ACCIDENT SUMMARY - Death due to Burns
| Accident Type: | Death due to burns |  |
| Weather Conditions: | Unknown | |
| Type of Operation: | Excavating for building a road | |
| Size of Work Crew: | 2 | |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: | No | |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: | No | |
| Was the Work site Inspected Regularly: | No | |
| Training and Education Provided: | No | |
| Employee Job Title: | Bulldozer Operator | |
| Age & Sex: | 44-Male | |
| Experience at this Type of Work: | 15 years | |
| Time on Project: | 2 days |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
A bulldozer operator was preparing a road bed by using the machine to lift trees out of the way. A hydraulic line to the right front hydraulic cylinder ruptured, spraying hydraulic fluid onto the engine manifold and into the operator's compartment. Upon contact with the hot manifold, the hydraulic fluid ignited, engulfing the operator in flames. The operator died from the burns he received.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Following an inspection, OSHA issued citations for two serious violations of OSHA standards:
- Frequent and regular inspections of equipment were not made by competent persons designated by the employer in accordance with 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1926.20(b)(2). It was determined that the hydraulic hose had been installed backward so that a bend in the fitting connection made contact with the body of the bulldozer, resulting in wear and abrasion of the hose at the connection. This was not discovered during inspection of the machine.
- The employees doing inspections were not instructed to examine the hoses for signs of wear and abrasion as required by 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2).
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Train maintenance and operating personnel to recognize potential problems with the operation of the machinery.
- Have competent persons perform periodic inspections of all operating equipment.
- Ensure that the employer initiates and maintains a safety and health program, in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1).
SOURCES OF HELP
- OSHA Construction Standards [29 CFR Part 1926], which include all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations covering construction, may be purchased from the Government Printing Office, phone (202) 512-1800, fax (202) 512-2250, order number 869022-00114-1, $33.
- OSHA-funded free consultation services listed in telephone directories under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs.
- OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction, Volume III (Available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; phone (703) 487-4650; Order No. PB-239-312/AS, $25) to help construction employers establish a training program.
- Courses in construction safety are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, 847/297-4810.
- OSHA regulations, documents and technical information also are available on CD-ROM, which may be purchased from the Government Printing Office, phone (202) 512-1800 or fax (202) 5122250, order number 729-13-00000-5; cost $79 annually; $28 quarterly. That information also is on the Internet World Wide Web at http://www.osha.gov./
NOTE: The case here described was selected as being representative of fatalities caused by improper work practices. No special emphasis or priority is implied nor is the case necessarily a recent occurrence. The legal aspects of the incident have been resolved, and the case is now closed.
