I am afraid, the driver was killed in this horrific Dozer accident, caught on camera.
Makes my palms sweat just watching it.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kftn6aC5igY&feature=youtu.be[/video]
The worse kind of Dozer accident, filmed as it happened
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yellowiron
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yellowiron
Topic author - Posts: 107
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Re: The worse kind of Dozer accident, filmed as it happened
Here's the accident investigation report.
OVERVIEW
John D. Lucchesi, Sr., dozer operator, age 51, was fatally injured on May 9, 2000, when the dozer he was operating went over the edge of a steep slope.
The accident occurred because the dozer had pushed material to far beyond the slope edge causing it to loose traction, slide and go out of control.
Lucchesi had a total of 30 years mining experience as a dozer operator. He had worked three weeks at this mine. He had not received training in accordance with 30 CFR Part 48.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Crystal Tips No. 1 pit, a surface amethyst mine, owned and operated by Jon L. Johnson, DBA Hallelujah Mines, was located about 36 miles northwest of Reno, Washoe County, Nevada. The principal operating official was Jon L. Johnson, owner. The mine was operated intermittently a total of about one month a year. There was no particular work schedule. Total employment was two persons.
Amethyst was extracted from a single bench in the pit. After the overburden was removed, the mineral was extracted with a backhoe and track loader, then hand-sorted. There were no plant or milling facilities. The product was taken to rock shows for sale or trade.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration had not been notified of the mine's existence until the accident was reported. A regular inspection was conducted at the conclusion of the investigation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCIDENT
On the day of the accident, John Lucchesi, Sr., (victim) reported for work at 8:00 a.m.. Lucchesi operated the dozer and began removing large rocks above the pit. This was the second week that Lucchesi had performed this task.
Paul Bringman, a friend of the victim, was at the site to be trained by Lucchesi on operating the new dozer, which had recently been rented.
At 10:30 a.m., Edward Christensen, part owner of the mine equipment, was stationed on the road at the bottom of the slope to prevent access. Lucchesi began to push the large rocks off the outer edge.
At about 11:00 a.m., Bringman was standing near the top of the ridge watching Lucchesi operate the dozer. He did not have a clear view because the dozer was down slope a bit. He could see Lucchesi attempting to back the dozer up the steep slope, however, the left track was spinning without traction, because a rock was positioned underneath it. The dozer appeared to slide sideways. Bringman then moved farther up the slope for a better view. He could hear the engine working hard as if under a load. When he next saw the dozer it had begun to roll down the slope. He immediately traveled to a nearby mine where he summoned help.
Christensen was also watching the dozer push material off the top and saw it roll down the slope. He immediately dialed the local emergency assistance number on his cell phone and then drove to the pit. The victim, who had been ejected, was found on the slope about 440 feet from where the dozer came to rest. He was checked for vital signs, however none were found. Emergency personnel arrived a short time later and Lucchesi was pronounced dead at the scene by a county deputy sheriff/coroner. Death was attributed to head trauma.
INVESTIGATION OF THE ACCIDENT
MSHA was notified at 1:00 p.m., on the day of the accident by a telephone call from Gordon Taylor, State of California (OSHA), to Donald S. Horn, mine safety and health inspector. An investigation was started the same day. MSHA's investigation team traveled to the mine and made a physical inspection of the accident site, interviewed a number of persons and reviewed documents relative to the job being performed by the victim and the equipment he was using. An order was issued pursuant to Section 103(k) of the Mine Act to ensure the safety of miners. The miners did not request, nor have, representation during the investigation.
DISCUSSION
The equipment involved in the accident was a John Deere, track-type, Model 850C dozer equipped with a dozer blade and ripper attachment. It was powered by a 6-cylinder, 8.1 liter, John Deere Model 6081 engine. The operating weight of the dozer was approximately 45,000 pounds. It was equipped with a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt. The ROPS sustained some damage as a result of the dozer rolling over numerous times on its path down the hillside, but was intact.
