Risk Management Magazine

Military training in the heat impairs physical performance and can lead to the development of heat-related illnesses, which impact over 2,500 uniformed personnel each year. Heat illnesses range in severity from heat exhaustion (least severe) to exertional heat stroke (EHS) (most severe).

As the cotter pin began to yield to the technician's efforts, an unforeseen consequence arose. In the heat of the moment, the technician underestimated the amount of force required to dislodge the pin completely. With a sudden and unexpected release of tension, the cotter pin broke free from its moorings, propelled by the force exerted by the technician.

When the over-tensioned binder released, all of the energy propelled the cheater bar like a catapult. On the way up, the bar struck the Soldier under the chin, breaking his jaw in three places. The force of the blow was so great that it lifted him off his feet and threw him from the trailer to the ground.