A farm laborer died after he was caught in the rotating feed roller of a brush shredder, California
California Case Report: 21CA002
Release Date: July 19, 2022
SUMMARY
A farm laborer died when he was caught in the rotating feed roller of a brush shredder. He was operating the brush shredder to clear debris and branches in an almond field when the incident occurred. The victim positioned himself in front of the feed roller while the shredder was still powered on, possibly to dislodge branches stuck in the feed roller teeth, and became caught in the rotating teeth. The CA/FACE investigator determined that, in order to prevent similar incidents, employers who operate brush shredders should:
- Retrofit or purchase brush shredders with an operator presence sensing system (OPSS).
- Provide comprehensive worker training including safe work practices, hazard recognition, and how to respond to or avoid unsafe conditions.
- Post clearly visible and language-appropriate safety warning labels both inside the cab and on the outside of the shredder above the feed roller.