Safety alert 01/2011 - Operating a mini skid steer loader with attachments

Last updated: 21 November 2024

A worker’s lower legs were amputated as he became entangled in the trenching chain whilst removing dirt in front of the trenching attachment with his boot while it was still cutting a trench.

Mini skid steer loaders have dead man controls for the operation of the loader, but this does not stop the hydraulic operation of the trencher attachments. 

A crumber bar was fitted to the trenching attachment; this guards the front end of the trenching chain when cutting shallow trenches.  At the time of the incident this guard was located in a raised position not covering the trencher cutting chain.

This Alert contains safety information following inquires made by WorkSafe about an incident or unsafe practice. The information contained in this Alert does not necessarily include the outcome of WorkSafe’s action with respect to an incident. WorkSafe does not warrant the information in this Alert is complete or up to date and does not accept any liability to any person for the information in this report or as to its use.