Background

On a clear summer day in the Southeastern Region, a logger was preparing to service an in-woods chipper. The machine was locked out and tagged out in preparation for a knife exchange and other routine maintenance. Weather was not a contributing factor.

Personal Characteristics

The logger had over 30 years of experience operating in-woods chippers and was highly trained in all aspects of timber harvesting. He is a member of several professional associations and actively engaged in various leadership positions within the industry.

Unsafe Acts and Conditions

Chipper knives were placed on top of the chipper directly over a moving apparatus. Other co-workers were unaware of the imminent hazard while performing maintenance on the machine.

Accident

The logger proceeded to open the control panel door to access the grease fittings during maintenance procedures. The logger was unaware that another employee had placed the sharpened knives on top of the control panel. The knives were not placed in a wooden transport box, and their positioning was especially hazardous since they were left straddling the hinged portion of the panel, which allows the door to open. Once the door began to swing open, the stacked knives fell onto the logger, who was looking down and unaware of the imminent hazard above.

Injury

The knives fell approximately three feet and onto the logger’s left arm inflicting serious lacerations and extensive muscle and tendon damage in the forearm. The outer edge of the victim’s boot was also sliced off; however, his steel toe protection diverted the knife away from his foot preventing any damage to his lower extremities. Other crew members immediately administered first aid, applied a tourniquet, and called 911. The victim was transported by company truck to meet the Emergency Medical Technicians at a nearby intersection. After triage by on-site paramedics, he was airlifted to a regional trauma center for further medical treatment. Trauma surgery was required to restore blood flow to his left arm and hand, as well as to repair the extensive damage caused by the accident. Frequent physical therapy was required to restore a sufficient range of motion in his left arm. The accident resulted in an lost time injury of 12 weeks.

Recommendations for Correction

• Always transport chipper knives from storage location to the chipper in a wooden transport box or similar device.
• Designate a safe area for knife box placement on the chipper during servicing.
• Implement a chipper safety program that includes limiting employee access to essential personnel during servicing, especially during the knife exchange process.
• Always attempt to identify potential hazards in your immediate workspace before performing tasks.