The right side seatbelt strap was found partially unwound out of the retractor. When the right side seatbelt strap was pulled manually, it did not readily unwind out of the retractor far enough to allow it to reach the buckle, even without a person in the operator's seat. The buckle was located on the left side of the seat. When the right side seatbelt strap was released, it did not readily retract into the retractor. The seatbelt was subsequently removed to allow closer examination, and it was noted that the retractor mechanism had sustained some bending damage at some point in time. The U-shaped metal frame that supported the seatbelt spool was found to be bent. The open end of the U was bent inward such that the seatbelt spool rubbed against the side of the frame that the rewind spring was mounted to. This impeded the spool rotation and kept it from readily spooling-in the seatbelt strap. The pawl and ratchet locking action of the seatbelt retractor prevented further extension of the seatbelt strap out of the retractor once it was locked. There did not appear to be any damage to the buckle or latch plate and the seatbelt would buckle when the two pieces were engaged.
While the retractor was off the machine it was found that if the right side seatbelt strap was quickly pulled and released several times, it would spool into the retractor. After feeding the strap back into the retractor this way, the seatbelt strap could then be pulled out to its full length. The locking action of the seatbelt from the dozer was compared to the locking action of a new retractor of the same type. Both would lock into position when the seatbelt strap was pulled out and allowed to retract slightly.
It was concluded that the seatbelt strap did not readily extend or retract when examined at the accident site because the retractor frame was bent. The spool to frame interference prevented the spool from readily retracting, and the locking action of the pawl and ratchet assembly prevented the seatbelt strap from extending out any farther. It could not be determined if the damage occurred prior to or as a result of the accident.
The engine speed lever, which adjusts the engine rpm, was found in the 1/8 speed position. This lever was designed to increase the engine rpm when it was pulled back toward the operator and to decrease the engine rpm when it was pushed forward.
Both the decelerator pedal and service brake pedal were found in the fully released position. The decelerator pedal was designed to override the engine speed lever and reduce engine speed. The pedals moved freely and no obstructions were found that interfered with pedal movement.
The FNR (forward-neutral-reverse) lever controlled the direction of travel and steering functions. The FNR lever was hand-operated and was located on the left side of the operator. The forward, neutral, and reverse positions were selected by pushing the lever forward, centering it, or pulling it back. All three positions were detented. The lever was found in the "F" (forward) position. The machine was steered by moving the FNR lever side to side. Regarding side to side movement, this control was found in the center position. The steering control would return to the neutral position (side to side) when released, as it was designed to do.
The transmission speed lever, located on the left side of the operator, was designed to adjust the travel speed. There were three detented positions. Number "3" was high transmission speed and number "1" was low transmission speed. This control was found in the number "1" position.
The two red parking brake handles that extended up from each side of the control panel were found pulled back into the "down" (brake- released) position. The two handles were mechanically linked together with a cross shaft.
The dozer was equipped with a dual path hydrostatic drive system. Each track was individually controlled and powered by a variable displacement pump and motor combination. The system was designed to permit the two hydrostatic drives to be driven in opposite directions to permit spot turns. Hydrostatic retarding was designed to slow the machine when the forward-neutral-reverse lever was moved to neutral.
The service/parking brake consisted of a spring-applied, hydraulically-released, wet, multiple disc system. The brake was designed to apply if the service brake pedal was pushed or if the parking brake handles were pushed forward to the "up" position. The service-parking brake was also designed to automatically apply when the engine stopped.
The dozer was extensively damaged as a result of the accident. The blade and right side track and track frame undercarriage assembly were torn from the machine. The operator's compartment door separated from the machine and the glass in the operator's compartment was broken.
The condition and locations of the machine did not permit operational testing, however, the examination conducted did not reveal any braking, steering, or travel control defects.
CONCLUSION
The victim lost control of the dozer when he traveled too far down the steep slope, lost traction and traveled sideways. The root cause of the accident was management's failure to establish mining methods that provided for the safe removal of overburden. Management's failure to establish procedures requiring the maintenance and use of seatbelts contributed to the severity of the accident.
OVERVIEW
John D. Lucchesi, Sr., dozer operator, age 51, was fatally injured on May 9, 2000, when the dozer he was operating went over the edge of a steep slope.
The accident occurred because the dozer had pushed material to far beyond the slope edge causing it to loose traction, slide and go out of control.
Lucchesi had a total of 30 years mining experience as a dozer operator. He had worked three weeks at this mine. He had not received training in accordance with 30 CFR Part 48.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Crystal Tips No. 1 pit, a surface amethyst mine, owned and operated by Jon L. Johnson, DBA Hallelujah Mines, was located about 36 miles northwest of Reno, Washoe County, Nevada. The principal operating official was Jon L. Johnson, owner. The mine was operated intermittently a total of about one month a year. There was no particular work schedule. Total employment was two persons.
