A telehandler operator was unloading a micro-silica delivery and transporting 1.2 tonne bulk bags. After 8 bags had been successfully off loaded and stored, the 9th bag fell off the pallet and onto the floor; each bag has four loops / straps, two of which got caught half underneath the bag.
The injured person saw what had happened and went over to help, he put the two top straps on the telehandler tyne, he then pulled on the two trapped straps and asked the telehandler operator to drive the forks through so that the bag could be stood up.
Image shows a bulk bag lifting loop.
During this process, the straps became taught, trapping the injured person's third finger on his left hand. As the pressure came on the injured person pulled his hand away, leaving his glove and the very end of his finger trapped under the strap, resulting in an open fracture of the bone.
Key Findings
- Incorrect route taken to transport load as regular route was blocked by other vehicle - image shows route
- Unstable load was transported to storage area
- Take 5 training had recently been carried out
- Take 5 assessment had not been carried out for this non-routine task
- Communications between the forklift truck operator and colleague not effective
- Both employees are relatively new to the team