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Fall from height whislt rigging on Low Loader vehcile
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dickoa84  
#1 Posted : 12 October 2015 06:30:04(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
dickoa84

Hi All

We recently had an accident whereby a worker had completed a rigging activity on the back of a low loader vehicle (Height from ground 1 meter) and as he went to descend from the vehicle he fell and badly injured his arm. The task had been completed and this was part of his egress from the work area, my question is does anyone have any suitable and practical controls to prevent an incident like this. The area was free of slipping, and tripping hazards, his footwear was in good condition and slip resistant, the worker himself was fully fit and healthy, with all this in mind I'm struggling to come up with practical controls to prevent a reoccurrence or to minimise the severity.

Best Regards

Adam
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graemecollard  
#2 Posted : 12 October 2015 07:59:41(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
graemecollard
I do appreciate that this is not always possible depending on the situation, and it you're using dwangs to tie down plant on a low loader then it may well not be, but does the driver need to be on the back of the trailer to secure the load? Stock answer is always yes, but when I've dug a little deeper I've often found that he doesn't. Most loads can be secured from the ground with ratchets.

Failing that you're into fall protection of some description, probably by overhead gantry. You see these set up on construction sites quite often these days to provide drivers with a safe way to work on the trailer.

Hope that's of some help.

G
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RayRapp  
#3 Posted : 12 October 2015 08:18:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp
Low loaders with plant present a particular problem when operatives have to access the platform to remove plant. Probably the best you can do is to provide fall protection in the form of inflatable bags or cushions. They are not ideal as they are unwieldy and as a rule need to be available at the point of delivery.
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alexmccreadie13  
#4 Posted : 12 October 2015 08:44:01(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
alexmccreadie13
Its always a difficult one but in similar circumstances we do use fall restraint harnesses with 2 X 1 Meter lanyards. It may not fit your problem but it is an idea.

Ta Alex
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avocetboy  
#5 Posted : 13 October 2015 16:03:43(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
avocetboy
We have this problem loading roof trusses. You have to access the bed of the low loader to tie the trusses to the central supporting frame, but the side loader (used to load the trusses on) acts as edge protection. This is also used as the means of access to the trailer. This does not eliminate the risk of falling off the sideloader as the loader returns to his cab, although there are hand holds fitted to the cab for this purpose.

On site, however, the low loader does not have to be accessed as the ropes are cut using cutters on telescopic poles.

Not sure if any of this helps answer the original question, but it does explain the realities that we have to face trying to eliminate risk of falls from trailers.
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wjp62  
#6 Posted : 13 October 2015 17:49:38(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
wjp62
If no slip/trip hazards, footwear appropriate etc.. how did he fall, did he jump down and therefore land awkwardly.... you've not given much information... can a stepping unit be used so that they aren't climbing on the back.
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dickoa84  
#7 Posted : 14 October 2015 11:48:53(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
dickoa84
Dear All

Thanks very much for your feedback, support and comments so far its a great help. To expand a little further upon interviewing the victim he stated he lost his balance and fell, his general health and well being were not any issue, nor was his PPE. The question I suppose still remains about how to prevent the fall, personally from suggestions I think pop up style barriers like those used on chemical road tankers would be the most suitable solution. Thanks again and please put any other ideas forward.

Best regards and many thanks

Adam
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JohnW  
#8 Posted : 14 October 2015 12:07:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW
A difficult one this, yes anyone can lose their balance walking anywhere.

If this accident goes to court would the judge will consider if it was reasonably practicable for the company or vehicle operator to either:

install temporary barriers around the loading area or

inflatable bags on the ground

He would say yes wouldn't he :o/

Whether or not this goes to court, as you say, having had this accident, you will need some corrective action to avoid a repeat.
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firesafety101  
#9 Posted : 14 October 2015 15:32:26(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101
I hope this is the right video, if it is this may be a difficult WAH task.


https://www.facebook.com...videos/2390683894312120/
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frankc  
#10 Posted : 19 October 2015 19:39:45(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
frankc
dickoa84 wrote:

I'm struggling to come up with practical controls to prevent a reoccurrence or to minimise the severity.

Best Regards

Adam


Depending on how many times your workforce are going to have to attempt this task, you could try these.

http://i147.photobucket....on/truck-safety-mats.jpg
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