Front End Loader Safety
Front End Loader Safety Toolbox Talk
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Front end loaders are one of the most commonly used types of heavy equipment. These machines are found in a variety of industries completing a magnitude of different tasks. These machines may not be the largest or viewed as the most hazardous on a job, but year after year they are responsible for many injuries and fatalities. A quick look in OSHA’s Accident Search database for the term “front end loader” will return 600 search results.
Types of Hazards Created by Front End Loader Operation
Several types of incidents show up multiple times on the first few pages of the accident search results for front end loaders on OSHA’s website. Three common types of front end loader incidents that can result in serious injuries or fatalities are struck-by incidents, caught-in or between incidents, and tip-overs.
- Struck- by incidents- Many of the fatalities listed on OSHA’s database were a result of a struck-by incident. All too often ground personnel find themselves in a blind spot and an operator will strike them with the loader. Also the load carried by a front end loader can strike personnel on the ground causing serious injuries.
- Caught-in or between- Similar to struck-by incidents, caught-in or between incidents are responsible for many injuries and fatalities. Workers can find themselves pinned in between the front end loader and another object such as a wall. The load the machine is carrying or working underneath the attachment in the front of the machine can also create an incident where a worker suffers a caught-in or between injury.
- Tip-overs- When a front loader is operated outside of its design limits or in an unsafe way, they are susceptible to tip-over incidents. Loads that are too heavy, uneven terrain, and unsafe speeds are a few common factors for tip-over incidents.
Best Practices While Operating a Front End Loader
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