A heavy equipment operator dies when he was struck by an excavator bucket that detached from a quick coupler, California

SUMMARY

A heavy equipment operator died after being struck by an excavation bucket that became detached from the quick coupling device attached to the end of a boom. The job was located at a construction site for new homes. The victim was operating an excavator and digging trenches for the sewer system. After removing a few loads of dirt from a trench, the decedent swung the boom over to the side of the trench and exited the cab, leaving the boom elevated. As the victim approached the bucket and positioned himself under it, the bucket detached from the quick coupler and fell to the ground, striking him. The CA/FACE investigator determined that, in order to prevent future incidents, employers should ensure that operators of excavators with quick coupling devices:

• Always lower the bucket to the ground before exiting the cab.
• Never walk/traverse beneath an excavator boom swing radius or elevated load.

In addition, employers should:

• Train hydraulic excavator operators in the proper procedures for engaging excavation attachments and incorporate these procedures into the company’s safety and health program.

A heavy equipment operator dies when he was struck by an excavator bucket that detached from a quick coupler – Californiapdf icon [PDF 343 KB]