FACTS

Common accidents caused by choking wheels in agriculture include:

• If chocks are not placed properly or are not of the correct size and stability, the agricultural equipment can still roll, leading to collisions with other machinery, structures, or personnel.
• Insufficient stability due to improper choking or not using wheel blocks on sloped or uneven terrain can cause equipment to tip over, posing a significant risk to operators and workers.
• Poorly placed chocks may slip or shift, allowing the equipment to move unexpectedly.
• Workers may be at risk of injuries while placing chocks if they position themselves do not consider the potential hazards around them.
• Forgetting to remove chocks before starting the equipment can cause damage to tires, wheels, and drivetrain components.
• Chocks left scattered on the ground create tripping hazards, leading to falls and potential injuries.
• Using damaged or worn-out chocks that fail under pressure can result in equipment movement.
• Lack of proper communication between workers during choking procedures can lead to misunderstandings, with some workers not aware of chocks being in place.
• Workers who are not adequately trained in choking procedures and safety guidelines may not be aware of potential risks or the correct way to use choking tools.
• During urgent situations or emergencies, delays in removing chocks can hinder swift evacuation.

STATS

• In 2020, the U.S. mining industry saw fatal accidents claim the lives of 29 workers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Vehicle-related incidents cause a large portion of these accidents year after year and highlight the need for proper mining safety equipment, such as wheel chocks.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accidents involving vehicles or mobile heavy equipment accounted for around 400 deaths annually. A review of several such incidents reveals instances in which vehicles were not secured. Sadly, some of these incidents may have been easily prevented simply by using industrial wheel chocks.