Texas Final Drive Shop Talk Blog

Fatal Skid Steer Accidents from 2024

by Jim Strong | May 23, 2025 |

0 Comments

A skid steer loader only takes a second to turn from a helpful tool into a deadly hazard. Compact and powerful, these machines are worksite essentials but also have serious risks. In 2024, multiple workers lost their lives in tragic skid steer accidents, each one a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.

This blog post explores eight fatal skid steer incidents reported to OSHA in 2024, including rollovers, crushing injuries, and drownings. By examining these real-world tragedies, we aim to highlight standard danger zones and offer insights into how such accidents can be prevented in the future. Whether you're an operator, supervisor, or safety manager, understanding these risks is the first step toward making your job site safer.

Here are some other blog posts you might find helpful:

Safe Hydraulic System Maintenance Practices You Should Follow

by Dr McCaslin | Oct 05, 2024 |

Heavy Equipment Safety, Safety, LOTO, PPE

0 Comments

Hydraulic systems are powerful and complex, which is why there is so much emphasis prioritizing safety during maintenance. Discover essential practices that ensure your safety and the longevity of you and your equipment.

An accident involving hydraulic fluid (or hydraulic equipment in general) can be serious (and sometimes fatal), so this Shop Talk Blog post deals with key safety practices.

Here are a few Shop Talk blog posts you might find helpful:

Heat and Hydration

by Jim Strong | Jul 17, 2023 |

Safety, overheating

0 Comments

Our body works hard to keep itself at about 98.6 F. When exposed to heat for long periods, it will start experiencing complications. One way to prevent those problems is to stay hydrated.

We aren't the only things that can overheat in the summer! Here are some Shop Talk blog posts about overheating equipment:

Taking Charge of Your Safety: Precautions Against Heat When Working Outdoors Part 1

by Jim Strong | Jun 27, 2023 |

Safety, overheating

0 Comments

Our body works hard to keep itself at about 98.6 F. When exposed to heat for long periods, it will start experiencing complications.

Many years ago, my brother-in-law worked for the water department in a small city here in Texas. James was a tough guy, used to working in the heat. One day, however, he overheated and suffered a heat stroke. My sister, also working for the city then, told us they’d stripped him to his underwear and poured ice and water over him after placing him in the bed of one of the city trucks. And let me clarify by saying that the truck bed was lined, so they didn’t add any skin burns to the heat stroke.

Staying Safe on a Skid Steer: Preventing Backovers

by Jim Strong | Dec 30, 2021 |

Skid Steers, Heavy Equipment Safety, Safety, Skid-Steer Loaders

0 Comments

Skid steer loader backover accidents are scary for all involved -- and often fatal for the victim. Learn what they are, how they happen, and what you can do to prevent them.

Tragic Skid Steer Accident Involves Little Boy

by Dr McCaslin | Feb 05, 2020 |

Heavy Equipment Safety, Safety, Skid-Steer Loaders, SSLs

4 Comments

When it comes to construction equipment, whether its a behemoth hydraulic shovel or a compact skid steer loader, safety is everything. And any kind of injury is distressing, and any death is heartbreaking -- but especially when it involves a little boy.

Hydraulic Fluid Injection - Do You Understand the Dangers?

by Dr McCaslin | Aug 22, 2017 |

Final Drive, Final Drive Failure, Hydraulic Motors, Final Drive Maintenance, Heavy Equipment Safety, Hydraulic Pumps, Safety, hydraulic connections, hydraulic ports

1 Comment

Hydraulic fluid may seem relatively harmless to work with -- until it is pressurized. In this Shop Talk Blog post, we are going to take a look at why hydraulic fluid under pressure is so dangerous, what happens when you come into contact with it, and what you can do to minimize those dangers when you're on the job.

Note: If you're working with pressurized hydraulic fluid and feel a prick (like electricity) on your skin, please seek medical attention right away.

Summer Safety: 6 Ways to Protect Against the Summer Heat

by Dr McCaslin | Aug 07, 2017 |

Final Drive, Excavators, Mini-excavators, Heavy Equipment Safety, Safety

0 Comments

It's summer -- and here in Texas, that means it going to be hot and humid! Heat is dangerous, though. And because we care about our readers, we've put together some tips on how to protect yourself against the summer heat. We hope this Shop Talk Blog post helps you keep cool in the hot summer temperatures!

Shop Talk Blog

Fatal Skid Steer Accidents from 2024

Safe Hydraulic System Maintenance Practices You Should Follow

Heat and Hydration

Taking Charge of Your Safety: Precautions Against Heat When Working Outdoors Part 1

Staying Safe on a Skid Steer: Preventing Backovers

Tragic Skid Steer Accident Involves Little Boy

Hydraulic Fluid Injection - Do You Understand the Dangers?

Summer Safety: 6 Ways to Protect Against the Summer Heat

"Shop Talk Blog" Email Updates

Connect

Posts by Topic

Knowledge Base

Our Brands

About

Note

Request For Quote