Yesterday, 04:42 PM
Incident Overview
During a demolition operation, a Volvo excavator became involved in a serious accident that nearly resulted in severe injury to the operator. The machine was positioned inside a pit beneath a structure when the operator attempted to remove old storage bins. Improper positioning and direct interaction with heavy objects caused a critical hazard. A large piece of concrete, weighing approximately 10 to 15 pounds, fell through a roof opening of the excavator and struck the operator’s lap. Remarkably, the operator survived with no life-threatening injuries.
Equipment Involved
The main machine involved was a Volvo EC360 excavator, known for its robust build and safety features including a safety glass windshield similar to automotive windshields. The assisting machine, a Link-Belt excavator, was used to extract the Volvo from the dangerous position. The Link-Belt model involved is equipped with a shear attachment, allowing it to cut through metal and structural elements during demolition work.
Accident Cause Analysis
The accident highlights several critical safety oversights:
The Volvo EC360’s windshield prevented more severe injury, functioning as safety glass rather than standard tempered glass. This feature is crucial in demolition and construction operations, as it helps absorb impact and reduce shrapnel hazards. Side windows, however, did not withstand the impact, demonstrating limitations in lateral protection.
Recommended Procedures
For safer demolition operations:
Volvo excavators are globally recognized for reliability and operator safety, with annual sales exceeding 10,000 units in North America alone. Link-Belt, founded in 1880, is a prominent manufacturer specializing in construction and demolition machinery, particularly notable for durable hydraulic systems and shear attachments.
Conclusion
This accident underscores the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols during demolition. Even experienced operators are vulnerable when proper precautions are neglected. Using mechanical aids like cable systems, conducting thorough risk assessments, and relying on protective features like safety glass can prevent life-threatening injuries. Small oversights can escalate rapidly in demolition environments, making vigilance and adherence to best practices essential.
Case Study Insight
Similar incidents have occurred where operators underestimated the danger of overhead debris. In one 2015 demolition project, a steel beam fell unexpectedly on a CAT 320 excavator. Despite minor equipment damage, the operator was unharmed due to reinforced cab structures, highlighting the value of integrated safety design.
This case demonstrates that survival often depends on a combination of machine design, operator awareness, and adherence to safe operational procedures.
During a demolition operation, a Volvo excavator became involved in a serious accident that nearly resulted in severe injury to the operator. The machine was positioned inside a pit beneath a structure when the operator attempted to remove old storage bins. Improper positioning and direct interaction with heavy objects caused a critical hazard. A large piece of concrete, weighing approximately 10 to 15 pounds, fell through a roof opening of the excavator and struck the operator’s lap. Remarkably, the operator survived with no life-threatening injuries.
Equipment Involved
The main machine involved was a Volvo EC360 excavator, known for its robust build and safety features including a safety glass windshield similar to automotive windshields. The assisting machine, a Link-Belt excavator, was used to extract the Volvo from the dangerous position. The Link-Belt model involved is equipped with a shear attachment, allowing it to cut through metal and structural elements during demolition work.
Accident Cause Analysis
The accident highlights several critical safety oversights:
- Operator was directly under the building while manipulating heavy bins, exposing themselves to falling debris.
- Lack of use of a cable system to pull heavy objects from a safe distance.
- The structural integrity of the building above the excavator was compromised, allowing concrete to fall unexpectedly.
The Volvo EC360’s windshield prevented more severe injury, functioning as safety glass rather than standard tempered glass. This feature is crucial in demolition and construction operations, as it helps absorb impact and reduce shrapnel hazards. Side windows, however, did not withstand the impact, demonstrating limitations in lateral protection.
Recommended Procedures
For safer demolition operations:
- Always operate heavy equipment from outside unstable structures when possible.
- Use cable or winch systems to manipulate heavy objects, maintaining a safe distance.
- Conduct pre-demolition assessments of building integrity, particularly overhead hazards.
- Regularly inspect machine safety features, including glass, seat belts, and protective frames.
Volvo excavators are globally recognized for reliability and operator safety, with annual sales exceeding 10,000 units in North America alone. Link-Belt, founded in 1880, is a prominent manufacturer specializing in construction and demolition machinery, particularly notable for durable hydraulic systems and shear attachments.
Conclusion
This accident underscores the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols during demolition. Even experienced operators are vulnerable when proper precautions are neglected. Using mechanical aids like cable systems, conducting thorough risk assessments, and relying on protective features like safety glass can prevent life-threatening injuries. Small oversights can escalate rapidly in demolition environments, making vigilance and adherence to best practices essential.
Case Study Insight
Similar incidents have occurred where operators underestimated the danger of overhead debris. In one 2015 demolition project, a steel beam fell unexpectedly on a CAT 320 excavator. Despite minor equipment damage, the operator was unharmed due to reinforced cab structures, highlighting the value of integrated safety design.
This case demonstrates that survival often depends on a combination of machine design, operator awareness, and adherence to safe operational procedures.
