A Pennsylvania man has died after his riding lawnmower rolled over on a jobsite.
The man, a commercial landscaping employee, was cutting grass on a private property when the accident happened, according to wfmj.
The lawnmower rolled over against a fence on a hillside, ultimately pinning the man down.
A company should take all of the property safety measures in protecting employees and equipment on a jobsite. Equipment should be equipped with a ROPS, or roll over protection structure, to help protect the operator.
Here is one article that gives a few tips on how to mow on steep slopes.
- If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it with a ride-on machine.
- Mow up and down slopes, not across.
- Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
- Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop or shift while on a slope.
- Do not mow on wet or damp grass. Tires may lose traction.
- Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
- Avoid starting, stopping or turning on a slope.
- Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
- Use extra care while operating the machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the machine. Do not use them on steep slopes.
- Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
- Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
