Safety Alerts Online

REMOVING SKIDDER TIRE CAUSES BACK STRAIN

Feb. 2002
02-S-5

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BACKGROUND: A skidder operator in the Lake States was skidding hardwood logs when his tire went flat. A repairman arrived on the site to replace the deflated skidder tire.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: The skidder operator was 22 years old and was not trained in the handling of heavy skidder tires.

UNSAFE ACT OR CONDITION: After removal of the lug nuts on the tire, the skidder operator tried to remove the skidder tire without the help of the repairman.

ACCIDENT: The skidder operator could not sustain the lift and experienced severe pain in his lower back.

INJURY: The operator strained muscles in his back.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTION: This young operator was untrained in the aspects of skidder repair. He should have worked with the repairman to remove the tire safely. Proper training and better supervision could have prevented this injury.

Reviewed By:
Paul M. Klocko
Lake States Technical Division Manager

Barb Bennett
Michigan Association of Timbermen
Self-Insurers' Fund
P.O. Box 77
Newberry, Michigan 49868

Please follow equipment manufacturers’ recommendations for safe operation and maintenance procedures.

Forest Resources Association Inc.
600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 350, Rockville, Maryland 20852
Phone: (301) 838-9385     Fax: (301) 838-9481