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The Health and Safety Hub for the Mineral Products Industry - aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, contracting, dimension stone, lime, precast concrete, masonry, mortar, readymix, recycling, silica sand, transport & logistics

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Fatal 3 - Scaffolding contractor falls through gantry and fractures bones

LOCATION:
QUARRY
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
SUB ACTIVITY:
CONVEYORS
ALERT STATUS:
Normal
DATE ISSUED:
06/08/2023 20:06:05
INCIDENT No:
03657

TITLE
Fatal 3 - Scaffolding contractor falls through gantry and fractures bones
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

WHAT HAPPENED

 

4 experienced scaffolders were dismantling a hanging scaffold that was supported off a conveyor structure, through the walkways either side.  The scaffold, built at gantry level, was being removed and floor sections systematically replaced.  As the task neared completion, the replacement of one of the sections had been overlooked.  One of the scaffolders unclipped his lanyard and walked along the gantry and through the unprotected opening, falling onto a stockpile below.  Despite fracturing 2 bones, the contractor is making a good recovery and will hopefully soon be back at work. The image below shows the missing section of flooring.

Image of missing section of flooring

KEY FINDINGS

The contract company was on the Approved List and their personnel inducted on site and competent; however, it was noted they hadn’t received the annual general reinduction

Consideration of the Work at height Hierarchy and ERICP may have identified improvements to the work method.  Strict controls are required when removing flooring, handrails, etc.  The conveyor was isolated.

Risk Assessments and Method Statements were in place, but there were opportunities to expand on the level of detail.  The contractors advised that they did not record their pre task risk assessment.

The General Permit covered several scaffolding tasks and there was no High Risk Permit.  Supervisors would benefit from additional awareness training in high risk tasks

The contractors followed safe practices, wearing harnesses and using double lanyards.  The scaffolder's specialist climbing helmet and chin strap prevented more severe injury.  Retractable lines and fall arrest / retrieval are required for this type of work.

ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES




LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN

HOW COULD THIS HAVE BEEN AVOIDED

  • Eliminate / reduce the need to work from height where there is a risk of falls.
  • Ensure risk assessments, method statements and Permits to Work are specific to the task, with High Risk Permits for any high risk activities.
  • Control access to areas where floor / edge protection is removed with hard barriers and effective work practices.
  • Ensure fall protection equipment, safety harness and life lines, are always worn when working at height or near openings where there is a risk of falling.

KEY REVIEW POINTS

  • In addition to site inductions, are contract personnel inducted at least annually with the company’s general induction?
  • What training do Supervisors need in scaffolding and other high risk activities?
  • Do we consider the risk control hierarchy when planning work?...ERIC-P
    • Eliminate
    • Reduce
    • Isolate
    • Control
    • Protect
  • It is clear when a formal scaffold design is required?
  • Are risk assessments, method statements and Permit to Work suitably specific?
  • Are High Risk Permits used for all high risk tasks?
  • Do we have strict access controls where floor / edge protection is removed?
  • Do we require contractors to use pre task risk assessments?
  • Are retractable lines and fall arrest / retrieval, and chinstraps to safety helmets required when working at height and there is a risk of falling?
  • Do we ensure people take a moment to STOP & THINK before unclipping lanyards to ensure it is safe?

 

LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES


LOCATION:
QUARRY
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
SUB ACTIVITY:
CONVEYORS
ALERT STATUS:
Normal
DATE ISSUED:
06/08/2023 20:06:05
INCIDENT No:
03657


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