FACEValue: Foreman dies after falling into running auger

Case report: #14KY022*
Issued by: Kentucky Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program
Date of incident: May 17, 2014

A 21-year-old foreman was cleaning a mixing plant in an attempt to free a vein feeder clogged with dried concrete. After freeing the feeder, the victim started the mixer section, which created a cloud of dust. As he left the area, he stepped on a door covering the mixer. The door had broken hinges and missing interlocks. Both the foreman and the door fell into the running auger. Emergency medical services declared the victim dead at the scene.

To help prevent similar occurrences:

• Develop and implement written procedures for maintaining augers, including conducting pre-job inspections, making prompt repairs, and replacing missing and damaged parts.
• Train employees on hazard recognition for all aspects of the job involving such equipment, including instructions not to walk or stand on the doors covering the auger section of the mixing plant while the plant is in operation.
• Provide documented refresher worker safety training annually or prior to the mixing plant’s first use each year.
• Consider installing a switch so that the equipment doors cannot be opened during operation.