Hazard Alert

Loader Struck Fender of Truck

A trucker had unloaded pulpwood at the greenhouse yard chipper deck and was proceeding to the sweep-off area. The loader had just picked up a load of pulpwood and was articulating to head to the chipper deck. When the truck driver realized that the loader was not going to be able to safely pass, he stopped quickly and sounded his horn but to no avail. The wood in the loader forks came in contact with the front of the truck and did minor damage.

Although the trucker sounded the horn, the loader operator did not realize how close the wood (in his forks) was to the front of the on-coming truck. Visibility was poor due to the fog and rain at the time of the incident.

Recommendations to Prevent a Recurrence

When travelling in a busy woodyard be aware of other equipment and people working around you. Keep windows and mirrors unobstructed and clean in loading equipment. Where applicable, use the CB radio for communication.