A farm worker was seriously injured while trying to clear debris from the “rock trap” area of a combine threshing machine. ARCCA safety engineers and biomechanical experts analyzed the accident scenario to determine the mechanism of injury and assess possible alternate designs for enhanced safety.
The visual communications team modeled the machine in 3D and animated the operation of the combine, as well as worker movement and interaction with the equipment. Since timing was an important factor in this accident, the animation was then synchronized to audio and video of the actual machine in operation. This resulted in an accurate depiction of worker movement vis-à-vis machine operation based on witness testimony and machine testing. Alternate designs were also illustrated for clarity.