WSH Alert – Worker Fell from Platform at Concrete Batching Plant

21 Dec 2011

 

A worker was tasked to hack and remove hardened concrete within the discharge hopper of a concrete mixing equipment. The equipment was located about 7 metres above ground with a work platform surrounding it. At about 12.20p.m., he was found dead on the ground directly below an uncovered opening on the platform. The metal grating for the platform’s opening was found removed.

 

 

 Figure 1: The concrete discharge hopper which the worker was working on

 

Recommendations*

 

Occupiers and employers undertaking similar work activities are advised to prevent recurrence by conducting risk assessment and applying suitable control measures prior to work commencement. Examples of control measures include:

 

• Replacing all easily removable platform floor gratings with permanently fixed ones to prevent unauthorized removal and eliminate possibility of workers falling from height through floor openings
• Documenting and communicating the safe work method for removal and disposal of hardened concrete  within the hopper – this include implementing a  Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) system for the automated gate to ensure that the hopper discharge nozzle remains locked while the worker is carrying out hacking activity inside the hopper
• Providing sufficient supervision to ensure on-site adherence to the safe work method
• Barricading the zone directly below the hopper to prohibit access and protect workers and visitors from being struck by falling debris while hacking activity is being carried out in the hopper
• Posting suitable safety signages at the work location to remind workers of the job hazards

 

Further Information

 

1. Workplace Safety and Health Act (Chapter 354A), please click here
2. Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations, please click here
3. Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management, please click here
4. Code of Practice for Working Safely at Height, please click here
5. WSH Council’s Work at Height Kit, please click here
6. CP 91: 2001 Code of Practice for Lockout Procedure
7. Singapore Standard SS 508: Parts 1 to 4: 2004 - Graphical Symbols - Safety Colours and Safety Signs
8. Singapore Standard SS 528: Parts 1 to 6: 2006 - Personal Fall Arrest Systems

 

* Please note that the information provided is not exhaustive and is for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health so that a recurrence may be prevented. The information provided is not to be construed as implying any liability to any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations of the reader of this WSH Alert under the law. 

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WSH Alert – Workers Fell together with a Cherry Picker Basket

 

Incident

 

Two workers fell to their death while they were on a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) to carry out abrasive blasting work on a vessel. They were in the basket of the MEWP (a cherry picker) about 25m from the ground, when the MEWP’s extended boom suddenly buckled. The basket, together with the two workers, dropped towards the ground and hit a keel block on the ground.

  

Figure 1: Workers fell together with the basket of a MEWP when the boom buckled 

Recommendations*

 

Occupiers, employers and workers undertaking similar work using MEWPs are advised to conduct hazard identification, risk assessment and implement appropriate control measures prior to work commencement. Examples of control measures include:

• Ensuring the MEWP is properly inspected and regularly maintained by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements. Inspection and maintenance records should be kept up to date.
• Establishing and communicating safe work procedures to the operators.
• Providing supervision to ensure on-site adherence to safe work procedures.
• Ensuring operators are properly trained and are familiar with the performance and control of the MEWP.
• Conducting daily pre-operation inspection and functional checks of all controls on the MEWP before use.
• Ensuring the operating weight is within the safe working load limit.

Further Information

 

1. Workplace Safety and Health Act (Chapter 354A), please click here
2. Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations, please click here
3. Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management, please click here

4. Code of Practice for Working Safely at Height, please click here

5. WSH Council’s Work at Height Kit, please click here

6. Britain’s Health and Safety Executive Information sheet – Preventing falls from boom-type mobile elevating work platforms, please click here

 

Courtesy from WSH Council. For more information, please visit http:www.wshc.sg