Dear all,

For your reference on the WSH alert with fatality (on the spot).

This accident is relevant to our machinery maintenance and repair operations either in Store or at sites.

In this occurrence, who shall be possibly liable?

Regards,

David Simon.

From: WSH Bulletin

Sent: Tuesday, 7 December, 2010 6:02 PM

Subject: WSH Alert – Worker Caught In Between Machinery Parts of a Loader

7 Dec 2010, Ref: 1011079

WSH Alert – Worker Caught In Between Machinery Parts of a Loader

A worker was fatally injured while performing functional checks on the hydraulics of a skid-steer loader. During the checking process, the hydraulic lift arm suddenly lowered. The worker’s head was caught between the lift arm and the loader’s body. He died on the spot.

Recommendations*

1. Adhere to Safe Maintenance Procedures: Before attempting any repairs or functional checks on a machine, the person involved should ensure that the machine’s ignition is off, the engine is completely shut down, and the ignition key removed. In addition, the operator should lower the lift arms and bucket and engage the parking brakes before getting off the cabin seat. There should be measures in place to prevent unintended or inadvertent activation of the machine.
2. Deploy Safety Devices: One should avoid performing maintenance or service under a raised lift arm unless a manufacturer-approved lift arm support has been properly deployed. In the event that the worker needs to conduct functional checks to the machine (i.e. working underneath the lift arm), ensure that the lift arm support devices, control interlock and physical safeguards on the machine are not bypassed, modified or removed.
3. Conduct risk assessment: Prior to the start of work, conduct proper risk assessment to adequately identify all potential hazards and the risks involved. Appropriate control measures and safe work procedures must be established, implemented and communicated to all involved personnel to mitigate the risks. Potential hazards for this incident include:
• Being caught or crushed by moving parts
• Failure of bucket-lift arm assembly (i.e. accidental lowering of lift arm)
• Failure of the hydraulic systems (e.g. hydraulic oil leaks)
• Unintended movements of the loader (if loader not properly parked or braked)
4. Establish Safe Work Procedures: There should be a set of established safe work procedures (SWP) that cover the operation, repair and maintenance of machines. It should also include handling emergency situations or non-routine events, such as the need for human-machine interface contact. Persons involved in the work should be adequately trained and familiar with the SWP such that the work can be carried out safely.

Further Information

1. Workplace Safety and Health Act, please click HERE.
2. Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations, please click HERE.
3. Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations, please click HERE.
4. Technical Advisory for Safe Use of Machinery, please click HERE.
5. SS 537: Part 1: 2008 on Code of Practice for Safe Use of Machinery