An employee, who was a Quarry Safety Officer, decided to investigate a water sprinkler on the quarry entrance road after he noticed it was not spraying water in the correct direction. The road was designated for vehicles only, with no dedicated or designated pedestrian access. After sending photographs of the problem from his phone to the maintenance team, he began to walk back to his vehicle, which was parked in a safe area near the entrance. While walking, he stepped away from the edge of the road, it is assumed to avoid being sprayed by another sprinkler, and while in that unsafe position, tragically, a customer who was driving into the quarry in his truck ran over him. 

KEY FINDINGS

• The task being carried out by our employee was not part of his responsibility and even though he was being conscientious in trying to help solve a problem, he was in an area where the quarry rules stated pedestrians are not allowed.
• A Take 5 had not been carried out for the task
• The truck driver (customer) said he didn’t see our employee and commented that the sun was shining directly at his windshield at the time, hindering his vision.
• Even though it’s not yet verified, CCTV footage seems to show the truck driver going too fast for the entrance road limit.
• There were speed limit signs, but they had become faded over time.

Managers – Key points to check

• Site rules are well known by all personnel and are included in induction and training packages.
• Everyone is well trained in Take 5 and monitoring procedures are in place to check adoption levels, allowing for suitable action if needed.
• Traffic routes are risk assessed, the potential for visibility impairment at certain times is included and controls are established.
• Speed limit and other signage is maintained in a good condition, and the displayed requirements are being enforced.

All employees – Key points to check

• Only carry out tasks if you have been trained and you fully understand the hazards, risks and the controls to implement.
• Take 5! It’s your personal risk assessment and can save your life Stop, Think, Act. Take 5!
• If you see someone taking a risk, step in and help save them!
• If you notice a hazard, even one that’s not always there (e.g. periodic sunlight glare in a key area), tell your supervisor and report it with the Near Miss Hazard Alert system so it can be assessed.