Background

On an overcast winter day in the Southcentral Region, a feller-buncher operator noticed a hydraulic leak while operating a feller-buncher.

Personal Characteristics

The equipment operator had been operating this machine for his present employer for approximately two years, but he had about eight years of overall industry experience serving as a feller buncher operator. He was considered to be a well-trained trained, and efficient operator.

Unsafe Acts and Conditions

The employee used his index finger to short cut the hydraulic switch so he could continue operating the machine with the door open while trying to locate the source of the hydraulic leak.

Accident

After observing the leak, the operator stopped the feller-buncher and grounded the head. He opened the door to attempt to locate the leak. Once the door was opened, the automatic hydraulic safety shut-off switch disengaged, not allowing the operator to maneuver the machine to better observe the leak. The operator used his left index finger to press the switch so he could operate the machine with the door open. When the machine began moving, the door slammed shut on the operator’s finger.

Injury

The operator’s finger was wrapped in a paper towel, and he was transported to the local hospital by company service truck. He was treated and released that day but referred to a larger medical facility in the region for further evaluation and consultation. After his referral, the injured finger was amputated to the first knuckle in an outpatient surgical procedure.

Recommendations for Correction

• Never attempt to over-ride a safety feature or device.
• Never operate or move machinery with the door open.
• Always seek assistance when attempting to locate the source of a hydraulic leak.