Two slips/trips, falls from machines – hand injuries

Scottish Woodlands Health & Safety Bulletin

Harvester Operator – cut to hand.
A harvester operator was standing on his machine while attempting to change a cutting chain on the harvester head. The operator slipped and instinctively grabbed the guide bar with the newly fitted cutting chain. The operator was not wearing gloves. The operator suffered lacerations to two of his fingers.

What can we learn?
In addition to the associated risks of working at height, (evident in the fall onto the harvester chain), working on a suspended harvester head has proven to be extremely dangerous. Avoid working at height where possible.

Forwarder Operator – cut to hand.
A forwarder operator slipped on the machine steps, as he was exiting his machine at the end of his shift. The forwarder access step had recently been replaced, the operator had grown used to the previous, damaged step configuration and caught his foot on the lowest step. As he fell his hand caught on the machine step metal grips, lacerating his hand.

What can we learn?
If you are accessing or egressing your machine, ensure you always maintain three points of contact.

Read the full safety bulletin below.