Inspection Detail

Inspection: 302257241 - Smurfit-Stone Container

Inspection Information - Office: Saint Louis Area Office

Investigation Summary

On March 28, 1997, Employee #1 was exiting a Case loader when he became caught between the ROPS and the lifting mechanism for the bucket as it ascended. He was hospitalized and kept on life support until April 19, 1999. The company had purchased the loader used, and had hired outside contractors for maintenance. Mmeco, the authorized dealer, conducted an accident investigation and determined that the tie rods were incorrectly adjusted. The plate could not be lowered over the two bars on the bell crank, which permitted the control lever to be accidentally activated by Employee #1 when he attempted to exit.

Keywords: MAINTENANCE, LOADER BUCKET, WORK RULES, CONTROL LEVER, ROPS, CAUGHT BETWEEN, LOADER, MECH MALFUNCTION