Salvage Yard Mechanic
Killed By Falling Car

In September, 1995 a 27 year old mechanic working for a large auto recycler was killed while working under a wrecked car in an auto salvage lot. The man was removing a front wheel assembly while standing under a car supported by forks of a large 4-wheel drive rubber-tired forklift truck. The man was assisted by a friend who had limited experience working in a salvage yard. It was daytime and the ground was flat and dry.

The wrecked car was not secured by safety chains or other means to the forklift, and there were no supports to prevent the car from falling. The mechanic had removed lug nuts from a front wheel assembly and was standing under the front end of the automobile. He grabbed the undercarriage and swung his feet up to kick off the wheel. At this point the car began to tilt in his direction. It rapidly slid forward and fell to the ground, killing the mechanic who was pinned underneath. The car was apparently balanced on the left fork when the mechanic began work. The helper had noticed a gap between the car and the right fork of the forklift, but didn’t think much of it and didn’t mention this to his friend working under the car.

#1 Salvage yard mechanics should not work under cars supported only by a forklift.

--Uneven terrain, uneven loads, inexperienced help, even a simple operator error can easily be fatal.

--Hydraulic systems can fail due to worn or cut hoses, or loose fittings -- expect the unexpected!

#2 Salvage yards should provide safe dismantling areas where cars are adequately supported.

--This salvage yard now has a welded “tear down rack”, located in a central and level area of the yard.

--With the same forklift, cars are placed on this rigid frame prior to dismantling -- much safer!

--Several "tear down racks" could easily be constructed and placed in busy areas of the yard.

#3 Salvage yards should use safety chains or other means to secure autos when they are moved about.

--Moving a forklift over an incline or uneven ground can shift the balance and easily cause a car to fall.

--Safety chains may prevent cars from falling off the forks and becoming a hazard to other workers.