Amethyst was extracted from a single bench in the pit. After the overburden was removed, the mineral was extracted with a backhoe and track loader, then hand-sorted. There were no plant or milling facilities. The product was taken to rock shows for sale or trade.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration had not been notified of the mine's existence until the accident was reported. A regular inspection was conducted at the conclusion of the investigation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCIDENT
On the day of the accident, John Lucchesi, Sr., (victim) reported for work at 8:00 a.m.. Lucchesi operated the dozer and began removing large rocks above the pit. This was the second week that Lucchesi had performed this task.
Paul Bringman, a friend of the victim, was at the site to be trained by Lucchesi on operating the new dozer, which had recently been rented.
At 10:30 a.m., Edward Christensen, part owner of the mine equipment, was stationed on the road at the bottom of the slope to prevent access. Lucchesi began to push the large rocks off the outer edge.
At about 11:00 a.m., Bringman was standing near the top of the ridge watching Lucchesi operate the dozer. He did not have a clear view because the dozer was down slope a bit. He could see Lucchesi attempting to back the dozer up the steep slope, however, the left track was spinning without traction, because a rock was positioned underneath it. The dozer appeared to slide sideways. Bringman then moved farther up the slope for a better view. He could hear the engine working hard as if under a load. When he next saw the dozer it had begun to roll down the slope. He immediately traveled to a nearby mine where he summoned help.
Christensen was also watching the dozer push material off the top and saw it roll down the slope. He immediately dialed the local emergency assistance number on his cell phone and then drove to the pit. The victim, who had been ejected, was found on the slope about 440 feet from where the dozer came to rest. He was checked for vital signs, however none were found. Emergency personnel arrived a short time later and Lucchesi was pronounced dead at the scene by a county deputy sheriff/coroner. Death was attributed to head trauma.
INVESTIGATION OF THE ACCIDENT
MSHA was notified at 1:00 p.m., on the day of the accident by a telephone call from Gordon Taylor, State of California (OSHA), to Donald S. Horn, mine safety and health inspector. An investigation was started the same day. MSHA's investigation team traveled to the mine and made a physical inspection of the accident site, interviewed a number of persons and reviewed documents relative to the job being performed by the victim and the equipment he was using. An order was issued pursuant to Section 103(k) of the Mine Act to ensure the safety of miners. The miners did not request, nor have, representation during the investigation.
DISCUSSION
The equipment involved in the accident was a John Deere, track-type, Model 850C dozer equipped with a dozer blade and ripper attachment. It was powered by a 6-cylinder, 8.1 liter, John Deere Model 6081 engine. The operating weight of the dozer was approximately 45,000 pounds. It was equipped with a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt. The ROPS sustained some damage as a result of the dozer rolling over numerous times on its path down the hillside, but was intact.
The right side seatbelt strap was found partially unwound out of the retractor. When the right side seatbelt strap was pulled manually, it did not readily unwind out of the retractor far enough to allow it to reach the buckle, even without a person in the operator's seat. The buckle was located on the left side of the seat. When the right side seatbelt strap was released, it did not readily retract into the retractor. The seatbelt was subsequently removed to allow closer examination, and it was noted that the retractor mechanism had sustained some bending damage at some point in time. The U-shaped metal frame that supported the seatbelt spool was found to be bent. The open end of the U was bent inward such that the seatbelt spool rubbed against the side of the frame that the rewind spring was mounted to. This impeded the spool rotation and kept it from readily spooling-in the seatbelt strap. The pawl and ratchet locking action of the seatbelt retractor prevented further extension of the seatbelt strap out of the retractor once it was locked. There did not appear to be any damage to the buckle or latch plate and the seatbelt would buckle when the two pieces were engaged.
While the retractor was off the machine it was found that if the right side seatbelt strap was quickly pulled and released several times, it would spool into the retractor. After feeding the strap back into the retractor this way, the seatbelt strap could then be pulled out to its full length. The locking action of the seatbelt from the dozer was compared to the locking action of a new retractor of the same type. Both would lock into position when the seatbelt strap was pulled out and allowed to retract slightly.
