As you may know, there was recently a serious accident resulting in two fatalities at a cotton gin in the Mid-South. Two people walking across the gin yard were struck by a front-end loader carrying a round cotton module. Our understanding is one was an employee and the other was a contractor. They were standing in the pathway of the loader and were both struck and unfortunately killed. Many times, when discussing “access” around our facilities, the focus is on access inside the gin around operating pieces of equipment. This accident illustrates the importance of access around the gin yard as well where trucks and loaders are constantly moving round modules and other materials like seed and gin trash. As a result, TCGA developed a Gin Yard Access for Pedestrians Policy explaining precautions for pedestrians walking across the gin yard and equipment operators moving materials around the gin yard. It also lists various issues facility managers should consider controlling access of pedestrians (employees and visitors) on the Gin Yard. The policy is on the TCGA website and can be accessed at the following link (Gin Yard Access Policy). Please make sure your routine employee training and information given to outside visitors includes these warnings so this type of accident can be prevented.
As always, if you have questions about any of this policy or any other subjects, please contact our office.
