Slope Work Tailgate Working in a New Area ‐ - Before driving in a new area be sure to check for hidden obstacles or hazards. - Keep your speed down until you know the area well. - You must know the terrain you intend to drive on and be familiar with your machine and its handling characteristics. - Use existing trails and stay away from hazardous areas such as steep, rocky slopes or swamps. - Be cautious when visibility is limited, as you may not be able to see obstacles in your path General Safe Operation – - Attend training on the equipment prior to operating. - Perform daily safety checks, including: o Fuel o Throttle o Engine Oil o Steering o Air Cleaner o Breaks o Tires o Electrical Equipment o Front Final Gear Case o Securement of loads and o Transmission Case Oil spraying equipment o Coolant - Drive carefully and use good judgement. - Read the owner’s manual. - Wear seat belts. - Use the parking break. Slope and Turn Hazards – - Quick turns and slopes are work areas with the highest risk of tip‐over. - No maximum slope for District ATV or UTV vehicles has been defined by the manufacturer. Operator manuals typically say to, “use common sense and practice good judgement”. - When climbing hills, always go straight up the hill. Driving at an angle on a hill can cause tip over. Keep wheels straight. - Turning while descending a slope must be done very carefully and gradually to avoid tipping the vehicle over. - Never ride past your limit of visibility. If you can’t see what is on the other side of the crest of a hill, slow down until you can get a clear view. - Avoid sharp turns to keep the vehicle from tipping. - Riding sideways across a hill may cause the vehicle to overturn. Do not turn sideways to the hill. - If the vehicle begins to tip, steer downhill if possible to regain control. Page 2 of 2
