Investigation Summary
In February 2010, a 68-year-old male construction crew supervisor and heavy equipment operator died of injuries he received after being crushed between the track and fender of his Caterpillar D4H Series II bulldozer.
Cause of Death and Contributing Factors
The operator exited the bulldozer without setting the parking brake, and his elbow hit the transmission lever, shifting the dozer into reverse, causing his left foot to become caught between the moving track and the underside of the fender.
Recommendations
To prevent similar occurrences, the investigation team recommends that operators and employers follow manufacturer-recommended operating procedures, develop and enforce written safety programs, and consider installing interlock safety systems or operator presence sensing systems on mobile construction equipment.
Manual:
Download: Caterpillar D4H Series II Bulldozer Operator Fatality Investigation and Prevention Report
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