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HAZARDS RELATED TO QUICK COUPLERS ON HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS (3/3/2005) 

Following a fatal accident caused by the unexpected release of an excavator bucket from a quick coupling device on a hydraulic excavator, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reviewed its Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) accident data. The accident data revealed 15 incidents since January 1998 involving the unanticipated release of excavator buckets from quick couplers on hydraulic excavators. Eight workers died in these incidents. OSHA urges employers using quick couplers to inspect their quick couplers and take appropriate measures to prevent unintended bucket releases, which can result in death or serious injuries.

For More Information, visit this link: August 26, 2004 OSHA bulletin "Hazards of Unintended Release of Buckets from Quick Couplers on Hydraulic Excavators."