Hazard Alert

Forwarder Door Swung Shut on Operator’s Finger

The forwarder unintentionally climbed up on a large tree stump (left front wheels), causing the forwarder to list.  The operator opened the door of the forwarder and climbed out of the machine to assess the situation.  While the operator assessed the situation from the steps, the opened forwarder door swung shut and jammed his right index finger.  He was holding onto the door frame instead of the grab handle.

The machine was on a stump.  The opened door was in an unstable situation.  The operator positioned himself on the forwarder steps facing forward (away from the machine) to assess the situation.  Operator reached and held the door jam (pinch point) instead of the grab handle.

Recommendations to Prevent a Recurrence

Recognize hazards, i.e., unlevel machine causing the unstable door.  Use proper grab handles when entering and exiting machines.  Face the machine when exiting, holding the hand rails (do not face outwards).  Avoid exiting the machine when the machine is leaning severely.  Move the machine to level ground before exiting if possible.