Background
On a clear, sunny morning in the Southeast region, a mechanic was attempting to remove the front dual tires of a feller-buncher at a shop. The tire configuration consisted of a 30.5-inch inside tire and a 24.5-inch outside tire.
Personal Characteristics
The mechanic was well-trained and had been working for the logging company for over six years. He had previous employment experience as a mechanic for several different employers throughout his career.
Unsafe Acts and Conditions
The mechanic failed to use the crane mounted on the service truck for support and did not use a ‘safety bolt’ while performing the tire change.
Accident
The mechanic parked the service truck near the feller-buncher so he could have access to the air compressor and tools needed to perform the tire change.
After all bolts were removed, the mechanic bumped the tire with his body, and the accumulated wood debris wedged between the two tires caused the outer tire to spring forward.
The 800-pound tire knocked the mechanic down and landed on top of him, pinning his waist and legs to the ground.
He was pinned under the tire for about an hour until a truck driver arrived at the shop and discovered the mechanic lying on the ground under the tire.
Injury
The truck driver grabbed a nearby pry bar and was able to lift the tire enough to enable the mechanic to crawl out from underneath it.
Emergency personnel transported the injured mechanic to a regional medical center, where he was diagnosed with a hip and pelvis fracture.
Recommendations for Correction
• Always use a service crane to support the tire.
• Always use a ‘safety bolt’ to secure the tire during a tire change.
• Remove accumulated wood debris before performing tire change.
Source: Forest Resources Association
