A dozer blade’s cutting edge released suddenly and crushed a worker’s index finger while they were performing a maintenance activity involving heavy components and lifting operations.
The worker was removing the left-hand centre cutting edge from the dozer blade. A crane was lifting the dozer blade’s cutting edge when it became stuck, with bolts still partially engaged in holes. The worker placed their hand beneath the end of the dozer blade’s cutting edge as they attempted to lift the component clear of the bolts. The cutting edge released suddenly and dropped onto the dozer blade, crushing the worker’s index finger between the components.
The worker received first aid at the site’s medical facility. Following consultation with the company doctor, the worker went to the local hospital for precautionary X-rays due to the mechanism of injury. Hospital staff cleaned, sutured and splinted the worker’s index finger. The company placed the worker on restricted duties, pending review.
Takeaways
- Keep hands clear of suspended or partially supported loads. Workers must not place body parts in pinch points or beneath components that may shift unexpectedly.
- Use appropriate tooling or mechanical methods to free stuck components. Don’t rely on manual force.
- Identify stored energy and release hazards. Once freed, components under load or tension can release suddenly.
- Maintain exclusion zones during lifting activities. Ensure that all workers remain clear of potential drop zones and crush points.
- Reassess tasks when conditions change. If a lift doesn’t proceed as planned, stop work and review the method before continuing.
Summary
Maintenance activities involving heavy components and lifting operations present significant crush and pinch hazards. Workers must avoid lines of fire and ensure they don’t place body parts beneath suspended or unstable loads. If resistance or unexpected conditions arise, stop and reassess before proceeding.
