Event:

In September 2005, a worker lost the top of a finger when it was crushed between a precast concrete panel and a steel A-frame.

Circumstances:

The crew were in the process of lifting panels from a road trailer to an A-frame in a designated area on a building site.

One end of the frame was near a handy bin and visibility was restricted by increasingly windy conditions. One of the crew members was holding on to the edge of the concrete panel, guiding it as the crane was lifting it. A sudden movement of the panel trapped the victim's hand between the panel and the A-frame support.

Investigation:

The investigation by a Department of Labour Health and Safety Inspector found:

• There was poor visibility, although the crane operator and dogman were in radio contact
• Taglines were not in use regardless of an increasing coastal breeze
• The victim was too close to the load as it was being lowered into position
• None of the A-frames in use had been designed by an engineer or had specifications to support the load being placed on them
• A number of companies, both local and national, have no specific design planand are built ad hoc.

Recommendations:

To help prevent this type of accident:

• Ensure a pre-task risk assessment takes account of weather conditions
• Use taglines in breezy conditions
• Review method statement for lifting operations
• Ensure all A-frames on building sites and mobile trailers are designed by an engineer and have undergone loadanalysis and certification.

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Issued by the Department of Labour, New Zealand
http://www.osh.dol.govt.nz

No. 12 - March 2006