Fatal Falls from Ladders

 

Tragedies like fatal falls can happen even from a ten-foot ladder or a normal staircase. But you can prevent falls that could prevent injuries or death by choosing ladders carefully, inspecting ladders and stairways, using them properly, and keeping them in good shape.

Ladders are fixed (cannot be moved) or portable (movable). When choosing a portable ladder, consider type (step ladder, straight, or extension ladders), length (convenient height without reaching), strength (base your choice on weight and stress the ladder has to bear), and material (wood isnonconductive, heavy, hard to move, and rots; metal is light, weather-resistant, but conducts electricity; and fiberglass is light, long-lasting, nonconductive, and has good traction). In addition, inspect ladders before using them. Also, all ladders should be thoroughly inspected at least once per year. Don’t use damaged ladders. Instead, label the damage, and then repair or destroy the ladder as appropriate. When inspecting, look for loose, broken, or missing rungs, steps, cleats or siderails; missing safety feet, frayed ropes, and other defective parts; oil, grease, or other slippery substances on rungs; skid-resistant features on rungs or steps of metal ladders; operational movable parts; and ample oil on metal bearings. For stairway inspections, look for loose or missing treads/stairs/handrails and clutter.

Do NOT use other means to reach higher places (i.e., chairs, benches, or boxes). If the job calls for a ladder, take the time to find one. Use ladders safely as follows:

·         Placement—Don’t place ladder in horizontal position. Place ladder away from doors.

·         Footing support—Place ladder on sure footing (not boxes or blocks), securing when possible. Place ladder so that for every four feet up, the ladder’s base is one foot out.

·         Top support—Top of ladder is placed so rails are fully supported. Extra room is given in case of ladder shifting. Ample strength is provided for load applied to ladder. Top support point is rigid.

·         Ladder height—Ladder siderails are at least 3 ft above the support point. Do not stand on top 2 steps of stepladder or top 4 rungs of straight ladder.

·         Ladder extension—Raise extension ladders so upper section overlaps and rests on bottom section.

·         Electrical hazards—Keep metal ladders away from power lines. Take precautions as you would when using a metal tool.

·         Climbing—Face ladder. Use both hands. One person at a time on portable ladders. Make sure work shoes are clean. Hoist tools up after reaching the top. When using stairways, don’t carry objects, hold the handrail, and keep a sure footing.

Keep stairs dry and clean, free of protruding nails, splinters, holes, or loose boards.

Mechanical Hazards

 

Overview

Each piece of machinery has its own unique mechanical and non-mechanical hazards. Machines can cause severe injuries: amputations, fractures, lacerations, or crushing inju­ries. Machines can also cause minor injuries such as bruises, abrasions, sprains or strains, burns, or cuts.

Mechanical hazards

Examples of mechanical hazards that can hit, grab, or trap an operator are: ·         hazardous motions. ·         points of operation. ·         pinch points and shear points. ·         There are different types of hazardous mechanical motions and actions: ·         hazardous motions such as rotating parts, reciprocating parts, or traversing parts. ·           hazardous actions such as cutting, punching, shearing, or bending.

Non-mechanical hazards

There are also non-mechanical hazards that can injure operators, including flying chips, splashes, sparks, or sprays that are created when the machine is running.

Operating instructions

Follow the machine’s operating instructions to ensure that the machine is being run cor­rectly and safely. Understand how the machine works, and you will reduce your risk of injury.

 

Incident investigation

 

Today, we're discussing the importance of incident investigation in maintaining a safe work environment. When an incident occurs, whether it's a near miss or an accident resulting in injury, it's crucial to conduct a thorough investigation. Here's why:

·          Identifying root causes: Incident investigations help us understand why an incident occurred. By identifying root causes rather than just immediate causes, we can implement corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

·          Preventing recurrence: Learning from past incidents allows us to implement preventive measures. Whether it's updating procedures, providing additional training, or improving equipment, taking action based on investigation findings helps prevent recurrence.

·          Promoting safety culture: A transparent and thorough incident investigation process demonstrates our commitment to safety. It encourages employees to report incidents without fear of blame and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

·          Legal compliance: In many jurisdictions, conducting incident investigations is a legal requirement. By adhering to these regulations, we not only protect our workers but also mitigate legal risks for the company.

·          Improving efficiency: Understanding how incidents occur can highlight inefficiencies in processes. Investigating incidents provides an opportunity to streamline activities and optimize procedures, leading to improved efficiency.

·          Employee engagement: Involving employees in incident investigations promotes engagement and ownership of safety. Their firsthand knowledge and perspectives can provide valuable insights into the causes of incidents and potential solutions.

When conducting incident investigations, follow these steps:

1.     Immediate response: Ensure the immediate safety of all involved and secure the scene to preserve evidence.

2.     Gather information: Collect all relevant information, including witness statements, photos, and physical evidence.

3.     Analysis: Analyze the data to determine the root causes of the incident.

4.     Develop corrective actions: Based on the investigation findings, develop, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

5.     Communicate findings: Share the investigation findings and corrective actions with necessary person(s) to ensure transparency and promote learning.

Incident investigation is not about assigning blame but about learning and improving. By conducting thorough investigations and implementing effective corrective actions, we can create a safer work environment for everyone.