Date of incident: February 2022
Notice of incident number: 2022166950005
Employer: Tree services company

Incident summary
A worker was removing a tree stump at a residential property using a stump grinder with a gas-powered cutting wheel. The worker walked in front of the stump grinder to remove a rock from the cutting wheel’s path. He slipped and was drawn into the rotating cutting wheel. The worker sustained serious injuries.

Investigation conclusions

Cause

• Stump grinder was not de-energized. The stump grinder’s engine speed was reduced but the gearing was not disengaged, allowing power to be supplied to the cutting wheel, which continued to rotate. When the worker moved into the cutting wheel’s working area, he was pulled into the rotating wheel.

Contributing factors

• Older model stump grinder without updated safety features. The stump grinder being used allowed an operator to step away from the operating controls with the cutting wheel engaged and rotating. Newer model stump grinders from the same manufacturer are equipped with an operator presence system, a safety feature designed to stop the cutting wheel’s rotation when the operator releases the controls. This ensures the operator maintains a safe distance from any hazardous points during the machine’s operation.

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