Fractures

A mechanic (injured employee) was repairing a tractor on an assembly line and was positioned to the rear left side of the tractor. An assembly technician was performing a rockshaft check while positioned to the right front side of the same tractor. When the assembly technician actuated the rockshaft located at the rear of the tractor the mechanic's head was caught between the rockshaft and the Rollover Protection System (ROPS) bar of the tractor. The injured employee suffered a complex laceration of the right ear and a temporal bone fracture. The employee was hospitalized.