Inspection Detail

Inspection: 104928668 - Suny College Of Env. Sci. & Forestry

Inspection Information - Office: Nys Dol Pesh Utica

Investigation Summary

Employee #1, using a Cushman front line riding mower, model 898804-8310, 18 HP, manufactured by OMC Lincoln Corp., was mowing the front lawn of the administration building at the SUNY Ranger School Campus. There is a steep slope along this section and school policy dictates that this slope is never to be cut with any type of mower. The last cutting pass was 6 in. from the crest of the slope and on flat ground. There were no witnesses to the accident, but it appeared that the mower went straight over the crest of the slope at an approximately 30 degree angle. There were scalp marks made by the mower blades as it went over the top of the slope, which indicates the angle at which it started over. Employee #1 was found dead at the bottom of the 20 ft slope with the mower, in an upright position, on top of him. His injuries included a number of abrasions and burns on his back and legs, and a 2 in. laceration at the base of his skull. Three ribs were also broken, but the coroner found no indication as to the cause of death. It may be possible that the weight of the mower compressed the employee against the ground and prevented breathing. Coworkers indicated that Employee #1 had told them that he was on medication for a hypertensive condition, but personnel records showed no past or present health history. Pre-employment physicals are not required.

Keywords: BURN, EMBANKMENT, FRACTURE, STEEP GRADE, LACERATION, LAWN MOWER, SKULL, ABRASION, RIB