An operator of a skid steer loader stopped the loader at the edge of an excavation. The operator started to lower the bucket. The loader tipped forward and fell into the excavation—narrowly missing a natural gas pipeline. The operator was not injured.

The primary cause of the accident was the improper use of a light material bucket. The skid steer loader's light material bucket had been modified, further increasing the volume capacity of the bucket and also adding extra weight to the bucket itself.

Safe work practices:

• Educate and train operators in safe work procedures and equipment specifications.
• Always use the appropriate bucket for the material being moved. A bucket rated for light material must not be used for excavation work.