Alert no. 447 | 30 May 2024 | Version 1
Operator injured after fall from dump truck ladder
What happened?
After climbing part way down a dump truck's access ladder, an operator has fallen to the ground resulting in a broken arm.
How did it happen?
The incident in under investigation; however, the preliminary findings are:
- A fire extinguisher had been installed adjacent to the handrail of the dump truck's access ladder.
- The position of the fire extinguisher prevented the handrail from being held while ascending or descending the lower part of the ladder (see Figure 1).
- The operator was unable to maintain three-points of contact when descending the ladder and fell to the ground.
Key issues
- Plant selection, design and installation practices and processes at the quarry did not ensure that the installation of the fire extinguisher did not affect safe access and egress.
- After the fire extinguisher was installed, risk management practices did not identify that three-points of contact was not always possible when ascending or descending the truck's access ladder.
Recommendations
- Comply with section100(1)(a) of the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2017 to confirm that:
- plant is fit for its intended use and use in its intended work environment.
- plant is ergonomically compatible with persons operating plant.
- plant has appropriate provision for safe access and egress.
- If plant is repaired or modified in a way that could affect how it's intended to be used, ensure that Sections 110 of the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2017 is complied with.
- Ensure that pre-start checklists of equipment with access stairs and ladders include checks to detect any deterioration of safety of access and egress to equipment.
- Ensure that a rule for maintaining three points of contact while ascending or descending a ladder is covered in the induction, written procedures/standard work instructions and risk assessment / job safety analysis / personal risk assessment (e.g. Take 5).
References and further information
· Section 100 and 110 of the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2017
· Guidance Note QGN 28 Fall prevention
Contact: Asok Sur, Inspector of Mines qldminesinspectorate@rshq.qld.gov.au
Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland
Placement: Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy.
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