Incident alert
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
TITLE
Fitter Trapped in Wheel Arch
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
United Kingdom
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT DETAILS
On the 8th of January, a fitter attempted to inspect the suspension travel of a Komatsu Dumper whilst the engine was still running and the mobile plant operator was still occupying the driver’s position.
At some point during this inspection the fitter placed himself in a area of danger between the off side front tyre and the rear of the wheel arch.
The steering wheel was moved crushing and trapping the fitter.
The fitter sustained a fracture to the lower spine and a lacerated Liver.
A full investigation and inquiry is in process.
The fitter is recovering after a period of time in intensive care. It is hoped he will be released from hospital shortly.
•Never Place Yourself in an area of Danger
•When Inspecting wheel arches, assess the danger and always ensure all forms of power are isolated before you approach the vehicle.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
Simple Steps that could have prevented this incident
1. Fitter to stand well clear of the vehicle in a safe visible position whilst the driver turns the steering to full lock.
2. Driver to ensure the vehicle is braked correctly, turns off the engine, removes the key, exits the cab, locks the cab and hands the key to the fitter.
3. The fitter inspects one of the front wheels -inside the wheel arch- where the wheel allows safe access, and the rear of the opposite.
4. Once inspected, the fitter returns to a visible place of safety and hands the keys back to the driver.
5. The driver restarts the vehicle, steps 1-4 are repeated.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
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