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Overturns is one of the most common type of incidents with machinery. Forestry sites are rarely level and, by their very nature, made up of uneven ground. This also presents challenges for those on foot, who also have to contend with brash and rocks which can cause trips and slips.
In the past few months, we have experienced both slip/trip incidents and a machine tip over. The risk of these events is often higher in wetter conditions. The ground is more slippery for both pedestrians and machines. This can cause pedestrians to lose their footing, and machines to slide. When a machine slides the operator is no longer in control. This can result in any range of outcomes, including roll over.
Side slope and uneven ground are also limiting factors. Machinery will have a tolerance for side slope before they tip over. When selecting machinery, the areas it will be used on must be considered. Don’t plan to take a machine right to the limits of its tolerance. Ground can be uneven through divots, ruts or stumps. Taking a machine close to its limit gives no room for one of the aforementioned additional factors
Don’t plan to take a machine right to the limits of its tolerance.
Remember:
- Assess a site and select suitable machinery to cope with conditions
- Allow for the variability in the ground
- Wet conditions increase risks of slips in machines and on foot.
- Make sure footwear is suitable, provides ankle support and has good grip
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images depict previous machine slides on sites.