Hazard Alert - Finger crushed between A-frame and precast concrete panel
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 Aframe 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 plan and 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 load analysis and certification.
Note: This material has been prepared using the best information available to the Department of Labour at the time of publication. Information may change over time and it may be necessary for you to obtain an update. This material is also only intended to provide general advice and does not constitute legal advice. You should make your own judgement about action you may need to take to ensure you have complied with your workplace health and safety obligations under the law.
Issued by the Department of Labour, New Zealand
http://www.osh.govt.nz
February 2010
