Inspection Detail

Inspection: 120063003 - W. M. Lyles Co.

Inspection Information - Office: Labor Enforcement Task Force (Letf) Unit - South

Investigation Summary

On November 15, 1996, Employee #1 and a coworker were removing the bucket from a Caterpillar tractor, model 446B, equipped with a backhoe. The bucket was resting on the ground while the coworker removed the boom and dipper pins. Employee #1, the operator, thought the bucket was in a bind and raised it about 3 in. off the ground. He then put both hands on and under the bucket teeth and was rocking the bucket back and forth when the coworker drove out the pin. The bucket fell, smashing Employee #1's right middle finger and amputated the end above the first joint.

Keywords: AMPUTATED, FINGER, LOADER BUCKET, WORK RULES, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, CONSTRUCTION, CRUSHED, STRUCK BY, FALLING OBJECT, BACKHOE