Construction Injury Newsroom

Drill Rig Operator Was Killed

A drill rig operator was killed while trying to attach a cable from another vehicle to the back of his drill rig.  The drill rig was stuck in the snow, and a co-worker driving a transport vehicle stopped to help.  In order to pull out the rig, the drivers attempted to attach a cable on the front of the transport vehicle to a hook on the back of the rig.  The co-worker positioned the transport vehicle behind the rig; the vehicles were aligned with the left front of the transport vehicle slightly to the outside of the left rear corner of the rig. 

Due to a slight grade in the road and slackness of the tracks, the transport vehicle tended to slide back when it was stopped.  The victim stood between the vehicles to fasten the cable onto the hook.  Two attempts were made to attach the cable; each time the victim jumped from between the vehicles as the transport vehicle moved close to the rig.  On the third attempt, the victim was caught between the vehicles.  His co-worker moved the transport vehicle away from the rig and flagged a co-worker. 

They pulled the victim from between the vehicles and checked his injuries.  The victim briefly regained consciousness, spoke to his two co-workers, and then collapsed again.  Upon the arrival of more co-workers, CPR was initiated, and one person was sent to a truck with a two-way radio to notify Emergency Medical Services (EMS).  The victim was placed on a sled behind a snowmachine and towed to the truck.  Before EMS technicians arrived, the victim was transferred to the truck and driven to a nearby medical facility.  He was pronounced dead on arrival.

Based on the findings of the investigation, to prevent similar occurrences, employers should:

• Ensure that workers are able to recognize and avoid hazardous situations and develop and implement a driver training program that includes, but is not limited to, snow travel and techniques for assisting stuck vehicles;
• Ensure that a written and comprehensive safety program covers all work practices performed by employees;
• Ensure that workers follow all prescribed work practices for transporting equipment and supplies and enforce a comprehensive safety program.