Bobcat Safety

1
Bobcat Safety

• A.K.A. Skid-Steer Mini Loader

2
Common Activities

• Multi-functional piece of equipment used on
  construction sites
• Variety of attachments including an auger, front
  loader, forklift, backhoe, chipper, and grader

3
Types of Accidents

• During a skid steer loader accident, an operator
  can be hit or crushed by the bucket, crushed in a
  rollover accident, run over, or pinned between
  the lift arm and the frame.

4
Safe Work Practices

• Follow the manufacturer's operating and servicing
  instructions.
• Never operate the machine from the outside of the
  cab.
• Always lower the lift arms before exiting the
  cab.
• Turn off the engine and set the parking brake
  whenever you exit the loader.
• Elevate loads no higher than necessary.
• Avoid working or moving below elevated loads.
• If you must work beneath an elevated load,
  securely block it and do a hazard assessment to
  ensure the blocking will remain secure.
• Always wear seatbelt.

5
Fatalities

• Between 1991 and 2004 there were 30 recorded
  fatalities

6
Statistics
Research shows the majority of fatalities occur
from individuals being hit by the Bobcat or
pinned by the arm of the Bobcat
7
Breakdown of Fatalities

• 16 of the 30 deaths (53) were inflicted on the
  operators of the machines, 14 of these by the
  arms of the machines.
• The other 14 deaths (47) were inflicted on those
  outside of the cab who were not operating the
  machine.

8
Typical Accident

• In 1991, an employee was attempting to remove the
  dirt scoop from a bobcat earth mover while he was
  still seated in the machine. The Employee
  unbuckled his seat belt, then leaned forward to
  release the levers that held the bucket in place.
  His knee or foot struck the bucket release pedal
  and the bucket lowered and crushed the employee
  against the frame. He was killed.

9
Typical Accident

• The employee was working on the paving crew and
  bent down next to the dump truck. While bent down
  the bobcat backed up and crushed the employee
  between the dump truck and back of the bobcat.
  The employee was taken to the hospital and later
  was pronounced dead.

10
Accident Prevention

• Operator
• The safety procedures, signs and electronic
  deterrents are all in place on the Bobcat for
  safe operation of the machinery.
• The operator should be trained and made aware of
  these dangers, but ultimately makes the choice of
  operating under safe conditions or not.

11
Accident Prevention

• For Surrounding Workers
• Make sure surrounding workers are aware of the
  dangers of working near loud and powerful
  equipment that has limited operator visibility.
• Surrounding employees should always assume the
  operator does not see them.
• Use extreme caution when walking behind or
  directly to the side of the bobcat
• Surrounding workers must assume responsibility to
  stay out of harms way.