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Injuries Involving Skid Steers: What can we Learn?

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2021 ASABE Annual International Virtual Meeting  2100657.(doi:10.13031/aim.202100657)
Authors:   Serap Gorucu, Assistant Professor, Bryan Weichelt
Keywords:   Bystander, Injury, Skid Steer, Vehicle.

Abstract. Skid steers are versatile self-propelled machines that are regularly used in a variety of industries such as construction, agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing. Skid steers can be hazardous for operators as well as bystanders. The purpose of this paper was to describe and analyze patterns of occupational fatal and non-fatal skid steer injuries in the US from 2015-2019.

Data were obtained from occupational accidents reports and severe injury database available through Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) webpage. Skid steer incidents are categorized to better understand the occurrence of specific injury events. We identified 244 injuries (66 fatal and 178 non-fatal).

The study identified 66 fatal and 178 nonfatal skid steer-related injuries (2015-2019). Construction, administrative and waste management, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry were the top three industry with highest number of injuries. Bystander workers experienced higher number of injuries than operators. Contact with accidents were the most prevalent and most fatal than the other injury events. Skid steer related injuries are preventable. Recommendations are given to improve safe work environment for both bystanders and skid steer operators.

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