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In June 2009, Dr. J.P. Purswell presented a paper at the ISOES annual meeting that he authored entitled “Crawler Crane Accident Patterns”. The paper was based upon a review of accident summaries contained in the OSHA Accident Database. The analysis revealed that the most common mode of serious injury associated with crawler cranes was workers being struck by falling objects. In some cases, the falling object was an improperly secured load, while in other instances, some part of an improperly rigged crane actually fell and struck a worker. 29 CFR 1926.550 (the OSHA regulations for Construction) states "All employees shall be kept clear of loads about to be lifted and of suspended loads. In addition, OSHA has issued this letter of interpretation regarding the permissible proximity of workers to suspended loads.
Dr. J.P. Purswell also co-authored a paper presented by Mr. Dennis Brickman at the 2009 ISOES conference entitled “Tree Chipper Human Perception-Reaction Testing.” The paper, addressed the human perception-reaction response during a branch pull-in scenario involving a commercial mechanical infeed tree chipper. Tests were performed using male subjects utilizing a hopper test fixture equipped with feed wheels and a safety control bar that was located close to the feed end and within easy reach. The test results indicated that all test subjects were able to move the safety control bar into the reverse feed wheel position before their hand entered the feed wheels.
Dr. J.P Purswell completed a 5 year term as Chair of the IE PE Exam committee in May. Dr. Purswell has “passed the baton” to Mr. Ron Janzen. Dr. Purswell continues to serve on the IE PE Exam committee.