It was concluded that the seatbelt strap did not readily extend or retract when examined at the accident site because the retractor frame was bent. The spool to frame interference prevented the spool from readily retracting, and the locking action of the pawl and ratchet assembly prevented the seatbelt strap from extending out any farther. It could not be determined if the damage occurred prior to or as a result of the accident.
The engine speed lever, which adjusts the engine rpm, was found in the 1/8 speed position. This lever was designed to increase the engine rpm when it was pulled back toward the operator and to decrease the engine rpm when it was pushed forward.
Both the decelerator pedal and service brake pedal were found in the fully released position. The decelerator pedal was designed to override the engine speed lever and reduce engine speed. The pedals moved freely and no obstructions were found that interfered with pedal movement.
The FNR (forward-neutral-reverse) lever controlled the direction of travel and steering functions. The FNR lever was hand-operated and was located on the left side of the operator. The forward, neutral, and reverse positions were selected by pushing the lever forward, centering it, or pulling it back. All three positions were detented. The lever was found in the "F" (forward) position. The machine was steered by moving the FNR lever side to side. Regarding side to side movement, this control was found in the center position. The steering control would return to the neutral position (side to side) when released, as it was designed to do.
The transmission speed lever, located on the left side of the operator, was designed to adjust the travel speed. There were three detented positions. Number "3" was high transmission speed and number "1" was low transmission speed. This control was found in the number "1" position.
The two red parking brake handles that extended up from each side of the control panel were found pulled back into the "down" (brake- released) position. The two handles were mechanically linked together with a cross shaft.
The dozer was equipped with a dual path hydrostatic drive system. Each track was individually controlled and powered by a variable displacement pump and motor combination. The system was designed to permit the two hydrostatic drives to be driven in opposite directions to permit spot turns. Hydrostatic retarding was designed to slow the machine when the forward-neutral-reverse lever was moved to neutral.
The service/parking brake consisted of a spring-applied, hydraulically-released, wet, multiple disc system. The brake was designed to apply if the service brake pedal was pushed or if the parking brake handles were pushed forward to the "up" position. The service-parking brake was also designed to automatically apply when the engine stopped.
The dozer was extensively damaged as a result of the accident. The blade and right side track and track frame undercarriage assembly were torn from the machine. The operator's compartment door separated from the machine and the glass in the operator's compartment was broken.
The condition and locations of the machine did not permit operational testing, however, the examination conducted did not reveal any braking, steering, or travel control defects.
CONCLUSION
The victim lost control of the dozer when he traveled too far down the steep slope, lost traction and traveled sideways. The root cause of the accident was management's failure to establish mining methods that provided for the safe removal of overburden. Management's failure to establish procedures requiring the maintenance and use of seatbelts contributed to the severity of the accident.
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martyn williams
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Re: The worse kind of Dozer accident, filmed as it happened
30 years as a dozer operator !, a bit surprised at that and how he got himself and the machine into that situation.Seems that that poor operator did not make sure that the machine had a good footing on such a steep slope and paid the ultimate price.Very sad.
Martyn
Martyn
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yellowiron
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Re: The worse kind of Dozer accident, filmed as it happened
I don't know if I should have linked this video here as it was a fatal accident. I mean, you are watching a regular guy, the same as you or I, losing his life. for real, not staged. Its very sobering and sad and dont fit into the category of entertainment or amusement. but, if someone watches this and remembers it the next time they are on a high wall job, with the big risk factor involved and it saves their life, then its not wasted. is it?
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martyn williams
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Re: The worse kind of Dozer accident, filmed as it happened
Spot on there Dave, everyone makes mistakes during work, as you say if this posting makes someone realise that what they may be doing is not that safe or taking a short cut to speed things up, it may make them think twice saving injury or worse
Martyn
Martyn
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mini78
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Re: The worse kind of Dozer accident, filmed as it happened
By learning from this poor chaps mistake maybe we can live a bit longer. The post was of value if not entertaining. Simon
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DavidHansen
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Re: The worse kind of Dozer accident, filmed as it happened
Wow! That is a terrible sight to see. I hope that never happens to anyone again. Maybe we can all take a little more time to be safe after seeing this.
Re: The worse kind of Dozer accident, filmed as it happened
Just watched this vid very sad, But just maybe we can all learn some thing and take time to think about what we do.Just hope it saves some one,
chris
chris
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