Fall from machine. Fractured Ribs

Scottish Woodlands Health & Safety Bulletin

A machine operator had completed refuelling. While walking back along the access platform using the handrails and stepped down onto the machine track, the laces from one of their boots caught in the open eye of the other boot, causing them to trip and fall. As they fell, they struck one of the grousers on the opposite machine track, fracturing their ribs.

It is recognised that the open eyes on these types of boots can act as snag points, if they are not covered by the trouser leg or gaiters. Consider the use of gaiters to cover the open boot eyes.

Use of gaiters also significantly reduces the pickup of ticks onto the trouser and sock (especially if they are regularly sprayed with insect repellent) and the ticks then migrating from there to other areas to latch on the skin.