Inspection Detail

Inspection: 120218656 - Simpson Timber Co

Inspection Information - Office: Redding District Office

Investigation Summary

On May 24, 1994, Employee #1, a timber cutter and logger for Simpson Timber Company, and a coworker were in the process of moving a "Washington" Model 118 Skylok Yarder, Serial Number 710, on the highway to one of their field locations. After entering an old railroad grade, they stopped to remove the jeep because the jeep is an extra set of wheels required for the highway. (The jeep is apparently attached to the low boy). While they were stopped, the driver thought the load on the yarder was side heavy. Consequently, Employee #1 walked the yarder off the low boy (a trailer) and then reloaded the yarder. The yarder was secured again, but the driver thought the load was still a little off. Thus, they loosened binders holding the boom. Employee #1 was on the yarder itself to move the boom in order to finish balancing the load. Employee #1 lifted the boom to the left. However, the boom then started to go to the right. Employee #1 said he started to feather the brake. He knew if he hit the brake too hard, the yarder would tip over. However, the boom continued to move; the yarder started to tip over. Thus, Employee #1 jumped and sustained a puncture from landing on a small tree stump. Employee #1 was not hospitalized.

Keywords: HIGHWAY, BOOM, TREE, TRAILER, LOGGING, PUNCTURE