On September 30, 2004, a 52-year-old ranch hand, working as a bulldozer operator in a logging operation, was killed when the D4E Caterpillar tractor he was operating slid backward over the top of him. The ranch hand was an experienced logger. With the engine left running, gear in reverse/neutral, parking brake set, and front blade raised about 1 ft off the ground, the ranch hand had exited the cab and was busy setting chokers to logs behind the bulldozer to haul them to a landing. The bulldozer evidently did not slip into gear, but the front blade was elevated, and the bulldozer was on a slight incline and the tracks rested on branches and other woody debris, which may have contributed to instability. The victim was pinned under the bulldozer, and was pronounced dead at the scene.Recommendations 1. Before exiting a bulldozer, the machine operator must apply the brake and lower the front blade to the ground. 2. Never rely solely on the brakes of a bulldozer to prevent movement. 3. Be aware of conditions where bulldozer tracks may be unstable. 4. Develop a site-specific safety plan that includes an assessment of hazards and plans to minimize the risks.